J. RatnasingamC. T. Tee S.R. Farrokhpayam

Introduction

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is one the most important plantation tree crops in Malaysia and it covers a land area of almost 4.17 million hectares in 2006.

Introduction

Palm oil and its products contributed more than

RM 30 billion in export earnings in 2006

Introduction

However, the total oil palm biomass of almost 46 million tons

produced annually, poses management, utilization and

environment challenges.

IntroductionOne of the most promising product manufactured from oil

palm biomass, especially the empty-fruit bunch (EFB), is

particleboard. However, its acceptance in the market is limited

by its high tool wear characteristics.

Introduction

Therefore, a study was undertaken to evaluate the tool

wearing characteristics of OPEFB particleboard.

Materials & Methods

A series of experiments were carried out using an ANDERSON

MH16 computer numerical control (CNC) router.

Materials & Methods

Single fluted tungsten-carbide router bits (12 mm ø, RPM 22,000)

of 3 different compositions were used in this study.

Materials & Methods

The edge of the router bits were examined after 5000 m of

cutting length – in order to characterize the tool wear

mechanisms.

Results

Results

Results

Grade CGrade B

Comparative Power Consumption of Different Tool Materials

Grade A

1500 m of Cut Length1000 m 0f Cut Length500 m of Cut Length

Results

Cost of Tool (US$)

Cost per Grind (US$)

Number of Grind

Edge Life per Grind

OPEFB Particleboard

2890

3

1.50

100

5550

3

1.50

100

Wood-Based Particleboard

Comparative Tooling Cost

Overall Cost

Life Timber per Tool (m)

Cost per meter cut during Life Time of Tool (US$) 0.01

11560

104.5

0.004

22200

104.5

Discussion

OPEFB Particleboard

Wood-Based

Particleboard

The wear pattern was similar in the oil palm particleboard and wood based particleboard

=

Discussion

Rate of wear in the former is 80% higher in the initial stage and

gradually reduces to 50% throughout the cutting length.

Discussion

OPEFB Particleboard

Wood-Based

Particleboard

=

Tooling Cost

1.15 $ per meter 0.35 $ per meter

Conclusion

OPEFB particleboard is almost 4X more abrasive on the tool compared to wood particleboard. The use of harder tool material is highly desirable when cutting this material.

OPEFB particleboard is almost 4X more abrasive on the tool compared to wood particleboard. The use of harder tool material is highly desirable when cutting this material.

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