2X4 Coater

Background:

The goal of this project is to develop and test a second generation machine which will produce reinforced structural lumber. The lumber will be reinforced using a thin layer of unidirectional e-glass composite adhered to the wood using a thermal plastic adhesive film. This project will focus on the thermal modeling for heating and cooling segments, and the design of the structural frame.

Hard Milestones :

Fall semester:

Date                 Milestone:

9/25/07   -Frame design loads determined

                                -Frame configuration determined

10/2/07   -Completed solid model of frame sized to withstand design loads and design deflections

10/11/07 -Initial webpage submitted

10/15/07 -Revised milestones submitted

10/16/07 -Revised FEA heat transfer model for heating roller

                                -Completed SolidWorks model of heating roller: including oil (or cartridge) heating passages

10/23/07 -Completed drawings of hot roller parts

10/25/07 -IR wood preheat model completed

11/6/07   -Milestone review

11/20/07 -Cooling section FEA completed

                                -Completed SolidWorks model of cooling portion

11/27/07 -Completed drawings of cooling portion

12/4/07   -Final revisions to frame loads and sizing

12/6/07   -Midterm report submitted

12/11/07 -Complete drawings package submitted to supervisor

12/14/07 -Drawing package submitted for quote

                                -Complete parts order (non-machined) submitted for heating system

                                -Complete parts order (non-machined) submitted for cooling system
12/19/07 -Midterm report posted on webpage 

Spring:

1/30/07   -Machine assembled
4/25/07   -Performance of machine verified (pressure, temperature, operating speed)
5/1/07                     -Open house
5/5/07                     -Final report submitted
                               -Final webpage submitted