Feed Force and Sawdust Geometry in Particleboard Sawing

The measurement of cutting forces permits building of physic-mechanical cutting models for a better understanding of the phenomena observed during cutting. It also permits the design and optimization of processes, machines, tools, and wood preparation. Optimization of cutting conditions of wood-based materials can decrease the cutting forces, which directly relates to the energy consumption and surface quality. The sawdust analysis may serve for analysis of cutting kinematics and occupational health risk. The aim of the study was to estimate the correlation between the feed rate and both feed force and sawdust particle size produced during particleboard circular sawing. A saw machine type K700 was used in experiments. There were three feed rates of 12, 18, and 24 m/min executed by a horizontal pneumatic actuator fixed to the sliding side table of the saw machine. Based on the results of the experiments, a positive correlation was observed between the feed rate in a circular sawing process and feed forces and an unexpected particle size distribution depending on the feed rate.