“Pneumatic paper cup forming machine” is a wonderful project topic for mechanical engineering students.
In a pneumatic system, energy is stored in a potential state in the form of compressed air. Working energy is produced in a pneumatic system when the compressed air is allowed to expand. So, in order to do work, a device is required which is able to supply an air tank with sufficient amount of air at a desired pressure. This device usually happens to be a positive displacement compressor.
Advantages of using a pneumatic machine:
1) Lower cost than Hydraulic Machines
2) Works on air which is freely available.
3) Compact when compared with Hydraulic Machines
4) Energy can be controlled relatively easily using valves.
The procedure for the development of the paper cup has been broken down into 5 stages
Stages of development:
1) Body Sealing
A Cup fan wall shaped sheet of paper should be first sealed so as to obtain a cone shape.
2) Bottom inserting
Round pieces which serve as the bottom of the cup is inserted into the cone and sealed
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3) Bottom knurling
Knurling of the excess portion of the cone is done
4) Rim Curling
Rim curling is done to make the cup end curled.
5) Dispensing
The finished cups are automatically discharged from machine.
Factors to be taken into account while designing the cup:
1) Bottom diameter
2) Top diameter
3) Height
4) Bottom knurling height
5) Side sealing width
Note:
For best results double PE coated paper is used in the development of cups. Since, in one side PU coated paper cups the paper becomes softened and the chances for the beverage to leak out are high.