Surfaces for sustainable engineered wood products

Purpose and goal

Metrology & characterization of products´ functional surfaces are of key importance for smart & sustainable manufacturing but is, so far, underutilized in the wood industry. The project tested different techniques to analyse wood surfaces. Four people in the wood industry were interviewed; better techniques for dimension measurement & indication of tool change are demanded, and a better understanding of wood surfaces for different applications. Performed test measurements show that surface characteristics on the um-mm scale are needed to pick up patterns from the saw blade.

Expected results and effects

This project has only begun the work to increase the understanding of surface structures of sawn wood. For example, a reduction of the saw cut width can lead to a better use of virgin wood, as well as increased dimensional stability. To drive the development of new saw blades and improved dimensional control, the resulting surface texture of the sawn wood must be included. In the long term, measuring of surface properties of sawn wood will be developed in purpose to produce more sustainable engineered wood products.

Planned approach and implementation

HH lead the project and carried out test measurements & surface analyses. LTU coordinated and carried out measurements at Stenvalls Trä together with RemaSawco and was responsible for the interviews. Regular meetings have taken place via Teams, which worked well. Planned activities slightly delayed due to changes for step 2 and delayed delivery of samples. Thus, the workshop was postponed until the autumn when the first analyzes of the measurements are completed. An article in NyTeknik, and a brief sum-up within the CT Wood network cover ´distribution outside the consortium´.