A mechatronic approach for analysing timber surfaces Original Research Article

The development of high speed planing and moulding machines has arguably progressed to the limits imposed by purely mechanical designs. To ensure an adequate surface finish and form with high linear feed rates, demanded on grounds of economy, requires a large number of knives (circa 20) which in turn requires a large cutter circumference. Problems of vibration, proud knives and other such process defects manifest themselves in the produced surface. A novel measuring system based on vision techniques is presented together with examples of usage as a post process analysis instrument and an in-process diagnostic tool. The measuring system utilises a novel embodiment which overcomes problems due to vibration and represents a significant step forward in measurement technology. The route is now open for the design of the truly intelligent machine which will adjust its operating parameters to produce the required surface quality of timber product at the maximum possible speed.