Semi-automatic Machine for Producing Areca Nut Leaf Sheath Food Packaging

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) develop a semi-automatic food packaging machine using areca nut leaf sheath, (2) evaluate the efficiency of the semi-automatic areca nut leaf sheath food packaging machine, and (3) study user satisfaction with the machine. The development process involved modifying the mold set, control system, and areca nut leaf sheath feeding mechanism. The machine's performance was tested at the Rubber Planters' Occupational Promotion Community Enterprise in Tha Utae Sub-district, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province. The research tools included data recording forms and satisfaction questionnaires. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The research findings indicate that 1) the improvement of the semi-automatic areca nut leaf sheath food packaging machine involves designing a deeper and more rounded cup-shaped mold, adding two heating control units for independently operating a rectangular plate mold and a cup-shaped mold, and enhancing the areca nut leaf sheath feeding system by increasing the compression force and adding a speed control unit. The system uses hydraulic power with a single press head and a control unit capable of working with both mold types, i.e., the rectangular plate mold (7×6 inches, 1 inch deep) and the cup-shaped mold (6 inches in diameter, 2 inches deep, and 3 inches wide at the base). 2) The semi-automatic machine has a production capacity of 60 pieces per hour with an energy consumption rate of 12 Baht per hour. And 3) the users’ satisfaction with the semi-automatic areca nut leaf sheath food packaging machine was rated at the highest level.