This paper considers the design
and development of a beverage drink aluminum can crushing machine. The design
process considers the forces and ergonomic factors for the comfort of the end
users. The machine works on only aluminum cans. Some selected aluminum can
samples such as Amstel malt can, Bullet energy drink, Star beer and Environ
health drink cans were used to evaluate the performance of the machine. Results
obtained showed that Star beer can with length 114mm and diameter 65 mm was
reduced in volume by 63.6%, Amstel malt can with length 114 mm and diameter 65 mm
was reduced in volume by 64.5%, Bullet energy drink can with length 132 mm and
diameter 50 mm was reduced by 68.3 % and Environ health drink can with length
132 mm and diameter 50 mm was reduced in volume by 68.6 %. The machine has the capacity of crushing sample cans three times
their original size in a container. Bullet and environ cans were found to have
the highest number of crushed cans in a container when compared with Amstel and
star cans. The
machine efficiency was calculated using the average percentage reduction in
volumes of samples, and was found to be 66.24%. The machine can be said to be
efficient in crushing all beverage food drink cans within the dimensions of 132
– 114 mm length and 65 – 50 mm diameter. Prospects for future works as well as
suggestions for improved aesthetics design are also provided.
