Effect of cutting depth and line spacing on the cuttability behavior of sandstones by conical picks

Various types of conical picks in different shapes are produced and widely employed on mechanical excavators. Depending on the mechanical and abrasivity properties of rocks, appropriate shape of pick is selected. In order to obtain maximum efficiency from the pick during excavation, the interaction between the pick and rock and the cutting mechanism play very important role. In this context, linear cutting tests were conducted by using a conical pick at the cutting depths between 3 and 18 mm and also at the various line spacings on sandstones exhibiting different mechanical properties. The results indicated that cutting depth and line spacing have significant influences on the tool forces acting on the pick, the ratio of normal to cutting force, and the specific energy. Accordingly, strong correlations and empirical models were developed. In conclusion, the empirical models proposed for estimating the forces and specific energy would be used for producing the conical bits and also designing the cutter heads of mechanical excavators on soft and medium-hard strength sandstones.