The Department of Wood & Paper Science at NC State (WPS) has a tradition of partnership with the wood products industry when it comes to research into improving the efficiency and quality of industry practices. This commitment has long included research efforts that improve wood machining methods and processes, tool performance and surface quality. Current initiatives in this regard include efforts geared toward evaluating cause-and-effect relationships in router spindle vibration problems; the effect of carbide tool composition and edge quality on tool performance; systems for evaluating and quantifying machined surface quality; and on-line process monitoring in machining operations.

Linking Many Disciplines

The multi-disciplinary nature of NC State’s Wood Machining and Tooling Research Program requires interdepartmental research involving WPS and the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Materials Science. Experts from all of these disciplines are required because of the number of variables that must be taken into account when developing new technologies for industry. The goal of the program is to increase machining efficiency and improve wood utilization. The program’s structure encourages the transfer of engineering methods and analytical techniques to wood machining and tooling applications. It also offers NC State students the opportunity to work on challenges of high value to their future employers. Students in the program have the opportunity to learn about and apply new technology that benefits employers active in the production or manufacturing of furniture, wood products and woodworking machinery and tooling. For more information on this initiative, please visit our Wood Machining and Tooling Research Program.

For More Information

For more information, please explore the websites of faculty members engaged in research projects within this area:

• Rick Lemaster

Research

• Research Centers & Initiatives
  • Forest Biomaterials
  • Wood Chemistry, Pulping & Bleaching
  • Biotechnology & Enzymes
  • Papermaking/Wet-End Chemistry
  • Physics & Materials Science
  • Paper Recycling
  • Nonwood Fibers
  • The American Home
  • Sustainable Wood Materials
  • Wood Machining & Tooling
  • Value Added Wood Products
• Faculty Research
• BioResources
• Research Facilities
• Virtual Tour

Key Contacts