The Development Of A Long Fries Production Machine And Its Suitability

Abstract

This study presents the development and evaluation of a semi-automatic long French fries production machine driven by a pneumatic system. The machine was designed to address ergonomic limitations, inefficiencies, and inconsistent output commonly observed in traditional manual extrusion methods. By replacing manual pressing with a pneumatic cylinder powered by a 30L oil-free air compressor, the machine significantly reduces physical effort, improves output uniformity, and enhances user comfort. Time cycle analysis demonstrated a 22.5% reduction in production time compared to manual operation, while structural simulation using Autodesk Inventor 2024 confirmed the mechanical reliability of the frame design. Informal user evaluations during teaching sessions also indicated improvements in operational ease, ergonomic posture, and maintenance accessibility. This innovation not only supports local SMEs with a practical and inclusive food processing solution but also serves as an effective educational tool for students studying pneumatic systems and machine design.