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【Artificial Board Processing 】 Series Ⅲ-Understanding the Veneer Peeling Process: The Core Technology of Plywood Production
Jan 04,2026
In plywood manufacturing, veneer quality directly determines the structural performance, surface consistency, and overall stability of finished panels. Among various veneer production methods, rotary peeling is the most widely applied process in modern plywood production lines due to its high material utilization and continuous operation capability.
This article explains the fundamental principles of veneer peeling, focusing on log centering, peeling kinematics, and peeling mechanics, providing technical insight into how veneer quality is achieved in industrial plywood manufacturing.
1. Overview of Veneer Manufacturing Methods
Industrial veneer production mainly includes three methods:
Among these, rotary peeling is the dominant method for plywood manufacturing. During the process, the log rotates around its axis while the peeling knife feeds continuously, producing a continuous veneer ribbon.
This continuous cutting principle allows for high productivity and high veneer recovery, but it also requires precise process control and stable machine structure。
2. Log Centering: The First Critical Step in Veneer Peeling
2.1 Purpose of Log Centering
Before veneer peeling begins, the log must be accurately centered on the peeling machine. The objective of log centering is to:
Precisely determine the rotation center of the log
Align the log rotation axis with the axis of its maximum inscribed cylinder
Improve full-width veneer yield
Reduce broken veneers and narrow strip veneers
Improper centering leads to unstable peeling, increased veneer waste, and reduced material utilization.
2.2 Log Centering Methods
Mechanical Centering
Traditional rotary peeling machines often use mechanical centering methods, including:
Three-point centering
Right-angle fork centering
Optical ring projection centering
These methods rely heavily on operator experience and are suitable for basic production requirements.
Computer Scanning Centering
Modern plywood production lines increasingly adopt computer-based X–Y scanning centering systems. By scanning the external contour of the log, the system calculates the optimal rotation center, significantly improving veneer yield and reducing core loss.
3. Kinematics of the Veneer Peeling Process
From a kinematic perspective, veneer peeling consists of two synchronized motions:
Uniform rotational motion of the log
Uniform linear feed motion of the peeling knife
Under ideal conditions:
The nominal veneer thickness equals the knife feed per one full rotation of the log.
The cutting trajectory of the veneer can be approximated by an Archimedean spiral. As long as the transmission ratio between knife feed speed and log rotational speed remains constant, veneer thickness remains stable.
This principle explains why modern plywood machines emphasize precise feed control and stable transmission systems.
4. Mechanics of Veneer Peeling
During peeling, the log is subjected to multiple forces generated by different machine components, including:
Peeling knife
Pressure bar
Spindle
Pressure roll
4.1 Forces Acting on the Peeling Knife
The peeling knife applies three main forces to the log:
Splitting force (P1): bends the veneer from its natural curvature into reverse curvature
Cutting force (P2): performs the actual wood cutting
Compression force (P3): applies pressure behind the knife edge
The combined effect of these forces determines veneer formation quality and surface integrity.
4.2 Pressure Bar Forces
The pressure bar applies compressive force to stabilize the veneer as it passes through the knife opening. Proper pressure bar adjustment is essential:
Insufficient pressure causes veneer waviness and thickness variation
Excessive pressure increases resistance and energy consumption
4.3 Forces from Spindle and Pressure Roll
The spindle provides rotational support for the log, while the pressure roll stabilizes the log surface during peeling. Together, they ensure smooth log rotation and continuous veneer production.
5. Implications for Plywood Machine Design
Veneer peeling is not a simple cutting operation but a highly integrated mechanical system. Stable veneer quality depends on:
Accurate log centering
Stable knife feed and log rotation synchronization
Proper coordination between peeling knife and pressure bar
Rigid machine structure and reliable transmission systems
Therefore, modern plywood production lines must be designed based on process principles rather than isolated machine parameters.
Veneer peeling is a core process in plywood manufacturing. A clear understanding of peeling kinematics and mechanics is essential for achieving high veneer yield, stable thickness, and continuous production.
For plywood manufacturers, combining process knowledge with properly engineered plywood machines is the foundation of efficient and reliable production.
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