Development of energy- and resource-efficient circular sawing technology with innovative cutting technology to reduce cutting performance and adhesive wear

Project background

As part of the development of resource-efficient circular sawing technology, a new cutting technology is to be designed that aims to reduce adhesive wear and friction. The aim of this development is to extend the service life of the tools and reduce energy consumption.

The object of the research project is to optimize the circular saw technology used in sawmills, particularly when processing hardwood species such as beech. Due to their higher density and higher content of lignin and extractives, hardwoods are subject to increased wear and energy consumption. A specially developed machining technology addresses these challenges.

The project is of significant relevance, as sawmills will be increasingly confronted with the processing of hardwoods in the future. This will result in increased tool wear and rising operating costs. The development of the new circular saw technology is aimed at overcoming these challenges, lowering the costs for tools and maintenance and at the same time reducing energy consumption. This is both ecologically and economically beneficial.

Project objective

The project aims to develop energy and resource-efficient circular sawing technology with innovative cutting technology to reduce cutting performance and adhesive wear. The project pursues both technical and economic objectives. From a technical perspective, the project aims to reduce cutting forces and adhesive wear, thereby extending the service life of the tools. From an economic perspective, the aim is to save energy, which leads to a reduction in energy consumption and consequently to lower operating costs in the cutting process.

Project procedure

The project aims to develop a saw blade with an integrated media supply and is divided into four main work packages (WP): First, the initial situation is surveyed, whereby the requirements are defined, a test stand is set up and preliminary tests on cutting force, performance and wear are carried out. Based on this, the saw blade is developed and designed, including the interfaces for the media supply. This is followed by the construction of prototypes and their functional tests. Another research focus is dedicated to the selection of a suitable cooling and lubrication medium, which is determined through extensive research and experimental tests. Finally, tests are carried out with the developed saw blade and the selected medium, and the results are analyzed and optimized. The methodology of the project combines theoretical planning with practical testing, iteratively reviewing and adjusting the results to achieve the best possible performance of the saw blade.

Innovation

The innovation lies in the combination of a saw blade with an optimized cooling and lubrication function, which is made possible by the integration of a special medium. This technology aims to significantly increase the efficiency and service life of circular saws, which represents a significant advance in a broad application such as wood processing.

A successful completion of the project could particularly benefit the wood and metalworking industries, which would benefit from increased cutting performance, reduced wear and improved process control. The optimized saw blade could lead to higher productivity and cost reductions while using fewer resources. In addition, environmental benefits could also be achieved if the lubricants and coolants used are environmentally friendly and efficient.

For the public, the project also offers potential impacts such as a reduction in energy consumption and improved sustainability of industrial processes, helping to achieve environmental goals. Overall, the project could therefore not only benefit the economy and the industries involved, but also have positive social and environmental effects by contributing to more sustainable production and improved resource utilization.