An investigation of buzz saw blade cutting forces depending on tool geometry for cutting frozen wood

Sawing processes in sawmills are characterized by high consumption of electric energy. Buzz saw blades, which are cutting tools with geometrically defined cutting edges, have a direct influence on the process efficiency and thereby on the electric energy consumption of cutting processes. Both are directly linked to cutting forces, which are determined by the geometry of the saw-tooth as well as the material properties of wood. Especially in environments with sub-zero temperatures, the moisture in frozen logs is a crucial influence on the material properties. By the fact the hardness of ice increases exponentially along temperature decreases, the efficiency of cutting processes for cutting frozen wood decreases, too. In this paper, the cutting forces for cutting frozen wood depending on tool geometries are investigated. Based on these results, special tool geometries for buzz saw blades can be designed to increase the sustainability of industrial sawing processes for cutting frozen wood.