Robot-based research on three-layer oriented flakeboards

A small jointed-arm motion type robot system was introduced for wood mat formation to study the relationship between wood mat structure and panel properties. Four types of structures of three-layer oriented flakeboards with different face to core ratios and core orientations were formed using the robot as a tool. The panels were then hot-pressed and tested for horizontal density distribution (HDD) by X-ray machine, bending modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond (IB) and thickness swelling (TS). The results showed that the programmed robot formed panels with well-defined and reproducible structures. Linked with the existing panel simulation program, X-ray data, and real properties, the panel structure with face to core ratio of 15:70:15 and random core has been considered the most suitable panel pattern for additional research based on its superior performance and lower variation of properties.