ABSTRACT

This project report is based on the topic design and realization of  the workstation assembly of a pillar drilling machine. In the department of Mechanical and Industrial engineering in the National Higher polytechnic Institute, manufacturing processes is one main part of the studies carried out. Some of this processes include drilling, tapping and boring, which require the use of a pillar drilling machine, which the department doesn’t have. This design will be used to ensure and enhance the stability, safety and efficiency of the pillar drilling machine, while providing hands on desk experience for students during the teaching learning process. The overall objective of this study was to design and realize the workstation assembly of a pillar drilling machine that will enable students of the National Higher Polytechnic Institute carryout practical drilling operations in the workshop, safely and efficiently. . The methodology involved the conceptual design and analysis on the different parts of the workstation assembly (pillar, table and base). This design analysis included considerations such as material selection, load and stress analysis. Detailed solid works models for each part were also designed, followed by the realization process using molding and machining to obtain the final products. Key results included, efficient load bearing capacity at the specified maximum drilling force and operator safety as aids for fastening pieces during drilling were provided. The workstation assembly had a height of 50cm, which is relatively low for and average human and prolonged used could result in some health disorders, hence recommendations such as bigger and taller assemblies can be designed to ease operation

Key words; Design, Realization, workstation assembly, pillar drilling machine

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1              Brief background of the Study

In the world of industrial machinery, efficiency, precision and reliability are of outmost importance.The pillar drilling machine, an essential tool in industrial manufacturing processes, stands out in numerous manufacturing and fabrication processes, facilitating the creation of precise holes with consistency and accuracy. It has undergone significant advancements in design and functionality over the years. This evolution has been driven by the increasing demands for precision, efficiency and versatility in machining operations (Sullivan, 2018).

Central to the functionality of this machine is its workstation assembly, comprising of the pillar, base and drilling table, which collectively form the foundation for operation. Traditionally, the workstation assembly of the pillar drilling machine, consisting of the three mentioned parts play a central role in providing stability and support during drilling operations (Dhote et al, 2019).

1.2 Statement of the Problem and Rationale         

In the department of mechanical and industrial engineering of the National Higher Polytechnic Institute Bamenda, there is a need for a pillar drilling machine to help the students of the department carryout drilling operations in the workshop. The safety and efficiency of the pillar drilling machine to be used for the teaching learning process is of outmost importance and depends greatly upon the workstation assembly. Therefore, there is a need to address and ensure a workstation assembly is designed that will ensure safety of students while carrying out drilling operations on the pillar drilling machine.

1.3 Research Questions

To solve the above-mentioned problem, the main research question and specific research questions were asked.                                   

1.3.1 Main Research Question

The main research question was;

How can the workstation assembly of a pillar drilling machine that is capable of drilling holes on metals, wood, composites, in the workshop to facilitate practical in the National Higher Polytechnic Institute while ensuring safety be designed and realized?

1.3.2 Specific Research Question

The specific research questions were;

1. How can the workstation assembly of a pillar drilling machine be designed?
2. How can the workstation assembly of pillar drilling machine be realized?
3. How will the workstation assembly of pillar drilling machine be tested?

1.4 Objectives

1.4.1   Overall Objective

The overall objective of this study was to design and realize the workstation assembly of a pillar drilling machine that will enable students of the National Higher Polytechnic Institute carryout practical drilling operations in the workshop, safely and efficiently.

Specific Objectives

The specific objectives included:

1. To design the workstation assembly of a pillar drilling machine that can be used to drill holes and ensure safety of students while carrying out operations.
2. To realize the workstation assembly of a pillar drilling machine that is capable of carrying out drilling operations, and providing support and safety.
3. To test and know the efficiency of the workstation assembly of a pillar drilling machine on different materials.