Mass and Volume Wear Rates of Conical Picks

Abstract Mechanical mining is extensively employed in the mining and construction industries. Conical picks are essential cutting tools that experience wear during operation, necessitating their timely replacement. Prolonging the service life of these picks can significantly enhance mining efficiency and provide economic benefits. This article examines the wear of conical picks used in mining machines and explores quantitative methods for assessing their wear rates. We have compared two different types of assessment: the mass and volume methods. Laboratory tests were conducted under controlled conditions to measure the wear of the picks, utilising a laboratory scale, 3D scanning, and Archimedes’ principle. The accuracy of these methods was evaluated by calculating both the wear indicators’ maximum and mean squared errors. The findings reveal that both methods produce similar results under standard conditions although there are differences in accuracy. 3D scanning, while slightly less precise than the Archimedes method, offers the significant advantage of generating a 3D file depicting the tool’s wear profile. In contrast, the Archimedes method is characterised by a higher repeatability and accuracy. The decision to employ mass or volume-based indicators should depend on the objectives of the test: volume measurements are recommended to compare structurally different picks, while mass measurements are adequate for picks of the same type. In summary, both methods demonstrate high accuracy and can be effectively applied in engineering practices.