DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF SEMI -

AUTOMATIC MULTI-PURPOSE RECIPROCATING

VEGETABLE SLICING MACHINE

PROJECT REPORT (PHASE-II)

(ME134)

submitted by
MUGILAN M - 17ME130
THAMIZHMANI V - 17ME153

Under the guidance of

Dr. R. ELANSEZHIAN, M. Tech., Ph. D.,
(Associate Professor)

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree

of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
of
PONDICHERRY ENGINEERING COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

PONDICHERRY ENGINEERING COLLEGE
(Autonomous Institution of Govt. of UT of Puducherry)
PUDUCHERRY
JULY - 2021
 Department of Mechanical Engineering
PONDICHERRY ENGINEERING COLLEGE

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Project Work (Phase-II) titled ‘DESIGN

AND FABRICATION OF SEMI-AUTOMATIC MULTI-PURPOSE
RECIPROCATING VEGETABLE SLICING MACHINE’ is a bonafide
work done by
MUGILAN M – 17ME130
THAMIZHMANI V – 17ME153
in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering of Pondicherry
Engineering College during the year 2020 – 2021.

(Dr. R. ELANSEZHIAN) (Dr. N. ALAGUMURTHI)

Project Guide Head of the Department

Submitted for the University Examination held on 04-07-2021_______

(Dr. L. KUMARARAJA) (Dr. P. RAVEENDIRAN)

Internal Examiner External Examiner
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We express our immense gratitude with pleasure to those individuals who
have directly or indirectly contributed to our needs at the right time for the
development and success of the work.

Apart from the efforts taken by us the success of this project largely depends
on the encouragement and guidance of the others. We take this opportunity
to express our gratitude to the people who have contributed for the successful
completion of this project.

It is our privilege to submit our profound sense of gratitude and respectful

regards to our esteemed project guide Dr.R.ELANSEZHIAN, Associate
Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pondicherry Engineering
College, for his personal interest, constant encouragement, valuable advices
given throughout the tenure of our project work, which provided our thoughts
and ideas to do this Project.

We express our heart filled gratitude to Dr.N.ALAGUMURTHI, Professor

and Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pondicherry Engineering
College for his encouragement shown on us to complete this project.

We wish to express our sincere thanks and grateful to the advisory committee
members Dr.S.MOHAMED ALI, Professor, Dr. L. KUMARARAJA,
Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pondicherry
Engineering College for their valuable feedback and their continuous project
assesment.

Our heartfelt thanks to our Family and Friends, for their valuable help
and support in the work carried out by us.

M. MUGILAN
V. THAMIZHMANI
 ABSTRACT
Final year project is an important component to provide the final year
Bachelor of Engineering student with the opportunity to demonstrate advance
knowledge of a specialized field that is essential for a career in research and
development, which covers the planning of project, literature review, project
implementation, technical writing and oral presentation within the stipulated
time. The title of our project is to design and fabricate an Automatic Multi-
purpose reciprocating vegetable slicing machine.

An automatic multi-purpose slicing machine is a device that allows the

user to perform multiple functions within a single machine. The system
consists of a hopper arrangement and a slider crank mechanism setup to slice
the vegetables. The design of this automatic multi-purpose vegetable slicing
machine was the results from the discussion among the team mates. Firstly,
a few designs were drawn manually and the dimensions of each part were set.
Then, we use the solidworks software to draw each single part and assembly
each part as a whole. We evaluated each design and the design with the best
functionality was selected. After that, we starts to order some materials such
as steel sections, galvanized iron sheets, motor, etc. Once the materials had
arrived, we continue with the fabrication and assembly work. We perform
experiment for each function to test the efficiency of the machine.

In conclusion, the design of our automatic multi-purpose vegetable slicing

machine are portable, time saving and sustainable. The target market of our
machine is Small scale food industries, as an household appliance and food
stall.
Contents

1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Problem statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 Existing Machines 3
2.1 DREMAX DM - 91D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 DREMAX DX - 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 MAXIMA VC450 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 SAMMIC CA-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3 PRINCIPLE 7
3.1 Slider Crank Mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4 MODELLING 9
4.1 SOLIDWORKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.1 Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.2 Design Intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.2 Model-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.1 Machine Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.2 Crank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.3 Connecting rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2.4 Cutter post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2.5 Slider Guideways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2.6 Slider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.2.7 Hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2.8 Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3 Drawback in previous design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.4 Changes in new design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.5 Model - 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.5.1 Machine Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
i
 4.5.2 Hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.5.3 Crank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.5.4 Connecting rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.5.5 Slider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.5.6 Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.5.7 Assembled model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

5 DYNAMIC AND FORCE ANALYSIS 21

5.1 Velocity diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.1.1 Tangential velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.1.2 Radial velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.1.3 Crank, Connecting rod and Slider . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.1.4 Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.2 Acceleration diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.2.1 Centripetal acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.3 Dynamic Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5.4 Force analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5.5 Model Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

6 MODAL ANALYSIS 31
6.1 Theoretical Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
6.2 Computer-Aided analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

7 MATERIAL SELECTION AND COST ESTIMATION 39

7.1 Motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
7.2 Hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
7.3 Slider Guideways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7.4 Slider and Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
7.5 Stainless Steel sheets and square pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
7.6 Crank and Connecting rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
7.7 Cost Estimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

8 FABRICATION 43
8.1 Base Sturcture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
8.2 Crank and Motor mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.3 Fabricated machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.4 Fabricated machine with box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8.5 Complete product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8.6 Test Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
8.7 Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

9 CONCLUSION 49

ii
List of Figures

2.1 DREMAX - 91D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.2 DREMAX DX - 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 MAXIMA VC450 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4 SAMMIC CA-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1 Slider crank mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Flow chart of entire project process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.1 Frame of the Slicing Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2 Crank of the slicing machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3 Connecting Rod of the slicing machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.4 Cutter holder of the slicing machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.5 Guideways which guide the slider of the machine . . . . . . . . 12
4.6 Sliding part of the slicing machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.7 Hopper in which the vegetables are feed . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.8 Assembled model of the Slicing Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.9 Assembly of the 3-D Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.10 Frame of the machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.11 Hopper in which the vegetables are feed . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.12 Crank of the Slicing machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.13 Connecting rod of the slicing machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.14 Sliding component of the machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.15 Cutter of the Slicing machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.16 Assembly of the new model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.17 Exact model of the Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.18 Mechanism of cutting process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7.1 Orange Planetary Gear DC Motor PGM45775-71.2K . . . . . 39
7.2 3-D printed Hopper of the machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7.3 3-D printed Guide ways (Flat side) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
7.4 3-D printed Guide ways(Hopper side) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
7.5 3-D Printed Slider of the machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
7.6 3-D Printed Cutter inserted in the Slider . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
7.7 Stainless steel sheet and pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
iii
8.1 Base Structure of the machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
8.2 Crank and motor mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.3 Fabricated machine with outer cover box . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8.4 Completed product which is ready for real life testing . . . . . 45
8.5 Test results of sliced vegetables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

iv
Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Knife and plastic grater were the most common devices used for slicing and
grating vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, carrots, onions and lettuce. In
the early 1960s, the world’s first automatic vegetables cutting machine was
developed. The slicing technology has been mature abroad in 1970s where
most of the slicers can process monocrystal with large diameter up to 125mm.
In 1980s, the slicing technology has experienced its peak of development with
the commercials of automatic multi-function slicers.

It is not easy for those who want to cut a large amount of vegetables into
smaller sizes in a short period. It may also causes injuries as the result of
carelessness. As the time goes by, the slicing technology has been developed
to overcome these problems. Slicing machine was designed to ease the cutting
of vegetables, to eliminate the time wasted and to avoid injuries when using
the knife.

Vegetable slicing machine can be manual-powered or automated. The design

of manual vegetable slicing machine is low operation cost as it can eliminates
the usage of electricity, safer, consistent and affordable. However, it can be
time consuming and low efficiency. An automated slicing machine basically
includes a base housing a motor, feeder part, feeder mouth which houses a
presser and cutting knife which carried by the cutting plate. It allows the user
to cut a large amount of vegetables precisely in a shorter period. However, it
is more expensive and difficult when it comes to maintenance operation.

This project is to design and fabricate an semi-automated multi-purpose

vegetable slicing machine. The purpose of this project is to design a safe,
functional, compact and easy to use automatic vegetable slicing machine that
can perform various operations.
1
1.2 Objectives
The objectives of the designing this automatic vegetable slicing machine is
to improve the time constrain problem faced by users to cut a large amount
of vegetables into smaller size and to design and fabricate a simple semi-
automatic machine that easy to operate with multi-purpose function for house
hold usage and industrial usage.

1.3 Problem statement

Food preparation workers are employed in restaurants, hotels and other
places where food is served. Slicing of vegetables and fruits with bare hands
and knife in large quantities is time consuming even though many people
are to enjoy showing off their knife work. Additionally, the consistency is
important in the commercial food industry. Human is not able to cut the
vegetables consistently for several hours because our steady hand may begin
to fail. Human also causes injuries as a result of carelessness. For those
reasons, fruit and vegetable slicers are design to overcome the above problem.
There are various vegetable prep tools that cut, slice and dice but there is no
any device that provide multi-purpose functions. The purpose of the thesis
is to design and fabricate a semi-automated multi-purpose vegetable slicing
machine that is able to reduce the human force for food preparation and
improve the capabilities to handle a large amount of vegetables, improves
the safety features to prevent user from injuries and able to perform various
operations such as slicing, rolling and crushing in a single machine.

2
Chapter 2

Existing Machines

2.1 DREMAX DM - 91D

DREMAX DM-91D is shown in figure. This is one of the product from

dremax vegetable machine industry from japan. Dimension for this device is
470mm X 300mm X 430mm with mass of 13 kg. This machine can perform
slicing, grating, shredding by selecting the desired blades. The main parts
of this device are stainless steel hopper and aluminium motor housing as
shown. The slicer has the capacity of 200 kg/hr and the power supply by three
phase motor is 200W. The price of this machine is USD 1,788.00. During the
operation, user needs to push the vegetables downward in order to ensure all
the vegetables in hopper have been cut. The inlet capacity of the machine is
100mm X 100mm X 120mm. The processing capacity of this machine is 70
pieces of carrot can be sliced within 5 minutes and 10 pieces of raddish can
be sliced within 5 minutes. The advantages of this device maximum number
of vegetables sliced in less duration. Different operation can be performed by
changing of blades. The major drawbacks are cost of the machine is too high
and blade changing process is difficult which may leads to injury.

Figure 2.1: DREMAX - 91D

3
2.2 DREMAX DX - 100
DREMAX DX - 100 is shown in figure. This is one of the product from
dremax vegetable machine industry from japan. Dimension for this device is
340mm X 430mm X 510mm with mass of 10 kg. This machine can perform
slicing and grating by selecting the desired blades. The main components
of this machine are stainless steel hopper and aluminium motor housing as
shown. The slicer has the capacity of 200 kg/hr and the power supply by
three phase motor is 220W. The price of this machine is USD 1,788.00. At
the time of operation, user needs to push the vegetables downward in order
to ensure all the vegetables in hopper have been cut. The inlet capacity of
the machine is 70mm dia X 200mm length (Deformed semicircular). The
processing capacity of this machine is cut cabbages into 1mm thin strip of
5 pcs/5min. The advantages of this device maximum number of vegetables
sliced in less duration. Different operation can be performed by changing of
blades. The major drawbacks are cost of the machine is too high and blade
changing process is difficult which may leads to injury.

Figure 2.2: DREMAX DX - 100

2.3 MAXIMA VC450

Maxima VC540 vegetable cutter shown in Figure is one of the products
of Maxima Kitchen Equipment. The dimension for this device is 290mm
x 540mm x 400mm with a mass of 22.5kg. This device also can performs
slicing, grating, shredding as well as dicing and French fries capabilities by
4
selecting the desired blades and grids. The main components of this device
are 2 different hoppers, level arm, pusher and housing. The main components
are mostly made up of aluminium. The cutter has a capacity of 50 - 450 kg of
vegetables per hour and the power supplied by 1 phase motor is 550W. The
price of this device is USD 530.00 Maxima VC540 vegetable cutter consists of
2 different hoppers as shown in Figure. One hopper allows user to load large
product like cabbage, onion, potato and lettuce by opening the level arm.
Another hopper allows user to load small and long products like cucumber,
carrot and eggplant by removing the pusher. After inserting the vegetables,
user can turn on switch and the motor will start to rotate with a speed of
270rpm. During the cutting operation, user needs to push the level arm or
pusher downward in order to ensure all the vegetables in the hopper have
been cut.

Figure 2.3: MAXIMA VC450

2.4 SAMMIC CA-41

SAMMIC CA-401 showed in Figure is one of the products of SAMMIC. The
dimension for this device is 389mm x 382mm x 646mm with a mass of 24kg.
This device also can performs slicing, grating, shredding as well as dicing and
French fries capabilities by selecting the desired blades and grids. The main
components of this device are level arm, lid with hopper, pin and housing
as shown in Figure. The main components are mostly made up of stainless
steel. The cutter has a capacity of 200 - 650 kg of vegetables per hour and
the power supplied by motor is 550W. The price of this device is USD 1,500.
SAMMIC CA-401 consists of 2 different type of removable lid. The first type
5
consists of one large hopper which allows user to load larger products such
as cabbage. The level arm can moves in x-direction and z-direction as shown
in Figure. This means that the level arm can rotate 360° and also moves up
and down vertically. The second type of lid consists of 2 cylindrical hoppers
with different diameter which show in Figure. An external pusher is needed
to push the small and long vegetable downward. The lid and level arm can
be removed by pulling the pin. After inserting the vegetables, user can push
the ‘On’ button and the motor will start to rotate with a speed of 365rpm.

Figure 2.4: SAMMIC CA-41

6
Chapter 3

PRINCIPLE

3.1 Slider Crank Mechanism

Slider-crank mechanism is mainly used to convert rotary motion to a recip-
rocating motion or vice versa. Below a she slider-crank mechanism is shown
and the parameters that are used to define the angles and the link lengths are
given. As in the four-bar mechanism, the extended and folded dead centre
positions are when the crank and the coupler are collinear (coupler link is
commonly called connecting rod in slider-crank mechanisms).

Figure 3.1: Slider crank mechanism

3.2 Methodology
The following chart shows the flow chart of the overall project management.
The methodology starts with developing a plan which specifies the resource,
schedules and other actions necessary to achieve the goals. Planning was
carried out among with team mates. The project was divided into three
parts Conceptual design, Fabrication and Experimental testing.

7
 Develop the plan

Conceptual design

Rough Drafting

Material Selection

Detailed drawing using SOLIDWORKS

Fabrication and Assembly process

Experimental testing

Report Writing

Figure 3.2: Flow chart of entire project process

8
Chapter 4

MODELLING

4.1 SOLIDWORKS
Solidworks is a 3D modelling software developed by Dassault Systems. It
plays an important role in Computer Aided Modelling and Computer Aided
Design and Engineering. It is basically a solid modelling software running on
Microsoft Windows platform. SolidWorks is based on Parasolid kernel and
uses feature based approach to create models and assemblies. The thre basic
things that solidworks works based upon are listed and explained below:
4.1.1 Parameters

It is nothing but the physical dimensions such as length, radius or angle

given by the designer to its model so that it looks constrained and easily edit
it to accommodate changes and optimizations in the design for future works.
Parameters defines the shape, size and outlook of the geometry. The physical
dimensions are called as numeric parameters. These can be interlinked by
means of relations such as parallel, tangential and perpendicular which can
be changed according to the designer’s intent.
4.1.2 Design Intent

Design intent is the constraint that is given by the designer to its design by
which it cannot be changed by other features unless until the designer allows
the permission to change design intent. For example, a hole on the top of
the can is chosen by a designer to stay at the top of the can for rest of the
designer part, thus no matter what the height or radius that he gives to the
can does not affect at the top of the can.
4.1.3 Features

These are the important or building blocks of the SolidWorks modelling

environment. Features are build upon the 2D diagrams that re drawn using
sketch feature. A simple circle can be drawn and then can be extruded into a
cylinder by using boss extrude base feature which adds upon material to the
existing 2D diagram depending upon the length that the user defines. There
9
are many other features such as boss extrude, revolved extrude, revolved cut,
fillet, chamfer, etc.,

4.2 Model-1

4.2.1 Machine Frame

It is the main part of the Machine which is made up of Stainless steel channel
section columns and Stainless steel sheet. Motor and hopper arrangement are
placed at the top of the sheet whereas slider crank mechanism setup is fixed
below the sheet.
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

H H

G G

240

290
165
F F
200

380
E E

D D

115

C C
120

240
90

B B

UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: FINISH: DEBURR AND

DO NOT SCALE DRAWING REVISION
DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS BREAK SHARP
SURFACE FINISH: EDGES
TOLERANCES:
LINEAR:
ANGULAR:

NAME SIGNATURE DATE TITLE:

DRAWN

CHK'D
A APPV'D A
MFG
MATERIAL: DWG NO.

veg cutter frame

Q.A
A2

WEIGHT: SCALE:1:5 SHEET 1 OF 1

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model (b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.1: Frame of the Slicing Machine

4.2.2 Crank

A crank is an arm attached to a rotating shaft by which circular motion is

imparted to or received from the shaft. When combined with a connecting
rod, it can be used to convert circular motion into reciprocating motion, or
vice versa. The arm may be a bent portion of the shaft, or a separate arm
or disk attached to it. Attached to the end of the crank by a pivot is a rod,
usually called a connecting rod (conrod).

4.2.3 Connecting rod

A connecting rod, also called a con rod, is the part of a piston engine which
connects the Crank and the Sliding components. Together with the crank,
the connecting rod converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the
rotation of the crankshaft. The connecting rod is required to transmit the
compressive and tensile forces from the piston, and rotate at both ends.
10
 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F
14

20
E E

130

D D

0
13
C C

B B
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: FINISH: DEBURR AND
DO NOT SCALE DRAWING REVISION
DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS BREAK SHARP
SURFACE FINISH: EDGES
TOLERANCES:
LINEAR:
ANGULAR:

NAME SIGNATURE DATE TITLE:

DRAWN

CHK'D

APPV'D

A MFG A
MATERIAL: DWG NO.

crank
Q.A
A3

WEIGHT: SCALE:1:2 SHEET 1 OF 1

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model (b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.2: Crank of the slicing machine

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F

E E

8
D D
Front view

C 10
C

0
R1
135
B B

Vegetable cutting machine

Part Name: CONNECTING ROD
A
Top view All dimensions are in mm A

Scale: 1:1
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model

(b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.3: Connecting Rod of the slicing machine

4.2.4 Cutter post

Cutter holder is the device used to hold the cutter in position to cut the
vegetables. They are made up of design and materials depending on the
construction of the machine and the positioning of the tool, etc.

4.2.5 Slider Guideways

It is a component which is welded below the galvanized iron sheet bed of the
machine frame and it guides the slider to slide along it. Proper Lubrication
is provided to get smoother and noiseless operation.

4.2.6 Slider

It is the end part of the Slider crank mechanism which is reciprocated by

the combined action of crank and connecting rod. It slides along guideways.
11
 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F

130
110
5

8
18
E E
90

Sectional Front view A-A

D D

C C

A A

110

115
90
B B

Vegetable cutting machine

Top view Part Name: CUTTER POST

A All dimensions are in mm A

Scale: 1:1
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model

(b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.4: Cutter holder of the slicing machine

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F

15

25
30
20

E E

Front view

D 100 D

C C
250

210

B B

Vegetable cutting machine

Part Name: SLIDER GUIDEWAY
20

A
Top view All dimensions are in mm A

Scale: 1:1
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model

(b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.5: Guideways which guide the slider of the machine

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F

130
10

18

25

E 90 E
7

Sectional front view A-A

D D

15
C C
120
10

A A
90
0
R1

5
B B

Vegetable cutting machine

Top view Part Name: SLIDER

A All dimensions are in mm A

Scale: 1:1
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model

(b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.6: Sliding part of the slicing machine

4.2.7 Hopper

Hopper is a container which is fixed at the top of the stainless steel sheet
and perfectly aligned with the motion of the slider to ensure the vegetables
are feed to the cutter and all the vegetables are sliced.
12
 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F

E E

204
79.99

D D

4
Sectional front view A-A

15
110

C C

110
A A

B B

Vegetable cutting machine

Part Name: MACHINE FRAME
Top view
A All dimensions are in mm A

Scale: 1:1
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model

(b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.7: Hopper in which the vegetables are feed

4.2.8 Cutter

Cutting tool or cutter is any tool that is used to remove some material from
the work piece by means of shear deformation. Cutting may be accomplished
by single-point or multipoint tools. The cutter used in the machine has
sharpness in two sides so it is possible to cut the vegetables in forward stroke
and return stroke.

(a) Position of the Slider Crank Mechanism (b) Position of the Cutter

Figure 4.8: Assembled model of the Slicing Machine

4.3 Drawback in previous design

ˆ Since the hopper is in vertical structure, the whole weight of the vegetable
act on the top surface of the cutter. This causes the vegetable to roll inside
the hopper and leads to failure of the design
ˆ It also causes the bending of the cutter blade, as the vegetable weight
and human push effort involves
13
 Figure 4.9: Assembly of the 3-D Model

4.4 Changes in new design

ˆ Motor is placed in horizontal position instead of vertical position
ˆ Hopper is made to be fastened with machine frame base in horizontal
position
ˆ Slider guide ways are made of L-sections which are welded on the top of
the base and aligned with motion of the crank and connecting rod
ˆ Length of the cutter is increased in order to ensure it movement only
within the hopper entry hole

14
 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

M M

L L

202
K K

290
J 20 J

165
380
H H

420
G G

15
F F

E E

125

D D

240
C C

B B
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: FINISH: DEBURR AND
DO NOT SCALE DRAWING REVISION
DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS BREAK SHARP
SURFACE FINISH: EDGES
TOLERANCES:
LINEAR:
ANGULAR:

NAME SIGNATURE DATE TITLE:

DRAWN

CHK'D

APPV'D

MFG
A Q.A MATERIAL: DWG NO.
A
A1
hopper Assem1
WEIGHT: SCALE:1:5 SHEET 1 OF 1

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
4.5 Model - 2

4.5.1 Machine Frame

It is the main part of the Machine which is made up of Stainless steel channel
section columns and Stainless steel sheet. Motor and hopper arrangement are
placed at the top of the sheet whereas slider crank mechanism setup is fixed
below the sheet.

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

R5
0
H
285 H

106
G G

265

215
4
60
140

100
160
F F
410

450

E
front view side view E

270
D D

200
C 5 C

Project title: VEGETABLE SLICER

110
PART NAME: BASE
B B
SCALE: 1:1

DATE: 12-03-2021
top view
A
All dimensions are in mm A

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(b) Draft of the model

(a) 3-D Model

Figure 4.10: Frame of the machine

4.5.2 Hopper

Hopper is a container which is fixed at the top of the stainless steel sheet
and perfectly aligned with the motion of the slider to ensure the vegetables
are feed to the cutter and all the vegetables are sliced.

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

H H

0
R3
R35
78

G G
53

62
34
5

F F

140 110
Front view side view

E E

5
D D

C C

Project title: VEGETABLE SLICER

PART NAME: HOPPER
B B
SCALE: 1:1
top view
DATE: 12-03-2021

A
All dimensions are in mm A

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(b) Draft of the model

(a) 3-D Model

Figure 4.11: Hopper in which the vegetables are feed

16
4.5.3 Crank

A crank is an arm attached to a rotating shaft by which circular motion is

imparted to or received from the shaft. When combined with a connecting
rod, it can be used to convert circular motion into reciprocating motion, or
vice versa. The arm may be a bent portion of the shaft, or a separate arm
or disk attached to it. Attached to the end of the crank by a pivot is a rod,
usually called a connecting rod (conrod).
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10
H H

G G

120
17
F F

E E
Front view side view

D 14 D

10
C C

Project title: VEGETABLE SLICER

PART NAME: CRANK
B top view B
SCALE: 1:1

DATE: 12-03-2021

A
All dimensions are in mm A

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model (b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.12: Crank of the Slicing machine

4.5.4 Connecting rod

A connecting rod, also called a con rod, is the part of a piston engine which
connects the Crank and the Sliding components. Together with the crank,
the connecting rod converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the
rotation of the crankshaft. The connecting rod is required to transmit the
compressive and tensile forces from the piston, and rotate at both ends.
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

H
8
10

H
R8

16

G G
130
side view

F F
146

E E

top view

D D

C C

Project title: VEGETABLE SLICER

PART NAME: CONNECTING ROD
B B
SCALE: 1:1

DATE: 12-03-2021

A
All dimensions are in mm A

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model (b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.13: Connecting rod of the slicing machine

17
4.5.5 Slider

It is the end part of the Slider crank mechanism which is reciprocated by

the combined action of crank and connecting rod. It slides along guideways.
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

H H

10
G G

104
2.
R1

64.5

100
F 162 F

50
170
side view
E E
Front view

44
D D

11
8

39

50
146
C C

11
22.5 Project title: VEGETABLE SLICER
PART NAME: SLIDER
B
top view SCALE: 1:1
B

DATE: 12-03-2021

A
All dimensions are in mm A

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(a) 3-D Model (b) Draft of the model

Figure 4.14: Sliding component of the machine

4.5.6 Cutter

Cutting tool or cutter is any tool that is used to remove some material from
the work piece by means of shear deformation. Cutting may be accomplished
by single-point or multipoint tools. The cutter used in the machine has
sharpness in two sides so it is possible to cut the vegetables in forward stroke
and return stroke.
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
26

H H
5

2
98

90

G G

F 4 F

162

side view
E
Front view E

D D
40

C C

Project title: VEGETABLE SLICER

top view PART NAME: CUTTER

B B
SCALE: 1:1

DATE: 12-03-2021

A
All dimensions are in mm A

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

(b) Draft of the model

(a) 3-D Model

Figure 4.15: Cutter of the Slicing machine

4.5.7 Assembled model

All the individual components are assembled to make the complete assem-
bled model of the machine.The following images shows the assembled model
of the machine and the last image shows the mechanism of cutting process.
18
 Figure 4.16: Assembly of the new model

Figure 4.17: Exact model of the Product

Figure 4.18: Mechanism of cutting process

19
 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

H H

G G

137

265
F F
160
410
200
450
E E

20
D D

200
C C

Project title: VEGETABLE SLICER

PART NAME: Model 2
B B
140 SCALE: 1:1

DATE: 12-03-2021

A
All dimensions are in mm A

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Chapter 5

DYNAMIC AND FORCE ANALYSIS

This chapter involves drafting of the velocity diagram and acceleration di-
agrams which needs to be done accurately and to a suitable scale for slider
crank mechanism and the forces involved in the slider crank mechanism. The
velocity and acceleration diagrams are drawn using SOLIDWORKS software
rather than manual drafting because of highest accuracy can be obtained us-
ing software. Let us discuss about what is velocity diagram and acceleration.

5.1 Velocity diagram

An absolute velocity is the velocity of a point measured from a fixed point

(normally the ground or anything rigidly attached to the ground and not
moving). Relative velocity is the velocity of a point measured relative to
another that may itself be moving.

5.1.1 Tangential velocity

Consider a link A-B pinned at A and revolving about A at angular velocity

ω. Point B moves in a circle relative to point A but its velocity is always
tangential and hence at 90◦ to the link. A convenient method of denoting
this tangential velocity is (vB )A meaning the velocity of B relative to A. This
method is not always suitable.

21
5.1.2 Radial velocity

Consider a sliding link C that an slide on link AB. The direction can only
be radial relative to point A as shown. If the link AB rotates about A at the
same time then link C will have radial and tangential velocities.

Note that both the tangential and radial velocities are denoted the same so
the tags radial and tangential are added.

The sliding link has two relative velocities, the radial and tangential. They
are normal to each other and the true velovity relative to A is the vector sum
of both added as shown. Note that lower case letters are used on the vector
diagrams. The two vectors are denotes by c1 and c2 . The velocity of link C
relative to point A is the vector ac2 .

5.1.3 Crank, Connecting rod and Slider

Consider this slider crank mechanism again. Let’s freeze the motion (snap
shot) at the position shown in the figure given below. The diagram is called
space diagram.
22
Every point on every link has a velocity through space. First we label the
centre of rotation, often this is letter O. Point A can only move in a tangential
direction so the velocity of A relative to O is also its absolute velocity and the
vector is normal to the crank and it is designated (vA )O . (Note the rotation
is clockwise.)

Now suppose that you are sat at point A and everything moves relative to
you. Looking towards B, it would appear the B is rotating relative to you (in
reality it is you that is rotating) so it has a tangential velocity (vB )A . The
direction is not always obvious except that it is normal to the link. Consider
the fixed link OC. Since both points are fixed there is no velocity between
them so (vC )C .

Next consider that you at point C looking at point B. Point B is a slid-

ing link and will move in a straight line in the direction fixed by the slider
guides and this is velocity (vB )C . It follows that the velocity of B seen from
O is the same at that seen from C so (vB )C = (vB )O

The absolute velocity of B is (vB )C = (vB )O and this must be vector sum
of (vA )O and (vB )A and the three vectors must form a closed triangle as
shown. The velocity of the slider must be in the direction in which it
slides(conveniently horizontal here). This is velocity diagram.

23
5.1.4 Methodology

First calculate tangential velocity (vA )O from v = ω x radius = ω x OA.

Draw the vector o-a in the correct direction.

We know that the velocity of B relative to A is to be added so the next

vector ab starts at point a. At point a draw a line in the direction normal to
the connecting rod but of unknown length.

We know that velocity of B relative and absolute to O is horizontal so the

vector ob must start at a. Draw the horizontal line through point o to in-
tersect with the other line. This is point b. The vectors ab and ob may be
measured or calculated. Usually it is the velocity of the slider that is required.

In a design problem, this part would be evaluated for different positions of

the crank shaft and the velocity of the slider determined for each position.

5.2 Acceleration diagram

It is important to determine the acceleration of links because it can produces
interia forces in the link which stress the component parts of the mechanism.
Accelerations may be relative or absolute in the same way as described for
velocity. We shall consider two forms of acceleration, tangential and radial.
Centripetal acceleration is an example of radial.
5.2.1 Centripetal acceleration

A point rotating about a centre at radius R has a tangential velocity v

and angular velocity ω and it is continually accelerating towards the centre
even though it never moves any colser. This is centripetal acceleration and it
is caused by the constant change in the direction. It follows that the end of
any rotating link wil have a centripetal acceleration towards the opposite end.

The relevant equations are: v = ωR

The construction of the vector for radial acceleration causes confusion so

the rules must strictly followed. Consider the link AB. The velocity of B is
relative to A is tangential.

The centripetal acceleration of B relative to A is in a radial direction so

a suitable notation might be aR . It is calculated using aR = ω x AB.

24
 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F
VELOCITY AND ACCELERATION DIAGRAM FOR 60 DEGREE ROTATION WITH 100RPM F
SPEED OF MOTOR

Space diagram (1mm = 1mm)

A
E E
130

50
60
°
D D
O B

25
Velocity diagram Acceleration diagram
C C
(1mm = 0.01m/s) (1mm = 0.01m/s^2)
a 167.38
o1

1
52 b1
.36

29.1
B b o B
.71

55.05 147
56

.45

a1
A All dimensions are in mm A

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
5.3 Dynamic Analysis
The steps for dynamic analysis for four bar mechanism is same for slider
crank mechanism. The detailed steps are being described in the following
sections.

Velocity of slider
" #
sin 2θ
v = rω sin θ + p
2 n2 − sin2 θ

Acceleration of slider
 
cos 2θ
a = rω 2 cos θ +
n

r − radius of the crank

ω − angular velocity of the crank
θ − angle upto which the crank is rotated
n − length of connecting rod to radius of crank (l/r) ratio

Angular velocity of connecting rod

" #
cos θ
ωc = ω p
n2 − sin2 θ

Angular acceleration of connecting rod

n2 − 1
 
2
αc = −ω sin θ
(n2 − sin2 θ)3/2

5.4 Force analysis

Slider effort

For this machine, slider effort is obtained by considering only the interia
forces and neglecting the pressure force, weight of slider and reciprocating
parts and frictional force. Interia force is given by
 
cos 2θ
F = Fb = mrω 2 cos θ +
n

26
Thrust along connecting rod

It is the force acting along the connecting rod.

F
Fc =
cos β
Thrust on the sides of guideways

It is the force normal to the wall of the guideways.

Fn = F tan β

Crank effort

It is the force exterted on the crank pin as a result of the force on the slider.
Crank effort is the net effort(force) applied at the crankpin perpendicular to
the crank which gives the required turning moment on the crank.
F
Ft = sin(θ + β)
cos β
Thrust on the bearings

The component of Fc along the crank(in the radial direction) produces a

thrust on the crank bearings.
F
Fr = cos(θ + β)
cos β

Turning moment of Crank

F
T = Ft × r = cos(θ + β) × r
cos β

5.5 Model Calculation

Let us take the following data for calculation,

length of the connecting rod, l = 130 mm

radius of the crank, r = 50 mm
θ = 60◦
speed of the motor, N = 100 rpm
mass of the reciprocating parts, m = 140 g (cutter) + 200 g (slider) = 340 g

27
SOLUTION:
13
n=
5

2πN 2 × π × 100
ω= = = 10.47 rad/s
60 60
s 2
1p 2 1 13
cos β = n − sin2 θ = 13 − sin2 60◦ = 0.943
n 5
5

β = 19.438◦

Velocity of slider:
" #
sin 2θ
v = rω sin θ + p
2 n2 − sin2 θ

sin 120◦
 
= 0.05 × 10.47 sin 60◦ + (n2 is large compared to sin2 θ)
2 × 13
5

v = 0.5405 m/s
Acceleration of slider:
 
cos 2θ
a = rω 2 cos θ +
n

cos 120◦
 
= 0.05 × 10.472 cos 60◦ + 13
5

a = 1.687 m/s2
Inertia force:
F = M ass of reciprocating parts × Acceleration of slider

= 0.34 × 9.81 × 1.687

= 5.6268 N

28
Force along the connecting rod:
F 5.6268
Fc = =
cos β 0.943

= 5.9669 N
Force on the sides of the slider:
Fn = F tan β = 5.6268 × tan 19.438

= 1.9857 N
Crank effort
F
Ft = sin(θ + β)
cos β

5.6268 × sin(60◦ + 19.438◦ )

=
cos 19.438◦

= 5.8658 N
Thrust on the bearings
F
Fr = cos(θ + β)
cos β

5.6268 × cos(60◦ + 19.438◦ )

=
cos 19.438◦

= 1.0937 N
Turning moment of crank
T = Ft × r = 5.8658 × 0.05

= 293.29 N cm

29
30
Chapter 6

MODAL ANALYSIS

Modal analysis is the study of the dynamic properties of systems in the fre-
quency domain. Modal analysis is an important tool for understanding the
vibration characteristics of mechanical structures. It converts the vibration
signals of excitation and responses measured on a complex structure that is
difficult to perceive, into a set of modal parameters which can be straightfor-
ward to foresee.The mode shapes and natural frequencies, called the modal
parameters for short, of a structure can be predicted using mathematical
models known as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models. Boundary con-
ditions are applied that define how the structure is fixed to the ground or
supported, as well as the loads applied. Once the model is defined, a math-
ematical algorithm is applied and the mode shapes and natural frequencies
are computed. While the mathematics and physics that govern this subject
are not simple, the basic concept and application can be easily understood
through the examples and concepts discussed here.

6.1 Theoretical Analysis

The deflection of rectangular plate transversely loaded with a distributed
load with fixed edges is given by

αpb4
∆=
Et3
where

p − pressue loading in N/m2

b − smallest plate edge dimension in m
t − thickness of the rectangular plate in m
E − M odulus of Elasticity in GP a
α − constant that depends on a/b geometry of plate

31
Model calculation
Let us take the following data for calculation,
length of the plate, a = 450 mm
width of the plate, b = 200 mm
thickness of the plate, t = 2 mm

αpb4
∆=
Et3

0.45
× 34.3233 × 0.24
0.2
=
190 × 109 × 0.0023

2.25 × 34.3233 × 0.0016

=
190 × 109 × 0.0023

∆ = 8.1292 × 10−5 m

The natural frequency of the system will be given by

r r r
1 s 1 mg/∆ 1 g
fn = = =
2π m 2π m 2π ∆

r
1 9.81
fn =
2π 8.1292 × 10−5

1√
= 120676.08
2π

1
= × 347.3846
2π

fn = 55.28 Hz

6.2 Computer-Aided analysis

SOLIDWORKS Simulation is an easy-to-use portfolio of modal analysis
tools that use Finite Element Analysis to predict a product’s real world the
physical behavior by virtually testing CAD models. It provides linear, non-
linear static and dynamic analysis capabilities. The detailed procedure of how
the Modal analysis is done using Solidworks Simulation is discussed below.
32
Model information:

Study Properties:

Units

33
Material Properties:

Loads and Fixtures:

34
Mesh Information:

35
Study Results:

36
37
Tabulation:

38
Chapter 7

MATERIAL SELECTION AND

COST ESTIMATION

7.1 Motor
The motor used in the project is Orange Planetary Gear DC Motor
PGM45775-71.2K. This is a 12V DC planetary motor that has a gearbox
of 45 mm diameter. The planetary type gearbox of this motor has the 71.2:1
reduction ratio which produces 100 RPM with the torque value of around
294.3 N-cm. This motor has the weight of 0.85Kg and the shaft of 10mm in
diameter.

Figure 7.1: Orange Planetary Gear DC Motor PGM45775-71.2K

7.2 Hopper
Hopper is a container which is fixed at the top of the Stainless Steel sheet
and perfectly aligned with the motion of the slider to ensure the vegetables
are feed to the cutter and all the vegetables are sliced. Hopper is made up
of plastic material from 3D printing technology. The term ”3D printing”
can refer to a variety of processes in which material is deposited, joined or
solidified under computer control to create a three-dimensional object, with
material being added together (such as plastics, liquids or powder grains
39
being fused together), typically layer by layer. One of the key advantages of
3D printing is the ability to produce very complex shapes or geometries that
would be otherwise impossible to construct by hand, including hollow parts
or parts with internal truss structures to reduce weight.

Figure 7.2: 3-D printed Hopper of the machine

7.3 Slider Guideways

It is a component which is welded below the Stainless Steel sheet bed of the
machine frame and it guides the slider to slide along it. Proper Lubrication
is provided to get smoother and noiseless operation. For fabrication, we
prepared the guideways in two halves. Because the bed length of the 3-d
printing machine is less when compared with our required length of guideways.
After the printing process, holes are drilled in to parts for fixing with frame.

(a) Left side part (b) Right side part

Figure 7.3: 3-D printed Guide ways (Flat side)

40
 (a) Left side part (b) Right side part

Figure 7.4: 3-D printed Guide ways(Hopper side)

7.4 Slider and Cutter

Both the Slider and Cutter of the machine is 3-D printed with PLA plastic
material. In the Cutter, Holes are drilled and tapped to fix the blade in it.
For the material of Blade, Stainless steel is used. Blade is grinded to get
sharpness at two sides, holes are drilled and tapped and finally cutter and
blade is fixed with the fasterners. Extra projections of fasteners in cutter are
cut out and the surface of the blade is grinded to get smooth surface.

Figure 7.5: 3-D Printed Slider of the machine

Figure 7.6: 3-D Printed Cutter inserted in the Slider

41
7.5 Stainless Steel sheets and square pipe
The stainless steel sheet is used to mount all working components of the
machine. Holes are drilled to sheet so that the components are fastened.
In our project, sheet of 450mm X 200mm X 1.5mm is used. The stainless
steel square pipes are used to make the frame legs of the Slicing machine, in
which the Stainless steel sheets are welded to mount the motor and hopper
arrangement. In our project, square section of 20mm X 20mm X 2mm pipes
are used. The weight of one meter length pipe is 1.12kg.

Figure 7.7: Stainless steel sheet and pipes

7.6 Crank and Connecting rod

Crank is made up of thick Nylon plate which is machined upto 120mm diam-
eter and hole is drilled for connection with connecting rod. Connecting rod
is made up of thick mild steel strip.

7.7 Cost Estimation

42
Chapter 8

FABRICATION

Fabrication is the process of making something from semi-finished or raw

materials rather than from ready-made components. In other words, it is the
process of making something from scratch rather than assembling something.
Metal fabrication refers to the building of metal structures by assembling,
bending, and cutting processes. It is a value-added process that involves
creating machines, parts, and structures from raw materials. A value-added
process is one that adds value to a product and for which customers are
willing to pay. Fab shops bid on jobs, which are usually based on engineering
drawings. If they win the contract, it means they build the product. These
fab shops offer additional value to customers because they save money. For
example, they do not need to use lots of employees to find vendors of different
services.

8.1 Base Sturcture

Stainless steel pipes are cut and welded with the sheet to obtain the base
structure of the machine. A portion for vegetable to come out from sheet is
cut out using laser cutting operation.

Figure 8.1: Base Structure of the machine

43
8.2 Crank and Motor mounting

Figure 8.2: Crank and motor mounting

8.3 Fabricated machine

44
8.4 Fabricated machine with box

Figure 8.3: Fabricated machine with outer cover box

8.5 Complete product

Figure 8.4: Completed product which is ready for real life testing

45
8.6 Test Results

Our machine is tested with different kind of vegetables like potato, onion,
carrot, tomato, etc. Output images of sliced vegetables are shown below.

Trial-1

Trial-2

Figure 8.5: Test results of sliced vegetables

46
8.7 Output
Potato
length of the potato = 60 mm
diameter of the potato = 40 mm
expected time f or slicing = 13 seconds

Carrot
length of the potato = 70 mm
diameter of the potato = 25 mm
expected time f or slicing = 20 seconds

Onion
length of the potato = 30 mm
diameter of the potato = 40 mm
expected time f or slicing = 10 seconds

47
48
Chapter 9

CONCLUSION

We have learned how to collaboratively and actively manage an engineer-

ing related project starting from designing component until the fabrication
of the machine. Effective communication group member and project super-
visor helps us to finish our task within the time provided and improve our
communication skills.

In conclusion, the semi-automated multipurpose vegetable slicing machine

has met our objectives. This automated vegetable slicing machine is pur-
posely designed to performing slicing, grating and striping operation. Our
aim is to allow the user to cut a large amount of vegetable in a shorter time,
reduces the human force for food preparation and improves the safety features
of a vegetable slicing machine.

For slicing operation, the user is allowed to cut various types of vegetables,
fruits, etc., User just need to load the vegetables, fruits into the hopper once
the motor started to run and push the vegetables with the help of pusher.
This machine requires the user to change the cutting blade by taking it out
from slider to perform different operations.

Recommendation

We can reduce the weight of machine by changing the Stainless Steel section
of 20mm with the square section having dimension less than 20mm. And also
making the outer cover of box with Plasting materials instead of Alloy steel.

Furthermore, we eliminated the use of Programmable Logic Circuit (PLC)

module and advance programming software due to the budget constraint.
Our machine is designed mainly for the commercial usage. A fully automated
multipurpose vegetable slicing machine is more recommended for food and
beverage industries. Thus, our machine can be improved by using a PLC
module and programming software but this will increase the unit cost of each
device.
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 We also need to improve our safety features for our automated multi-purpose
vegetable slicing machine. Our machine can be improved by adding some ad-
ditional features.

Future Model

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