Design and Development of the Semi-Automatic Banana Stick Production Machine for Community Enterprises

Abstract

          Objectives: This research aimed to study and design a semi-automatic banana stick production machine suitable for community enterprises. The primary objectives were to enhance production efficiency, reduce labor costs, and promote income generation within the community. 

          Method: The development of the semi-automatic banana stick production machine began with designing its operating system, which comprised three main processes: banana mashing, mixing, and bar forming. In the first process, the banana mashing unit was designed to handle up to 25 kilograms of bananas per cycle, ensuring an adequate capacity for community-level production. The second process involved a mixing unit to add ingredients based on a specified ratio and ensure thorough blending before transferring the mixture to the bar-forming unit. The bar-forming unit utilized a screw extrusion mechanism, enabling continuous production of banana bars. It was equipped with a cutting blade mechanism that allowed the bars’ length to be adjusted between 10 and 15 centimeters. Additionally, a conveyor system was implemented to transfer the cut banana bars to a receiving tray, where they were arranged for subsequent drying.   

          Results: The semi-automatic banana stick production machine demonstrated a production capacity of at least 12.5 kilograms per hour, or approximately 100 kilograms per day, with only two workers required. The operation was divided into four cycles per day (two hours per cycle), each processing 25 kilograms of pre-mixed banana mash. The amount of banana mash that could not be extruded into bars was minimal at only 0.11 kilograms, resulting in a machine efficiency of 98.26%. Moreover, the machine was estimated to generate additional income of approximately 200,000 THB per year. With a machine cost of 320,000 THB, the payback period was approximately 1.6 years.