In this paper, a new method of measuring slicing checks for flat-sliced veneers was evaluated. The method is based on image analysis of veneer cross-sections, having highlighted the slicing checks using surface staining. The segmentation of the checks consists of global thresholding followed by some morphological operations. The outputs of the algorithm are check depth ratio and check frequency. The method was tested on flat-sliced oak (Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea (Matt). Liebl.) veneers of different thicknesses (1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 mm). Two distinct wood qualities and two different cutting directions (lengthwise-sliced and plain-sliced veneers) were evaluated. The algorithm performance resulted in an overall accuracy of 85% enabling an accessible method for relatively fast and accurate measurements of slicing check characteristics in lamella cross-sections. Regression analysis indicated a lack of fixed bias but the presence of proportional bias with the presented method. Check measurements indicate that by varying cutting parameters, it is possible to achieve desired check characteristics independent of slicing thickness. The semi-automated slicing check detection method could benefit further research and optimisation of the slicing process parameters and pave the way towards industrial quality control of slicing checks. The intended area of application is veneer-laminated products for interior use with the focus on veneered wood flooring.
The lack of quantitative methods for surface-checking measurements may hinder improving the product characteristics of engineered wood flooring products built with sliced top-layer lamellae. This study evaluated the digital image correlation method for its applicability to surface checking measurements in engineered wood flooring elements with the top-layer comprising the plain sliced lamellae of oak (Quercus spp.) species with nominal thicknesses of 1.5–4.5 mm. The method involves observing full-field surface displacements of the sliced lamellae-based wood flooring specimens subjected to an accelerated sorption/desorption cycle. Detection of surface checks relates to discontinuities in surface displacements which can be interpreted from the output strain data as strain peak regions. Additionally, a surface-checking index was defined to describe the extension of surface-checking. Exposure tests were performed on a combination of coating presence and a different number of testing cycles. The main findings provide insight into the method procedure parameters, such as exposure duration, climate conditions, analysis parameters and recommendations regarding the digital image correlation setup settings and specimen manufacturing.
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