Investigation of end force distributions during wood bending using a novel differential-end-force sensor

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This paper reports on the development and calibration of a novel differential-end-force sensor to measure the variation of end-force across a wood specimen's end-section during bending. Two experiments were conducted using Eucalyptus regnans microwave bending specimens that showed that the type of end-restraint does affect the distribution of end-force relative to the thickness of the wood specimen. This differential-end-force approach has the potential to improve the performance of the wood bending process, in particular in semi-automated production settings where excessive compressive end forces could result in the failure of bent wood components with associated production delays and losses.