Design of Intelligent Cutting Equipment to Avoid Node and Fixed Length for Moso Bamboo

【Objective】 Cutting the whole bamboo with saw into a specific length specification is the most important process in bamboo primary processing. Most of the existing bamboo sawing equipment has problems such as low mechanization level，big potential safety risks and high labor cost，so it is urgent to design and manufacture advanced sawing equipment to promote the healthy development of bamboo primary processing industry. 【Method】 Using the technology of image acquisition and visualization analysis，based on programmable logic controller (PLC)，an intelligent sawing device for Moso bamboo was designed. 【Result】 In addition to the basic functions of the existing equipment，the flexible length determination (error range is ±30 mm)，intelligent identification and avoidance of bamboo nodes，automatic unloading and sorting of bamboo segments were added，especially to achieve the technical requirements that there are no bamboo nodes within 30 mm at both ends of the obtained bamboo segments. Prototype tests were carried out for Moso bamboo on intelligent cutting equipment with fixed length with node avoidance. The accuracy of section setting，node avoidance and sorting reached 100%，the average processing efficiency reached about 27.37 m·min^-1，the work efficiency was raised by 35% and the labor cost was reduced by more than 80% compared with those in the manual cutting. 【Conclusion】 The research and development of the equipment meet the current production needs，they have greatly improved the mechanization and automation level of the fixed-length saw cutting equipment，and improved the processing accuracy and raw material utilization rate at the same time，which provides conditions for the subsequent establishment of a production line for continuous and intelligent bamboo primary processing.