DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTO-TYPE CERAMIC MANUAL KICK WHEEL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CERAMIC WARES

Abstract

The design and development of a proto-type ceramic manual kick-wheel for the production of ceramic wares is the focus of this investigation. The problem of this study was how to improve on the manual kick-wheel usually characterized by wobbling as often prevalent among the locally produced ones. The general objective of this study was to develop a simple, easy to operate, maintain and above all cheaper to produce for cottage ceramic industries and for effective classroom teaching and learning where ceramics are being taught. To this effect, specific design standard, design considerations, design theories and calculations were generated and carried out. Initial design on paper was made as a working guide and was later developed using computer-Aided Design (CAD). The concern of the study was also to explore the possibility of using metal scraps from the junk yards for cost reduction and converting possible waste to wealth for the designing and fabricating a proto-type ceramic manual kick-wheel. For effective result achievement, material selections ranging from mild still, iron pipe, metal shaft, bearings, angle iron, cast aluminum disk, and so on were sourced for. Metal beneficiation was carried out for a rust free certification and spraying method was adopted using auto-car paint. The flywheel weight was a determinant factor for the high power rotation for effective clay centering and pulling resulting in less stress and convenience during operation. Raw materials such as Kaolin and Secondary Clays were also sourced for and beneficiated. Plywood was sourced for and used for the casting of moulds using Plaster of Paris (POP). The moulds were used for clay storage after its beneficiation and other treatments. From the result of the ceramic wares produced on the designed machine, it was established that the kick-wheel machine performed excellently well without wobbling, all the works thrown on the design machine were beautiful.