The SAFECUT objective is the development of a new technique for granite cutting and the construction of new cutting stone plants exploiting it. Nowadays the technology in this field is the same used 30 years ago and consists in big plants with thick blades (about 5 mm) which break the block of granite by blowing it along a groove about 10 mm wide. The abrasive mixture used in this process includes polluting materials like crushed steel and mortar, which must be disposed in special landfills with high costs. The proposed technique is based on an effective non-polluting abrasive containing corundum that leads to a faster and energy-saving cutting process, together with a better quality or cut, smaller quantities of waste (fully recyclable) and a drastic reduction in noise pollution near the plants, often placed inside the cities. This revolutionary technique needs a multidisciplinary approach including the following activities:
Chemical study of the abrasive composition;
Mechanical study of the structure and the movement of blades;
Construction of a pilot plant;
Testing of the pilot plant on a small series of granite blocks.
Funding SchemeEAW - Exploratory awards
36710 Tuy (Pontevedra)