Abstract
Effects of design parameters (magnetic driving force (M), cutting angle (S) and frond moisture content (MC) on the specific cutting force (SCF) and specific cutting energy (SCE) for cutting oil palm fronds are investigated. Two types of linear magnetic actuators (500 N and 750 N) and three cutting angles (30o, 45o, and 60o) were tested on two levels of frond moisture content (<50% and >50% moisture content). Experiments conducted revealed that cutting angle and frond moisture content have a significant effect on SCF and SCE, but not the magnetic force. The minimum values of SCF and SCE were 0.3866N/cm2 and 2.0459N/cm, respectively (cutting angle of 45o, moisture content >50%), while the maximum values of SCF and SCE were 2.9432 N/cm2 and 4.1219 N/cm, respectively (cutting angle of 60o and moisture content <50%). The study also revealed that cutting drier fronds (low moisture content) increased the SCF and SCE significantly. A prototype of an oil palm magnetic cutter was developed. Functional tests carried out showed its cutting performance was 254-frond/hour, proving that magnetic force was capable to be used as cutter’s actuator.
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