PROJECT PROPOSAL

1. Major Area: Agritech and food technology.

2. Problem Statement (No:9): How might we implement semi-automation for the raw cutting process in
cashew processing to reduce dependency, increase efficiency, and enhance overall productivity in the
cashew industry?

3. Total cost :
NAME OF THE COMPONENTS PRICE (Rs.)
Pneumatic actuators 3500
Hinges 1000
Materials for body and process 3800
Safety sensors/Electronic control units 2000
CNC machining 1500
Wiring, Nuts & bolts, shaft, bearings 1800
Total Cost Rs 13,600/- (Approx.)
4. College Code & College Name : 9176 & Alagappa Chettiar Government College Of

Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi – 630003.

5. Guide Name, Designation, Mobile No & Email Id :

Guide Name: Prof C. Sathishkumar

Designation: Assistant professor, Mechanical Engineering

Mobile No : 8220785518

Email Id : sathishkumarcsk94@gmail.com

6. Student team details:

SI. Student Reg Name of the Branch Mobile No Email Id

no. student
No.
1 2012006 Aranganathan.P Mechanical 6282103124 p.aranganathan.india@gmail.com
Engineering
2 2012029 Hariharan.P Mechanical 7639389693 2002phariharan@gmail.com
Engineering
3 2012048 Lakshmanan.G Mechanical 8072074849 lakshgr03@gmail.com
Engineering
4 1912061 Nambusakthi.N Mechanical 9600957908 nambusakthi10@gmail.com
Engineering

1
7. Project Summary:

In small-scale industries, the need for a semi-automatic cashew nut cutting machine is becoming
increasingly apparent. This idea proposal can be a significant catalyst for change, offering numerous benefits.
Firstly, it can dramatically increase the production rate. By automating the labour-intensive process of cashew
nut cutting, more nuts can be processed in a shorter amount of time. This leads to a higher output, which can
directly translate into increased profits.

While fully automatic machines also offer these advantages, they come with a high initial cost, which
can be a deterrent for small-scale industries. In contrast, semi-automatic machines provide a more affordable
alternative. They offer many of the benefits of full automation without the hefty price tag, making them a
more economically viable option for small-scale industries.

Furthermore, semi-automatic machines offer greater flexibility. They can be easily adjusted to
accommodate different sizes of cashew nuts, ensuring optimal performance regardless of the batch’s
characteristics. This adaptability is particularly beneficial in small-scale industries, where the nature of the raw
materials can vary significantly.
8. Proposed solution and methodology:

This block diagram shows the main components and working methodology of the machine

Roasted cashew is Pneumatic Now the Blade

manually placed in actuates with a component goes
the ‘U’ shaped linear motion up and down
surface on the bed

Now the cashew is

Repeat the shelled out by push
process out mechanism just
above the ‘U’
shaped bed.
Working:
First the cashew is being harvested at right season and the cashew fruit and nut is being separated, the
fruit is being processed and is used to manufacture 30% - 40% alcohol and the nut is being dried out
in the sun for about two to three days or by external heating techniques like air heater which will speed
up the de-moisturizing process and thus will increases the production rate.
A semi-automatic cashew nut cutting machine is a sophisticated piece of equipment that combines
mechanical and electronic components to streamline the process of cashew nut cutting. The key
components of this machine include a linear pneumatic actuator, an control unit ,a blade for cutting
the nut shell, wiring, an air compressor, and safety sensors.
The process begins with the cashew nuts being manually fed into the machine. Once the nuts are in place,
the control unit, which serves as the brain of the machine, initiates the operation. It controls the timing,
force, and sequence of the cutting process to ensure precision and efficiency.

2
 The linear pneumatic actuator, powered by the air compressor, is responsible for the movement of the
cutting blade. The air compressor generates pressurized air, which drives the linear pneumatic actuator.
This actuator moves in a straight line, positioning the blade accurately over the cashew nut.
The blade, attached to the actuator, is then driven down onto the cashew nut which is present in the ‘U’
craved in the bed. The rupture force and speed of the blade’s movement are controlled by the control
unit to ensure a clean and precise cut. The blade cuts through the shell of the cashew nut without
damaging the kernel inside, maintaining the quality of the end product.
The wiring in the machine connects all these components, enabling communication between them. It
carries signals from the control unit to the actuator and the air compressor, coordinating their actions. It
also provides power to the various components, ensuring they function correctly.
Safety sensors are an integral part of the machine. They monitor the operation and immediately halt the
process if they detect any anomalies or potential hazards. This could be anything from a misaligned nut
to a malfunction in the actuator. These sensors ensure the safety of the operator and prevent damage to
the machine.
Once the cutting process is complete, the cut nuts are removed from the machine by a special push out
mechanism which is an extra layer on the ‘U’ craved section present in the bed and the cycle repeats.

9. Work plan / time schedule indicating the project mile stone:

Process Duration

Design, modelling and components purchasing and 3 Weeks

machining
Fabrication and Assembly 2 Weeks

Testing and Refinement 2 Weeks

Total time Expected 7 Weeks

10. Plan of action of implications:

PHASE I: Concept development

Researching articles, study existing projects. Mechanism.

PHASE II: Design and Requirements

To design calculations for rupture forces required for the nut shell, sharpness of the blade,
pneumatic power required

Selection of hinges, material selection, tooling process

To do 2D and 3D modelling of the project which is ergonomically and aesthetically good after
calculations.

3
 PHASE III: Procurements and Manufacturing

To purchase components such as sensors, pneumatic components, materials, etc.., Then, the
fabrication and assembly of the machine has to be done.

PHASE IV: Testing and Refinement

To check the performance of the machine and to evaluate the results to do the further
refinement.

11. List of facilities available in the college to develop the prototype of the project :

a. Bench grinding machine

b. Lathe machine

c. CNC machine

d. Foundry kits

12. Nature of the Industry support for the project: production, manufacturing, design industry expert

13. Details of Financial assistance required:

Major components of this project are bed which metal bed which U shaped craved out to place
the cashew which will cost around 1400/- to Rs1800/- and linear pneumatic system for linear
actuations with capacity of 1000 N force which depends on the moisture content in the nut For
purchasing materials like iron metal, components such as sensors, tooling and machining process and
fabrication process requires adequate amount of money which is mentioned in the total cost table.

14. Expected outcomes / results:

The expected outcome is to develop a semi-automated multiple cashew cutting machine that
deliberately cuts the roasted cashew into half or as a whole nut, with minimum human labour and
high productivity and effectively.

ROUGH MODEL

4
FRONT VIEW

SIDE VIEW

TOP VIEW