1. J. Ratnasingam C. T. Tee S.R. Farrokhpayam

2. Introduction Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is one the most important plantation tree crops in Malaysia and it covers a land area of almost 4.17 million hectares in 2006.

3. Introduction Palm oil and its products contributed more than RM 30 billion in export earnings in 2006

4. Introduction However, the total oil palm biomass of almost 46 million tons produced annually, poses management, utilization and environment challenges.

5. Introduction One of the most promising product manufactured from oil palm biomass, especially the empty-fruit bunch (EFB), is particleboard. However, its acceptance in the market is limited by its high tool wear characteristics.

6. Introduction Therefore, a study was undertaken to evaluate the tool wearing characteristics of OPEFB particleboard.

7. Materials & Methods A series of experiments were carried out using an ANDERSON MH16 computer numerical control (CNC) router.

8. Materials & Methods Single fluted tungsten-carbide router bits (12 mm ø, RPM 22,000) of 3 different compositions were used in this study.

9. Materials & Methods The edge of the router bits were examined after 5000 m of cutting length – in order to characterize the tool wear mechanisms.

10. Results

12. Grade CGrade B Comparative Power Consumption of Different Tool Materials Grade A 1500 m of Cut Length1000 m 0f Cut Length500 m of Cut Length

13. Results Cost of Tool (US$) Cost per Grind (US$) Number of Grind Edge Life per Grind OPEFB Particleboard 2890 3 1.50 100 5550 3 1.50 100 Wood-Based Particleboard Comparative Tooling Cost Overall Cost Life Timber per Tool (m) Cost per meter cut during Life Time of Tool (US$) 0.01 11560 104.5 0.004 22200 104.5

14. Discussion OPEFB Particleboard Wood-Based Particleboard The wear pattern was similar in the oil palm particleboard and wood based particleboard =

15. Discussion Rate of wear in the former is 80% higher in the initial stage and gradually reduces to 50% throughout the cutting length.

16. Discussion OPEFB Particleboard Wood-Based Particleboard = Tooling Cost 1.15 $ per meter 0.35 $ per meter

17. Conclusion OPEFB particleboard is almost 4X more abrasive on the tool compared to wood particleboard. The use of harder tool material is highly desirable when cutting this material.

18. THANK YOU