Influence of end-mill tool motion on the quality of machining center-extracted fine bamboo fibers

This study addresses two critical issues: the need for sustainable materials to combat global environmental challenges and the uncontrolled growth of bamboo forests in Japan, which disrupts ecosystems. Bamboo, with its rapid growth and strong, flexible fibers that are often likened to natural glass fibers, presents a potential solution as an underutilized forest resource. To harness the potential of bamboo, this study proposed a molding technique in which a machining center was employed to extract the bamboo fibers, offering precise control over the fiber shape, length, and diameter. Adjusting these conditions influences the ratio of the vascular sheath to the parenchyma in the fibers, which affects the tensile strength of the final molded product. However, the optimal cutting conditions for the process remain unknown. Further, uniformity in fiber shape is crucial for minimizing variations in molded products. This study aims to enhance the tensile strength of the molded material by extracting more vascular bundles from the bamboo fiber cross-section. Specifically, the cutting feed rate and radial depth of cut are manipulated to control the fiber width and thickness, which are essential for shaping the fibers uniformly.