CAD software optimises wood chopping process

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 11, 2008

SolidWorks has allowed Fuelwood to cut materials and prototyping costs, reduce development time and design better products.

During winter many fireplaces throughout the UK are burning wood cut by Fuelwood Warwick hydraulic machines developed in SolidWorks 3D CAD and CosmosWorks design validation software.

Since 1997, UK-based Fuelwood has developed machines that turn lumber into firewood and kindling that is sold to consumers looking for more affordable and potentially more eco-friendly ways to heat their homes.

Its machines can cut logs measuring 6m long and 355mm in diameter into 305mm-long rounds, to be split into eight pieces in a matter of minutes.

The company sells its machines to firewood producers, timber contractors, farmers and other commercial customers via sales offices in the UK., Belgium, France, Sweden and Canada.

SolidWorks has become a critical business application that has allowed Fuelwood to cut materials and prototyping costs, reduce development time and design better products.

Fuelwood has reduced steel costs by minimising the waste from inaccurate designs.

The company sends SolidWorks 3D models to its steel producers, who cut the steel to exact specifications.

Fabricators and welders also use the same design information for laser cutting, joining and shaping.

in building the frame and key components.

"The increase in raw materials prices forces us to find every efficiency we can", said Richard Slatem, Managing Director at Fuelwood.

"SolidWorks enables us to optimise the design before we cut metal".

That level of optimisation is critical for machines whose saw blades spin at 1200rev/min and splitters that operate with the force of 15 tons.

"SolidWorks' animation feature lets us see inside the machine to ensure the gripping device is in the right position to clamp down on the wood securely".

"The software gives us the confidence that the machines will work exactly as we designed them to", said Slatem.

CosmosWorks design validation tool plays a crucial role in helping the company ensure its machines withstand rigorous, constant use while maintaining high safety standards.

The software lets engineers study all of the stress areas on the frame and identify bending points to ensure structural stability.

They can ensure the hydraulic arm that pushes the cut wood through the splitting blade meets all strength and safety requirements.

Engineers also use CosmosWorks to test and document all of the machines' structural analyses for the technical file that accompanies each machine when it is sold.

The technical file provides the detailed analysis information independent engineers might use to verify a Fuelwood machine's tested structural integrity.

"Fuelwood's machines have to be durable, dependable and, most of all, safe", said SolidWorks Country Manager for the UK and Ireland Chris McManus.

"SolidWorks removes the guesswork, so engineers can develop machines that push the limits of efficiency and precision, helping to heat homes more cost-effectively as fuel and energy prices reach new heights".

Fuelwood relies on authorised SolidWorks reseller Solid Solutions Management for ongoing software training, implementation and support.