Contact: Maridith Geuder
When a manufacturer of decking for 18-wheel trucks recently ran into production problems with its wood-based product, the company quickly turned to a special "Mr. Fix-It" at Mississippi State.
Harold "Sandy" Stewart of the university's Forest Products Laboratory, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, is among only a handful of U.S. research scientists involved in wood machining technology. For Mississippi industries experiencing machining difficulties, his diagnostic skills are in constant demand--and his troubleshooting skills come free of charge.
Whether the products are truck decking, furniture or caskets, his analysis may generate immediate and significant benefits.
"Often, I can simulate the problem in the lab and suggest a corrective measure," he said. "Sometimes I'm able to talk through the problem over the telephone and suggest a solution." Other times, he visits a site to observe and analyze the problem.
Some difficulties may be resolved with common-sense adjustments, such as using de-ionized water instead of tap water in the carbide tool grinding process.
"If a manufacturer is having problems, work is sometimes doubled or tripled," he said. "The company can lose several thousand dollars a week in materials and re-working."
As an example, he cites a business that recently sent board samples to Mississippi State for analysis. The machining process was causing a ripple effect in the board.
Stewart quickly diagnosed the problem: one knife out of six was higher and was doing the cutting. After the diagnosis was confirmed, the manufacturer promptly changed its tooling and sharpening methods.
Among other areas, Stewart's research has focused on the causes of tool wear. Demonstrating that some of the biggest culprits are such chemical processes as high temperature corrosion and oxidation, his research has led to changes by several toolmakers.
"We try to transfer technology to benefit manufacturers," he said. "For instance, work we've done with thin-kerf saws is benefiting several industries in Mississippi."
Short courses, including a recent Tupelo seminar co-sponsored with Itawamba Community College, give Stewart another venue to introduce new technologies to technicians, engineers and company owners.
On May 27, a teleconference sponsored by the American Furniture Manufacturers' Association will feature Stewart's presentation on wood machining defects. Originating in Greensboro, N.C., it will be broadcast to Mississippi and five other states.
"Our goal is to provide resources that help the manufacturing process be more efficient and more effective," he said.