DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SEMI-MOTORIZED BROOM-MAKING MACHINE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This project presents the design, development, and fabrication of a motorized broom-making machine aimed at improving the efficiency and productivity of traditional broom production in Nigeria. Manual broom production is slow, labor-intensive, and inconsistent in quality, which limits the ability of small-scale producers to meet rising market demand. The developed machine integrates two key subsystems: a peeling unit with counter-rotating rollers to strip palm fronds, a bundling/binding unit to align and compress the broomsticks, and to bind the bundles securely using twine. The machine was constructed using locally available materials, with major components including shafts, pulleys, bearings, a belt drive, a steel frame, and an electric motor as the power source. Performance evaluation revealed that the machine achieved a peeling rate and binding rate of 6183.47 broom sticks/h. and 193.22 bundles/h or 77.288 kg/h respectively. With a production capacity of 280 bundles of ₦300 broom in a day the machine can yield ₦2,184,000 per month. The trials confirmed reduced fatigue, minimized risks of cuts and injuries, and improved ease of operation of the machine. The successful implementation of this machine demonstrates its potential to enhance productivity, reduce labor costs, and support small-scale local industries in Nigeria.
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