We recently exported a wood-slicing machine to New Zealand. The client uses New Zealand beech wood to manufacture wooden barbecue skewers. The raw timber comes in thicknesses of 25 mm, widths of 50, 75, 100, and 150 mm, and a minimum length of 480 mm. The goal is to produce barbecue skewers with a diameter of 3.7 mm and lengths of 205 mm and 240 mm. Throughout our discussions, the client raised the following questions:
1. Is there a maximum length limit for the timber fed into the slicing machine? What is the maximum allowable length?
Answer: The machine accepts timber with a width of 60 mm. The minimum feed length is 350 mm.
2. The current moisture content of the raw timber is 10%–14%; does it need to be dried further to 8%–10%?
Answer: Keeping the moisture content at or below 10% prevents mold growth and ensures a long shelf life; therefore, the moisture content of the finished product must be controlled to no more than 10%.
3. Can the parts that come into contact with the barbecue skewers be made from food-grade materials?
Answer: The equipment is constructed from metal and contains no substances harmful to humans. If required, the hopper can be made from stainless steel; however, other parts of the machine will still consist of metal.
4. How much timber should be sent to your factory for test-processing into barbecue skewers?
Answer: For sampling purposes, 5 to 6 pieces of timber are sufficient.
5. Can a single CNC precision-cutting machine produce both 205 mm and 240 mm lengths?
Answer: Yes, it can; the machine simply needs to be adjusted accordingly.
