Dependence of dowel welding on rotation rate

Abstract

High speed rotation-induced wood dowel welding without any adhesive has been shown to rapidly yield wood joints of considerable strength (Pizzi et al. 2004, Pizzi et al. 2006, Kanazawa et al. 2005, Ganne-Chedeville et al. 2005). The best results were obtained in the range of 1200–1600 revolutions per minute (rpm), in particular at 1500–1600 rpm (Pizzi et al. 2004, Kanazawa et al. 2005, Ganne-Chedeville et al. 2005). This was due to the mechanical limitations of the drill used. As controlled insertion of dowels at controlled rates of rotation could be achieved with properly apt industrial equipment, a study was conducted on the effect of increasing the rotation rate of the dowel during insertion on the mechanical strength of the weld.