The Development of a Container Molding Machine from Sugarcane Residue Controlled by a PLC System

Abstract

Enhancing the value of sugarcane residue as a reusable material in plantations represents a viable strategy to mitigate the generation of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) resulting from the incineration of sugarcane residue. The objective of this research is to develop a container molding machine controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) system, designed with four molds for shaping trays intended for snacks, fruit, seedlings, and egg storage. The pulp composition derived from sugarcane residue encompasses paper fluff, sugarcane leaf fibers, and bagasse fibers in a ratio of 1:1:1, forming the basis for all four container types. Under standardized molding conditions, including 6-bar air pressure, a mold temperature of 140 degrees Celsius, a cylinder moving at a speed of 0.004 meters per second, and a 60-second mold dwell time, the resulting containers exhibit complete desired shapes within a 145-second timeframe. These containers possess a thickness ranging from 1.068 to 1.689 millimeters, moisture content of 6.08-6.62 percent, tensile strength of 77.31-96.38 Newtons per square centimeter, and pressure resistance between 137.52-147.63 Newtons per square centimeter. The prototype machine recouped its investment within 5 months and 21 days, with a cost of 1.98-2.02 baht per piece for utilizing the container molding machine. The research findings indicate the potential to stimulate demand for sugarcane residue throughout the entire supply chain, from upstream to downstream, thereby suggesting a prospective contribution to reducing the incineration of sugarcane residue in the future.