EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF CUTTING FORCE FOR THE DESIGN OF HEAVY-DUTY CIRCULAR SAW SHAFTS

Abstract

The paper presents results from experimental measurements of the cutting force for beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), performed using a heavy-duty circular sawing machine – Kallion Konepaja Oy (Finland). The study was carried out in the production workshop of Pentop Ltd., Varshets, Bulgaria. The results were obtained under unfavourable operating conditions of the machine – feed speed vf ranging from 10 to 70 m·min⁻¹ and cutting height Hc ranging from 240 to 320 mm. By measuring the power consumption of the electric motor driving the cutting mechanism during both loaded and idle operation, the cutting power was determined, and from it the average cutting force was calculated. The measured maximum force varied between 225 and 650 N. When the cutting force exceeded 450 N, the required power exceeded the rated power of the motor. The results of the study can be applied in the strength and stiffness analysis of shafts of heavy-duty circular sawing machines.