10 November 2025
New research shows how the wood industry can reduce waste
Researchers at Luleå University of Technology are demonstrating in an ongoing project how the amount of sawdust produced during wood cutting can be reduced. This could lead to more resource-efficient production and ensure that a greater share of the raw material is turned into valuable wood products.
In the project, funded by NorrlandsNavet, the researchers have built a unique laboratory environment where chip formation can be studied in detail using a high-speed camera while cutting forces are measured. The aim is to understand how wood reacts when sawn and how tool design affects the outcome. The knowledge gained can contribute to the development of thinner and more energy-efficient saw blades, which would strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and benefit the climate.
"With the help of high-speed imaging, we can now see exactly how chips and sawdust are formed and how different tools behave under various cutting conditions," says Magnus Fredriksson, Associate Professor of Wood Science and Engineering at Luleå University of Technology
Magnus Fredriksson, associate professor of Wood Science and Engineering at Luleå University of Technology
Reduced material loss and lower climate impact
When wood is processed, part of the material turns into sawdust, resulting in both economic losses and a shorter carbon storage time compared to boards and other durable products. By better understanding the chip formation process, the industry can reduce the amount of sawdust produced while achieving more consistent quality and fewer operational disturbances.
"The goal is to develop tools and processes together with the industry so that more of the wood can be refined into valuable products instead of sawdust. This means better use of raw materials and lower energy consumption in the sawing process," says Magnus Fredriksson.
In the unique laboratory environment, chip formation can be studied in detail with high-speed camera.
New knowledge strengthens northern Sweden’s wood industry
The project has been carried out in close collaboration with the industry. Stenvalls Trä, LSAB, and Micor Tooling have been particularly involved, including testing saw blades at Stenvalls sawmill in Örarna and in the laboratory in Luleå. Staff from LSAB and Micor Tooling, who work with service, maintenance, and manufacturing of tools for sawmills, have also participated in the experiments.
The research results provide a foundation for developing new, thinner saw blades and improved tool geometries. In the long term, this can lead to more efficient production, fewer unplanned shutdowns, and smarter maintenance routines.
"We now have an environment where we can test and analyze sawing processes in ways that were not previously possible. This is the beginning of a journey toward a more efficient and sustainable wood industry," says Magnus Fredriksson.
Facts
Project: Wood chip formation analysis using high speed imaging
Funder: NorrlandsNavet
Project leader: Magnus Fredriksson, associate professor of Wood Science and Engineering at Luleå University of Technology
Participating researchers Luleå University of Technology: Fredrik Larsson and Jörgen Kajberg, Dept. of Solid Mechanics
Partners: Stenvalls Trä, LSAB, Micor Tooling, Träbransch Norr and SÅGAB
Implementation: Testing of saw blades at Stenvalls sawmill in Örarna and laboratory experiments in Luleå with the participation of LSAB and Micor Tooling.
Purpose: To increase the understanding of how sawdust is formed when sawing wood to reduce waste, improve tool design and contribute to a more resource-efficient and sustainable wood industry.
Contact
Magnus Fredriksson
- Associate Professor
- 0910-585708
- magnus.1.fredriksson@ltu.se
- Magnus Fredriksson
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