Wood chip formation analysis using high speed imaging

High-speed filming of wood machining processes can improve understanding of cutting, offering insights to improve precision and reduce waste. This project explores new ways to analyse chip formation and enhance wood machining tools and product quality.

Project overview

Wood is a versatile and sustainable material but working with it efficiently requires a deep understanding of how it behaves during machining processes like sawing, planing, and milling. These operations are crucial for creating high-quality products, but they can also lead to challenges such as tool wear, defects in the material, or wasted resources. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the wood industry often lack access to advanced tools and insights that could help them overcome these challenges.

This project seeks to change that by combining cutting-edge technology with wood science. Using high-speed cameras, we capture detailed footage of what happens at the local level when tools cut into wood. By analysing this data combined with force measurements and CT scanning of the wood, we aim to uncover the mechanics behind wood machining, including how fibers break, how chips form, and how tools interact with different types of wood.

The results of this research will provide SMEs with practical guidelines to optimize their processes. For example, by understanding how cutting angles, cutting speeds, and wood species affect machining, businesses can select the most effective parameters for their operations. This not only improves product quality but also reduces costs by minimizing waste and extending the lifespan of tools.

Ultimately, this project supports the wood industry in becoming more efficient and sustainable, helping smaller companies compete in a global market while making the most of one of nature’s renewable resources.

Benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the woodworking industry often face challenges like limited access to advanced research and technology, which can hinder their ability to optimise machining processes. This study provides these businesses with a research and testing infrastructure in northern Sweden, which gives detailed insights into the behaviour of wood during machining. By understanding the interactions between tools and wood under different conditions, SMEs can enhance tool performance, reduce material waste, and improve the quality of their products. This not only lowers operational costs but also boosts efficiency and competitiveness, making high-quality wood products more accessible and profitable for smaller-scale producers. We aim to make our research open and accessible by workshops where we cooperate with the trade associations SÅGAB and Träbransch Norr to reach and invite a large number of companies that use wood machining tools in different ways.

The project's goal

The goals of the project are:

• A unique camera equipment for studying wood machining processes at realistic process speeds – together with cutting force measurements.
  
• Guidance for tool design, for example: cutting geometry, chip guides, chip gullet; with regard to chip flow/leakage, adhesion, and forces. For this project a first version of recommendations covering one or two of these aspects is expected.
  
• Competence development at the participating companies working with manufacturing and servicing of tools for the wood industry, but also for the users.
  
• Competence synergies between the LTU research subjects Wood Science and Engineering and Solid mechanics.
  
• A scientific publication describing the methodology.