TRIESKOVÉ A BEZTRIESKOVÉ OBRÁBANIE DREVA, 9(1): 151–156, 2014 Zvolen, Technická univerzita vo Zvolene, ISSN 1339-8350 University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski blvd, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria e-mail: nelly_staneva@yahoo.com 151 3D MODELING OF SHAFTS FOR WOODWORKING MACHINES Nelly Staneva Abstract Two approaches for creating of parametric 3D models of circular saw shaft with CAD/CAE systems Solid Works Simulation ® and Autodesk Inventor Professional ® are presented. The specific features of the generation of the 3D models with real saw shaft elements - keyway grooves, wrench, grooves for retaining rings, centre holes, thread for fixing of mounting flanges, etc. are discussed for both approaches. Autodesk Inventor Professional ’ approach for creation of 3D shaft model is considerably faster. Modulus “Shaft Generator” of Autodesk Inventor Professional  proposes possibilities for creation of elements according to world standard and implementation of control calculations of support reactions, bending moments, stresses and displacements. 3D shaft models are the basis for further numerical investigations of static strength, frequency and fatigue by FEM with CAD/CAE systems. Key words: shaft, circular saw, 3D modeling, CAD/CAE, FEM INTRODUCTION Circular saw woodworking machines are the most commonly used in manufacturing of wood and wood materials. Most often the operating shaft of circular saws is with two bearing supports and console disk and console V-belt pulley. The saw shaft is more non- uniform loaded – great bending and shear stresses which induce different dynamics processes and shaft operation is getting more complicated. That is way of especially importance is not only the proper calculation of the cutter shaft but the improvement and optimization of these calculations. This is coming true with the development of CAD/CAE software in our days. 3D models are the basis for implementation of numerical calculations and analyses by FEM with CAD/CAE systems. Geometrical precise 3D models allow receiving of more precise results about static and dynamic behavior of cutting mechanisms for woodworking machines saving a lot of efforts and time of engineers. More and more the modern CAD/CAE systems for 3D modeling and engineering calculations and analyses of the operating shafts of woodworking cutting mechanisms have been applied (Chaitanya and Kaladhar, 2013; Marta and Corduta, 2010; Michna and Svoren, 2007; Staneva, 2014; Staneva and Vlasev, 2010). The aim of research presented in this paper was to compare the possibilities of CAD/CAE systems Solid Works Simulation ® and Autodesk Inventor Professional ® for 3D modeling of woodworking machine shafts and to discuss the specific features for creating of 3D models.