FABRICATION OF GRASS CHOPPING MACHINE

Student: Ayodeji Hamzat Olaoye
Supervisor: Engr A S Imuran
HOD: Engr Samuel Olugbenga Ogundele
Department of MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Engineering
Federal Polytechnic, offa, Kwara State

Abstract

The fabrication of a grass-chopping machine for animal feed production involves a systematic assembly of mechanical components to ensure efficient cutting and processing of grass. This study focuses exclusively on the fabrication processes, detailing the selection of materials, machining techniques, and assembly procedures. The machine consists of a hopper, cutting blades, a rotor assembly, a transmission system, and a discharge chute. Mild steel was primarily used for structural components due to its strength and affordability, while high-carbon steel was employed for the blades to enhance durability and cutting efficiency. Fabrication involved precision cutting, welding, and drilling to assemble the frame, hopper, and blade housing. The rotor was machined and balanced to minimize vibrations during operation. The transmission system, comprising a pulley and belt mechanism, was aligned to ensure smooth power transfer from the electric motor to the cutting unit. Quality checks were performed at each stage to verify dimensional accuracy and structural integrity. The final prototype demonstrated effective grass-chopping capability, producing uniformly sized cuttings suitable for animal feed. This study highlights the importance of meticulous fabrication in achieving a functional and reliable machine, providing a reference for similar agro-processing equipment.

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