Browsing by Author "Benedict.N Ugwu"

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    IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY IN FEED MIXING MACHINE MANUFACTURING IN NIGERIA
    (2015-09-10) Rufus Ogbuka Chime; Samuel I.Ukwuaba; Benedict.N Ugwu; Abdulrahim Abdulbaqi Toyin; Anthony Igwe; Benjamin Ibe Chukwu
    The idea of mixing various feed materials such as grains, feed supplements and other animal feeds to produce a homogenous mix ready for dispensing for animal consumption had being part of man’s activities since the creation of man. This has always been done using crude method such as hands, sticks etc. in this recent time, the advancement in technology has brought about the use of machines to perform the same function much faster, accurate and less energy consuming. It is for this purpose that the feed mixing machine has been designed. The scope of this project are to design a small feed fixing machine, to model and simulate the machine before production, to fabricate component of feed mixing machine based on design specifications and to test the machine after fabrication , while in designing and in material selection consideration was given to the tech-economic status of the micro scale industries who are intended users of the machine. Feed mixing machines are used in feed mills for the mixing of feed ingredients. The machine plays a vital role in the feed production process, with efficient mixing being key to good feed production. If feed is not mixed properly, ingredients and nutrients will not be properly distributed within a précised time. This means that the feed will not have even nutritional benefit would be bad for the birds that are feeding on the feed. Feed mixing machine comprises of a frame structure, the mixing chamber (a cylinder and cone structure) where other components such as electric motor, shaft and hopper are mounted on. The mixing of feed to form a uniform ration is a regular need on large stock poultry purposes. The mixing is performed by a vertical shaft which revolves continuously in a cylindrical cone suspended by an iron bar. The relative motion of the shaft about the frame (body) is achieved by the use of knuckle bearing. Mixing is done in the mixing chamber. The mixer is constructed to take a capacity of 30kg, but the excess capacity of 40kg was provided to take care of overloading .this machine was powered by 3hp power motor. Product Lifecycle manufacturing (PLM) is redefining the use of information throughout the product lifecycle and specifically, as discussed here, in the manufacturing phase of the product’s lifecycle. Product manufacturers need to consider manufacturing two products: the physical products that they have always produced and the virtual product that is the information about the physical product. This virtual product can provide manufacturers with a new source of value. After thoroughly researching, designing and experimenting with soft ware’s final machine was developed optimizing the process, the product time was successfully reduced from several hours to 5 minute. All other engineering and customer design requirement were met, through the success of the design