Design and Fabrication of Twisted Potato Crisps Maker

Abstract

Abstract: The paper describes the design and fabrication of twisted potato crisps maker. A twisted potato crisps maker is described herein comprising a base support having a first end and a second end for providing guided linear longitudinal motion along the base, longitudinal stud connecting to handle to manually rotate the stud, having a thread pitch of 13 triangular threads per inch, cutting blade which was made perpendicular to potato rotational axis and had a hole through which guide pin extended to provide support for potato, clipper, guide pin, nuts, support legs and framework. The combination of rotary and longitudinal motion produced by handle resulted in slicing of potato. This manually operated machine was designed to cut whole raw potatoes into consistent twisted crisps of thickness 2.0 mm approximately, suitable for frying as potato chips. The capacity of machine was 9.6 kg of potato per hour, and product loss was around 4.1%. Locally and easily available materials like cast iron, mild steel and stainless steel were used for the fabrication. This machine allows in its simplicity of design and modest cost with the ability to generate thin uniform slices utilizing approximately 95% of the potatoes. Keywords: Crisps, Design, Fabrication, Potato.