Development and Performance Analysis of an Automated Flat Blade Grinding Machine for Wood Processing and Plastic Recycling Industries

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Abstract

This study presents the design, development, and experimental validation of an automated flat blade grinding machine for the wood processing and plastic recycling industries in Ecuador. The machine was engineered following the VDI 2221/2222/2225 design methodology, integrating SolidWorks-based 3D modeling and ANSYS finite element analysis (FEA) to validate critical structural components. The selected configuration includes a Type 6 alumina grinding wheel (38A-60-K-VS), a mechanical clamping system, cutting fluid cooling, and a hardwired electromechanical control system that does not require a programmable logic controller (PLC). FEA results confirmed adequate safety factors (ηs > 16; ηf > 14) for the ACME 3/4–8 power screw under operational loads. Experimental testing on blade specimens (thickness: 3 mm; length: 70 mm; steel up to 60 HRC) demonstrated that four grinding passes at a 45° inclination angle reduced mean surface roughness (Ra) from 5.39 ± 1.83 µm (used blades) to 0.162 ± 0.092 µm, achieving values comparable to new blades (Ra = 0.601 ± 0.153 µm): a point-estimate reduction of 97% in mean Ra relative to the used-blade condition. The automated process reduced average grinding time by approximately 30% compared to manual methods, while maintaining noise levels within the 85 dB occupational exposure limit. Operator satisfaction surveys rated the system above 4.5/5.0 across all ergonomic and usability criteria. These results validate the proposed machine as a cost-effective, locally manufacturable solution to standardize blade maintenance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Latin America.

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