POLITEKNIK MUKAH SARAWAK

PROTOTYPE OF SAGO TREE TRUNK SPLITTER

MUHAMMAD MURAD BIN RAHIM

20DKM18F2031

JABATAN KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIKAL

JUNE 2020
 POLITEKNIK MUKAH SARAWAK

PROTOTYPE OF SAGO TREE TRUNK SPLITTER

MUHAMMAD MURAD BIN RAHIM

20DKM18F2031

This project is submitted to the Department of Mechanical Engineering as part

of the award for the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

JABATAN KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIKAL

JUNE 2020
 DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY AND OWNERSHIP

TITLE: PROTOTYPE OF SAGO TREE TRUNK SPLITTER

SESSION: JUNE 2020

1. I, MUHAMMAD MURAD BIN RAHIM (20DKM18F2031)

are the
final year student of Diploma in Mechanical Engineering for Mechanical Engineering
Department at Mukah Polytechnic with address at K.M 7.5 Jalan Oya, 96400 Mukah,
Sarawak.

2. We fully certified the above mentioned project and its intellectual property in which it
consist is by our own attainment or innovation without taking any emulating from any
other parties‟ intellectual properties.

3. We agree to disclaim the ownerships of the above mention project intellectual property to
the above mention polytechnic for the purpose of fulfilling the needs for Diploma in
Mechanical Engineering honorships to us.

Made and certified by:

a) MUHAMMAD MURAD BIN RAHIM ………………………………...…
(I/C No: 991002-13-6199) (MUHAMMAD MURAD BIN
RAHIM)

Witness by, ALFAN BIN SERAIL (I/C

No:N/A) as the project’s supervisor due on ………………………………...…
29 March 2018. (ALFAN BIN SERAIL)
 ACKNOWNLEDGEMENT

Alhamdulillah, we would like to express our greatest gratitude to our respected supervisor Mr.
Alfan Bin Serail for his encouragement, guidance, invaluable support and motivation through the
whole completion of this project. This project would not be succeeded without his continuous
support. We would also like drop our sincere appreciation to the role of the staff of Mechanical
Workshop for gave the permission to use all required machinery and the necessary material to
complete this project. Lastly, we would like to express our appreciation to the head of the project,
Mr Chen Wong Keong and Mr Mohammad Syahadan B. Maksom for given the full effort in
guiding, encouragement to maintain our progress in track and given by other supervisors as well
as the panels especially in our project presentation that has improved our presentation skills.
 ABSTRACT

This project entitled “A Prototype of Sago Tree Trunk Splitter” is fabricated to design
a prototype of Sago Trunk Splitter. This project is focusing on the process of cutting the tree
trunk of a sago tree. Cutting the tree trunk with only just using an axe is highly risky. This
can cause a minor injury to the worker if they do not cut the tree trunk in the right way. A
problem that often faced by the worker is they need a lot of manpower and easily get tired if
they do it continuously. The purpose of this project is to make the cutting process easier. The
sago tree trunk will be placed inside the prototype machine. After that, the tree trunk will be
pushed by the hydraulic press to the blade so the tree trunk will be splitted. The scope of this
project is to maintain the safety of the worker in the industries by creating the sago tree trunk
splitter in a prototype form. In the form of this prototype, Hydraulic press plays an important
role of the force that is used to press the tree trunk so it can be splitted. This machine was
created to solve the problem of the workers who is tired of cutting the tree trunk with only
just using an axe.
 ABSTRAK

Projek ini yang berjudul "Prototaip Sago Tree Trunk Splitter" dibuat untuk merancang
prototaip Sago Trunk Splitter. Projek ini memfokuskan pada proses memotong batang pokok
sagu. Memotong batang pokok dengan hanya menggunakan kapak sangat berisiko. Ini boleh
menyebabkan kecederaan ringan kepada pekerja sekiranya mereka tidak memotong batang
pokok dengan cara yang betul. Masalah yang sering dihadapi oleh pekerja ialah mereka
memerlukan banyak tenaga kerja dan mudah letih jika mereka melakukannya secara
berterusan. Tujuan projek ini adalah untuk memudahkan proses pemotongan. Batang pokok
sagu akan diletakkan di dalam mesin prototaip. Selepas itu, batang pokok akan didorong oleh
tekanan hidraulik ke bilah sehingga batang pokok terbelah. Skop projek ini adalah untuk
menjaga keselamatan pekerja di industri dengan membuat pemisah batang pohon sagu dalam
bentuk prototaip. Dalam bentuk prototaip ini, Hydraulic press memainkan peranan penting
dari daya yang digunakan untuk menekan batang pokok sehingga dapat dibelah. Mesin ini
dicipta untuk menyelesaikan masalah pekerja yang letih memotong batang pokok dengan
hanya menggunakan kapak.
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Melanau community is famous for its traditional food which is sago. The starch content
of the pith obtained from commercially harvest logs varies between 18.8% and 38.8% (fresh
weight) for M. sagu (Wina, Evans, & Lowry, 1986). Starch accumulation in the trunk of the
sago palm can reach up to 250kg (dry weight per plant) (Flach, 1997). After fruiting, the
starch content declines rapidly.
The trunks are stripped of leaves and cut into lengths of about 1 m for easy handling.
Then the trunk of this tree will be taken to the river and tied before being washed away to the
factory for the next process which is to soak the tree trunk for 20 days so that the contents are
sufficient. Then, the next process is to split the 1meter sago tree trunk that has been soaked.
Before that, this hardwood sago bark needs to be remove first and then split into the smaller
parts for the grinding process. This process still uses the old method of using the axe or long
machete to split the sago tree trunk.
This fabricate prototype of sago tree trunk splitter machine is a problem solver for the
sago flour entrepreneurs to split the sago tree trunk that have been cut to 1meter long. In
addition, the cutter design will be made so that the stem of the sago tree was split into eight
small parts.
The reason prototype of sago tree trunk splitter machine was designed and upgraded
is to take advantages of the hydraulic press advantages and can make changes to split the
sago tree trunk Our hope is that the design of sago tree trunk splitting machine using this
hydraulic press method can split the sago tree trunk by pushing 1 meter long sago tree trunk
towards the cutter points that have been designed to spit the trunk sago tree into eight smaller
parts.
1.2 RESEARCH BACKGROUND

Physical examination of the sago tree trunk has been conducted aimed at identifying size,
weight and moisture content. This basic information important as a guide for development
machine for further study. Based on result, the diameter of a sago tree mature recorded in
Dalat area Sarawak in the range of 44 to 53 cm. In comparison, the highest value diameter
recorded by Jong (1995) is slightly higher than that value obtained 50cm with percentage
difference 5.83%. This is caused by crop location differences affect environment factors,
weather and soil fertility. These factors usually affect tree growth rate, such as weather
factors reported by Michael C.D (2000) and soil fertility factors or nutrient intake by trees as
reported by Fageria V.D (2001).
Sago flour operators will cut sago tree trunks into smaller parts that are cut along
1meter for easy handling and then washed into the river for the transfer process from the
place of production to the manufacturing plant. This stem was then soaked for 20 days or
enough to further increase the content of flour in the stem of the sago tree and avoid being
inhabited by caterpillars (ulat sagu/ulat mulong). The stem of this sago tree is then taken for
the next process which is grating.
Before the grating process, the soaked sago tree trunk will be taken to the sago flour
processing place. The thick sago tree bark will be removed first using long machete and then
split into smaller parts for the grating process using an axe or long machete. The main reason
this sago tree trunk is split into smaller parts is to make it easier for the grater to grate the
contents of the sago tree trunk and faster. Therefore, the conversion of manpower to split
sago tree trunks to sago tree splitting machines needs to be made because the world’s
technology is now increasing and able to facilitate human work
1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The usage of old method to split sago tree trunk is very high on the risk of injury.
Moreover, the method of using an axe or long machete to split a sago tree trunk requires high
skill. The use of an existing chainsaw or saw machine is not suitable as it will waste the
contents of the flour in the trunk of the sago tree you want to split.
Meanwhile, all of the method above methods require a lot of energy. The worker will
be tired and may cause back pain due to incorrect cutting position. Therefore, a machine
should be created to help workers replace the old method of splitting the sago tree with a sago
splitting machine.

1.4 OBJECTIVE

Creation for the prototype of The Sago Tree Trunk Splitter Machine must be aligned with the
following objectives for the team to counter the problem faced:

i. To fabricate the sago tree trunk splitter machine based on the design that has been
made.

1.5 SCOPE

To enable work on the project to run smoothly and will not deviate from the original purpose
of the project. Team had set up several scopes to be met.
The scope limitations are as follows:
a) All method used to split the sago tree trunk are studied and compared to see the best
method.
b) Simulation of the machine will be developed by using a software called Autodesk
Inventor.
c) A new prototype of sago tree trunk splitter machine will be fabricated and tested on
design.

1.5 THE IMPORTANT OF RESEARCH

In the era of revolution 4.0, all manpower consumption will be replaced by machine
efficiency. The use of the old method of using an axe or long machete to split the stem of a
sago tree that has been cut along one meter is less suitable nowadays. This is because there
are many mechanical method that can be used to replaced manpower to split the sago tree
trunks among which is the hydraulic thrust method. Each method will be changed or
upgraded according to the needs and existence of the latest technology. Therefore, this
machine “Prototype of Sago Tree Trunk Splitter Machine” to help workers in the sago factory
to split the stem of sago tree with new methods
1.6 TERM/OPERATION

A sago tree trunk splitter is a hydraulic machine that used for the purpose of splitting sago
tree trunk into a smaller size which are able to be used for sago tree. There is an engine which
is to provide power to the machine that is typically a four stroke engine which can be
powered by electricity.
This engine is attached to a hydraulic oil pump which is used to create a stream of oil
that is run to a valve. Other primary components of a log splitter are the holding tank which is
used to hold the hydraulic oil that is fed throughout the machine via the pump, as well as an
oil filter which filter the oil and help to keep it clean.
Once the machine is primed and powered on, place the sago tree trunk onto the bed,
be sure that the log is securely positioned against the splitter. Now we will need to locate the
activation mechanism which will trigger the piston to apply pressure to the sago tree trunk.
This is typically a button which you will need to push or an arm which you will need to pull.
Activating this mechanism is going to apply high pressure to the sago tree trunk which will
use the blade to split the sago tree trunk into the desired size.
The cutting blade will be designed to split the sago tree trunk into eight smaller
sections. This cutting blade will be made of strong iron (stainless steel) against pressure of
hydraulic thrust and able to split the average diameter of the sago tree trunk which 53cm.
For safety consideration when using this machine, the most important tips is to read
the manual for the sago tree trunk splitter so that can be sure to follow the operating
instruction. Another important safety tip is to secure the sago tree trunk into position by
holding the sago tree trunk firmly from the middle. This will help to prevent accidental injury
from occurring. Make sure to operate these machine in an open space while wearing
protective eyewear and boots in order to protect yourself.
1.7 CONCLUSION

Conclusion, there are many of our knowledge to operate this sago tree trunk splitter
machine. Such as hydraulic cylinder types to be used in the project. We also have been shared
and supervised on how to operate materials and machine during the process. In addition, the
creation of this project can help the process of splitting sago tree trunk a simple and far less
painstaking process. This sago tree trunk splitter machine project is a very useful invention.
Here it is to conclude that this project has achieved the desired objectives.
 CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 INTRODUCTION OF SIMULATION

We already know Industry 4.0 is driving things forward in a very fascinating

way. One of the technologies which has given its fair share to the wonder of Industry
4.0 is Simulation, the computer model which can mimic the operation of any real or
suggested system. Perhaps the best way simulation can help an organization is to
estimate better the return of investment before it is actually initiated. It’s another
enabler of improved decision making and needless to say it helps companies both
save and earn more money.
How does that happen? the main reason a simulation process can achieve such
results, is that it can account for the behavior of individual tasks and resources by
measuring what will happen in a manufacturing system over a given period of time.
Simulation is also preferred because of another important feature it has a risk-free
environment. For example, your company receives a large production order which
needs to be done in a short amount of time and because of the process intensity a
machine brakes down or you identify another problem within the production line.
This is where simulations comes in handy, it can help you find out such weaknesses in
advance and reduce equipment downtime, by testing ways to limit its impact and also
making it easier for engineers to design a more efficient manufacturing line.
A book by Devendra K. Chaturvedi Modelling and Simulation of Systems
says, the word simulation is derived from the Latin word simulare, which mean
pretend. Simulation is thus an inexpensive and safe way to experiment with the
system model.
 Simulation is a powerful tool if understood and used properly. This
introduction to simulation tutorial is designed to teach the basics of simulation,
including structure, function, data generated, and its proper use.

2.1 THE IMPORTANT OF SIMULATION

Risk-free environment, simulation modelling provides a safe way to test and explore
different ‘’what if’’ scenarios. It also save money and time, virtual experiment with
simulation model are less expensive and take less time than experiment with real assets.
Visualization, simulation model can be animated in 2D/3D, allowing concepts and
ideas to be more easily verified, communicated and understood. Lastly, increased accuracy,
can capture many more details than an analytical model, providing increased accuracy and
more precise forecasting.
2.2 HYDRAULIC
Hydraulics has a history practically as old as civilization itself. Hydraulics, more generally,
fluid power, has evolved continuously and been refined countless times into the present day
state in which it provides a power and finesse required by the most demanding industrial and
mobile applications. Implementations of hydraulic systems are driven by the need for high
power density, dynamic performance and maximum flexibility in system architecture. The
touch of an operator can control hundreds of horsepower that can be delivered to any location
where a pipe can be routed. The positioning tolerances can be held within thousandths of an
inch and output force can be continuously varied in real time with a hydraulic system.
Hydraulics today is a controlled, flexible muscle that provides power smoothly and precisely
to accomplish useful work in millions of unique applications throughout the world.
Most basic systems involve fluid drawn from a reservoir by a pump and forced
through a shifted valve into an expandable chamber of a cylinder, which communicates with
the work piece, ultimately performing a useful task. After the work is performed, the valve is
shifted so the fluid is allowed back to the reservoir. The fluid cycles through this loop again
and again. This is a simple on/off operation resulting in only two output force possibilities,
zero or maximum. In many industrial and mobile hydraulic applications a dynamic variable
force or variable displacement is required. This is accomplished with the use of throttling, a
process whereby some of the high-pressure fluid is diverted, depressurized and returned to
the reservoir. The use of such a diversion results in an output force at some intermediate point
between zero and maximum. If a greater amount of fluid is allowed back to low pressure, the
output force is lower. Conversely, if the amount of fluid allowed back to the low pressure
portion of the system is less, then the output force is higher. Throttling, while being
somewhat inefficient is highly effective. (Mark J. CherneyJeffery W. Dobchuk , 2007)
2,2 POWER SOURCE
2.2.1 AIR COMPRESSOR
 A hydraulic air compressor works by converting hydraulic power into mechanical
power, and then mechanical power into air power.

To convert hydraulic into mechanical power, a hydraulic pump pushes hydraulic fluid
into a hydraulic motor, forcing it to spin. This spinning motor is connected to an air
compressor using a belt or direct-drive, which in turn powers the air compressor system and
converts mechanical power into air power.

Regardless of the exact configuration, the core components of any hydraulic air
compressor set up include:

 Hydraulic Pump – pushes hydraulic fluid through the system

 Manifold – controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the motor
 Hydraulic Motor – forced to rotate by the hydraulic fluid
 Air Compressor – powered by the hydraulic motor
 Cooler/Reservoir – hydraulic fluid returns from the motor to the cooler, then
reservoir tank

These components work together to effectively transform hydraulic power into air power.

Hydraulic air compressors have many benefits, including the ability to run air tools.
Air tools, or pneumatic tools, are highly powerful tools that enable operators to perform tasks
quickly and efficiently.

2.3 CONCLUSION

In this chapter, we already learned on how does the hydraulic system work. We also
learned about the simulation of the machine on how does it work, and it is safe to the
machine. All of this information is important so that we can fabricate the prototype of Sago
Tree Trunk Splitter based on what we have discuss.
 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Methodology is a system of methods used are of study or activity. The design of any
research project requires considerable attention to the research methods and the proposed data
analysis. In this chapter, I am discussed about how the project will be done and research some
of material and hardware component that will been use in this project.

This chapter will show flow chart of the project. In this chapter we make some
comparison for the correct material of prototype of sago tree trunk splitter machine based on
the cost, economic that me practice on this project.
 3.2 FLOW CHART

START

PROBLEM STATEMENT ANALYSIS

OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE

DESIGN CONCEPT (Solving problem on previous system)

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN DEVELOPMENT BASED ON SIZE AND EFFICIENCY

DETAIL DESIGN, MATERIAL DESIGN, MATERIAL SELECTION APPROPIATE MATERIAL WITH APPROPIATE

FRAME HYDRAULIC CYLINDER

COVER CUTTING BLADE

FABRICATE

NO Test
run

YES
DATA ANALYSIS

END
3.2 DRAWING CONCEPT

Appropriate design for the project we are producing, we have agreed to make three sketches
of the project drawn using a pen and pencil.

Drawing 1

The first sketch saw that we did only a simple design. We realise that there is no place to
insert the sago tree trunk along 1meter and machine beds are not suitable because the
diameter of the sago tree trunk is different.
Drawing 2

In the second sketch we slightly changed the shape of our sketch. We found this design still
unsuitable because if you lift the sago tree trunk to put it from above, the work of splitting the
sago tree trunk becomes complicated.
Drawing 3

In the third sketch we have upgraded the second sketch where we have placed a place to push
in sago tree trunk that have been cut to 1meter long. The switch we placed next to the
position where the sago tree trunk is inserted to make it easier for the user to see that the
trunk of sago tree has been split. This prototype machine is on the floor so that sago tree
trunk do not have to be lifted and design for indoor use only.
 3.3 CONCEPT GENERATION

Frame Steel Bar Square Steel Bar Hollow Steel Bar

Cover Aluminium Plate Plywood Acrylic

Pusher Sheet metal plate Stainless steel Plate Mild Carbon Steel

Track Sheet metal Plate Stainless Steel Plate Mild Carbon Steel

Hydrauli Single Acting Double Acting Hydraulic Jack

c
Cylinder

3.4 CONCEPT OF EVALUATION

Best (3) Middle (2) Worst (1)

3.4.1 FRAME
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
Steel Bar Square Steel Bar Hollow Steel Bar
Cost 2 2 3
Easy to find 3 3 3
Easy to cut 3 2 3
Company standard 3 2 2
Development time 1 2 3
Total 12 11 14

3.4.2 COVER
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
(Aluminium Plate) (Play wood) (Acrylic Plate)
Cost 2 3 3
Easy to find 3 2 1
Easy to cut 3 1 1
Company standard 3 2 1
Development time 2 1 1
Total 13 9 7

3.4.3 PUSHER
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
Sheet Metal Plate Stainless Steel Mild Steel Carbon
Plate

Cost 2 2 2
Easy to find 2 3 2
Company standard 2 3 3
Development time 2 2 2
Total 8 10 9

3.4.4 TRACK

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

(Sheet Metal Plate) (Stainless Steel (Mild Steel
Plate) Carbon)
Cost 2 2 2
Easy to find 2 3 2
Company standard 2 3 3
Development time 2 2 2
Total 8 10 9
3.4.5 HYDRAULIC CYLINDER
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
(Single Acting) (Double Acting) (Hydraulic Jack)
Cost 3 3 2
Easy to find 3 3 2
Company standard 1 1 2
Development time 2 2 2
Total 9 9 8
3.5 CONCEPT CONSIDERATION

Option Choose Explanation

Frame Square steel Bar Square Steel Bar have a
high ductility and suitable
with our machine design.

Cover Aluminium plate Aluminium plate is easy

to cut and lightweight

Pusher Sheet Metal Plate Sheet Metal Plate is often

used in creating a new
project. This is because it
is suitable for use and
easy to cut.

Track Stainless Steel Plate Stainless Steel Plate

strong against corrosion
because sago tree trunk
has been soaked

Hydraulic Cylinder Double Acting Cylinder This type of hydraulic

cylinder always used
among all splitter log
machine because it can
retract and extract faster
when the rod is long.

3.6 FABRICATE

3.6.2 TIN SNIPS

 Tin Snips are hand tools specifically designed to cut sheet metal. With looks like
pliers in many cases and ergonomically designed grips for applying high pressures as
required. Comfort and ease-of-use are important benefits to products in this range, as well as
allowing control for precise cutting. The range has various sizes and blade type

3.6.2 GRINDING

Grinding is an abrasive machining process that uses a grinding wheel or grinder as the cutting
tool. Grinding is a subset of cutting, as grinding is a true metal-cutting process. Grinding is
used to finish workpieces that must show high surface quality and high accuracy of shape and
dimension. It has some roughing applications in which grinding removes high volumes of
metal very rapidly.

3.6.2 TIG WELDING

According to the Welding Robots Website, TIG welding is the primary method used
within the aerospace industry. While TIG is costly, time consuming and difficult, it produces
high quality welds. TIG welding requires the use of both hands and one foot to operate a foot
pedal. TIG welding produces cleaner and more precise welds than MIG welding or other Arc
welding method, making it strongest. That said, difference methods, while TIG is generally
stronger and higher ductility.
3.7 COST ESTIMINATION

BIL ITEMS PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL

. PER UNIT PRICE
(RM)
1. SQUARE STEEL BAR RM25.(1 5 RM125
FEET)
2. HYDRAULIC PRESS 10 RM650(1 1 RM650
TON set)
3. ALUMINIUM PLATE RM89.00 1 RM89.00
4. SHEET METAL PLATE RM11.00 6 RM66.00
5 STAINLESS STEEL RM22 (1 5 RM110
PLATE FEET)
TOTAL RM1040
3.8 CONCLUSION

In conclusion I am have studied and compared material to be used in the project “prototype of
sago tree trunk splitter”. During the study and comparisons, I have selected some materials
To be used in the project. During the study and comparison, I have selected some materials to
be used and have divided them into several parts. The first part is frame. On the frame part I
have chosen square steel bar. The second part is cover; I am chosen aluminium plate because
aluminium plate is easy to cut and company standard. The third part is Arduino, in this part
we chose Arduino uno because it is cheap and suitable to use. The next part is the pusher part
which will help hydraulic cylinder piston rod to push the sago tree trunk that have bigger
diameter. I have chosen stainless steel as a track because it able to withstand rust. Next up is
hydraulic cylinder where I choose double acting cylinder.
 APPENDIX

PLANNING REAL

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 16
0 1 2 3 4 5

Selection for
team
Selection for
theme and
tittle
Design

Preparing
proposal
Pre-
presentation
Literature
review
Research
methodology
Writing
proposal
Presentation

Review
report
Report
submission
 REFERENCE

https://www.anylogic.com/use-of-simulation/

https://restart-project.eu/the-power-of-industry-4-0-simulation/

https://patents.google.com/patent/US7827787B2/en

https://patents.google.com/patent/US5941162A/en

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1dTwm8Lmpc

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045794914000601