Design and Fabrication of a Portable Material Handling Trolley With Ergonomic Features
The increasing demand for efficiency and worker safety in industrial and commercial environments has necessitated the development of innovative solutions for material handling tasks. This project, titled "Design and Fabrication of a Portable Material Handling Trolley with Ergonomic Features," aims to address both the physical strain and operational inefficiencies associated with traditional material handling methods. The focus of this study is the design and construction of a portable trolley that integrates ergonomic principles to optimize both user comfort and the ease of handling materials across diverse workspaces.
The proposed material handling trolley is designed with key ergonomic considerations such as adjustable handle height, smooth mobility, and a balanced load distribution system. The integration of lightweight yet durable materials ensures ease of transportation while maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, the design incorporates features like shock-absorbing wheels, anti-slip grips, and a user-friendly mechanism for adjusting load height, which collectively contribute to reducing operator fatigue, minimizing the risk of injury, and enhancing overall productivity.
Through the application of modern design software for prototyping and finite element analysis (FEA) for structural optimization, this project evaluates the efficiency, safety, and practicality of the developed trolley in a real-world environment. The fabrication process involves the use of advanced manufacturing techniques, including CNC machining, welding, and assembly, ensuring precision and reliability.
The results of this study offer significant contributions to both the material handling industry and ergonomic design research, demonstrating that the combination of portable functionality and ergonomic principles can enhance operational workflows and improve worker well-being. The successful design and implementation of the portable material handling trolley presents a scalable solution for industries ranging from warehousing and logistics to manufacturing and healthcare, where efficient and safe material transport is a critical factor in overall operational performance.
Experimental Investigation on Tensile Strength of Carbon Fiber Material by Fused Deposition Modeling
The rapid advancement of additive manufacturing technologies has spurred significant research into the potential applications of advanced composite materials in 3D printing. This project, titled "Experimental Investigation on Tensile Strength of Carbon Fiber Material by Fused Deposition Modeling," focuses on evaluating the mechanical properties, specifically the tensile strength, of carbon fiber-reinforced filaments used in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing. Carbon fiber composites are increasingly recognized for their superior strength-to-weight ratio, making them highly desirable for high-performance applications in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. However, understanding the effect of various printing parameters on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber materials in FDM is still an emerging area of study.
In this experimental investigation, carbon fiber-reinforced filament is utilized in an FDM 3D printer to fabricate test specimens. The study systematically investigates the influence of key process parameters such as printing temperature, layer height, print speed, and infill density on the tensile strength of the resulting printed parts. Tensile testing is performed using a universal testing machine to determine the ultimate tensile strength, elongation at break, and other critical material properties under controlled loading conditions.
Additionally, the study examines the impact of fiber orientation and the effects of printing defects, such as porosity and layer bonding, on the overall tensile performance of the composite material. The results are analyzed to provide insights into the optimization of FDM parameters for enhanced material performance. The findings aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of how to harness the full potential of carbon fiber composites in 3D printing applications, bridging the gap between theoretical material properties and practical manufacturing constraints.
This research provides valuable data for engineers and manufacturers looking to utilize carbon fiber-reinforced filaments in FDM for structural applications, offering practical recommendations for optimizing print settings to achieve desired tensile properties. By advancing the understanding of carbon fiber material behavior in 3D printing, this study supports the continued integration of additive manufacturing in high-performance industries where material strength and reliability are paramount.