A mechatronic approach for analysing timber surfaces

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.