Study on cutting by a knife-edged cutter (1st report): Test apparatus for cutting and a few results

Abstract

The test apparatus for cutting using a knife-edged cutter as cutlery is made. In the apparatus, cutting forces in two direction at various cutting speed can be measured continuously through cutting process. Tests which cutters made of two materials cut specimen of sweet potato are carried about various blade angles and edge angles. The results obtained are as follows: (1) Sweet potato is separated by propagation of crack caused by penetration of a cutter except the initiation. (2) Blade angle affects greatly the peak of cutting force and the cutting energy to separate specimen fully. But edge angle has no effect on them. (3) Increase of cutting speed decreases them greatly. (4) There is no effect of cutter material on cutting process.