Research on the effect of yield strength of circular saw blade on roll tensioning process
In this paper, a 2-D and 3-D finite element model of roll tensioning process of woodworking saw blade were established by Static/General module of ABAQUS software based on finite element method. The rolling force and tensioning stress distribution of circular saw blade were calculated by these two models which were proved to be true and reliable. The effects of yield strength of circular saw blade on tensioning stress distribution and rolling force were studied. The research achievements showed that a circular saw blade made with high yield strength obtained a higher tangential compressive stress and radial compressive stress in the rolled region during roll tensioning process, which has both advantages and disadvantages for the stability of the saw blade. Besides, a circular saw blade made with high yield strength also put forward higher requirements for roll tensioning equipment because of the large rolling force during roll tensioning process.
Circular saw blade is an important tool and is widely used in wood industry. Its stability, cutting precision, and material-saving ability are the most important features, especially for wood processing industry because of the shortage of precious wood. The Chinese government strongly supports the improvement of timber utilization. Therefore, TCT saw blade for wood is becoming thinner and thinner currently for reducing kerf loss and improving the utilization of materials.
However, thermal stress is produced when circular saw blade is working, because the temperature at the edge of the blade is higher than that in other regions of the blade. It will cause high tangential compressive stress on the edge of the circular saw blade, causing a buckling deformation that reduces cutting precision, increases kerf loss, and shortens the saw’s life [1, 2]. Thin TCT saw blade for wood composite is more easily affected by thermal stress. For saving materials, the stability of saw blade is very important, especially for thin circular saw blade.
Tensioning is the most important and advanced technological process for production of circular saw blade for avoiding the above-mentioned phenomenon. Among all the tensioning processes, roll tensioning process is most widely applied in the cutting tool industry. The tangential tensile tensioning stress field is produced which can compensate for the tangential compressive stress caused by thermal stress and improve the stability of circular saw blade [3–5]. However, circular saw blade can also obtain radial compressive tensioning stress during roll tensioning process which is easy for the blade to lose stability and buckle into a “dish” shape. The thin circular saw blade requires higher tangential tensile tensioning stress and lower radial compressive tensioning stress for maintaining stability, which brings a challenge to roll tensioning process of thin circular saw blade.