Performance Evaluation of Locally Fabricated Slipping Machine for Natural Rubber Wood Processing

Abstract

This research work evaluated the performance of the machine with respect to its purpose i.e. rubber wood processing and the scope of study was on transmission members (the electric motor, transmission belt, pulleys, saw blade and the shaft). The machine is made up of the following; the stand that made of angular iron bar of dimension 760mm by 860mm, the machine table measured 1200mm by 390mm made of plank and framed with angular bar. A sliding table capable of both transverse and longitudinal movement through a roller and screw lift respectively, the sliding table accommodates the following fixtures viz: electric motor, driving and driven pulleys of diameter 76mm and 67mm respectively, the shaft (45mm) that transmits motion to the blade holder that rotates the saw blades, Protective guide and transmission belt. Another important fixture/member of the slipping machine is a screw lift (an assembly of bevel gears, screwed bolt, and screwed nut). The sizes of saw blades available are 240mm, 220mm and 190mm diameter. The machine was evaluated and was able to cut rubber woods to the following sizes:

• RSKD-Rough Sawn kiln Dried Timber, 150mm width, 2400mm length, and thickness range from 25-75mm.
• FJS4S-Finger Jointed Four Side Planed Sections, 30-100mm width, 20-65mm thickness, length up to 2400mm/depend on specification.
• Other sizes on specific requirement.

Keywords: [Rubber wood, slipping, performance, RSKD, FJS4S]