On-line control of feed-speed in circular sawing

An adaptive control optimization system was developed to produce a desired surface finish roughness by automatic control of the work-piece feed-rate in circular sawing. The system developed in this study consists of the interconnection of an adaptive controller with a numerically controlled circular saw. The AE signals and cutting forces were measured to monitor the machining process continuously in this system. The signals were provided to the adaptive controller to evaluate the surface finish roughness and adjust the workpiece feed-rate automatically in the machining process. Sensing of AE signals and of cutting forces was compared to determine which technique is more convenient. Experiments were carried out with a carbide-tipped circular saw. Cross cutting was done with counter-cutting during the experiments. The cutting parameters controlled were workpiece feed-rates and cutting speeds. Japanese beech (Fagus crenata Blume) and Yezo spruce (Picea jezoensis Carr.) were used as the workpiece. Experimental results indicated that adaptive control optimization took place in the system developed for circular sawing. The desired surface finish roughness was produced by automatic control of the workpiece feed-rate using the sensing technique of AE signals as well as that of cutting force. However, the system using AE signals is more convenient than taht using cutting force.