Automation of a laboratory particleboard press

Abstract

A manually operated particleboard press was converted to a fully automatic, programable system with updated data collection capabilities. Improved control has permitted observations of very small changes in pressing variables resulting in the development of a technique capable of reducing press times by 70 percent. Accurate control of the press is obtained through an electrical servo activated press pump and pressure- and position-monitoring transducers. Position is repetitively accurate to within 20.002 inch under a no-load condition and to within ±0.005 inch under pressure. Line pressure can be controlled to within 210 psi of targeted values at pressures below 500 psi and to within ±30 psi at pressures above 500 psi. A programable ramp generator is used to predetermine the press cycle. Time-position error is dependent on the system response and varies between 0.5 and 3 seconds. Equipment of this sort is necessary to solve the complex problems present in modern particleboard production.

Citation

Geimer, Robert L.; Stevens, Gordon H.; Kinney, Richard E. 1982. Automation of a laboratory particleboard press. Forest products journal. Vol. 32, no. 4 (Apr. 1982): Pages 34-36