DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A MOTORIZED GRAIN CRUSHER

This project focuses on the design, fabrication, and evaluation of an electrically powered grain crusher for small-scale farmers and rural communities. The primary aim is to develop an efficient, durable, and affordable machine capable of crushing dried maize grains into smaller particle sizes suitable for food processing and livestock feed production. The objectives include improving crushing efficiency, reducing manual labour, and promoting the use of locally developed technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and support rural development. The machine is powered by an electric motor that transmits motion to the crushing chamber through a belt and pulley system. Engineering design calculations were conducted to determine key parameters such as motor power, shaft diameter, pulley ratio, and crushing force required for effective operation. Locally sourced materials were used in the fabrication process to reduce cost and ensure ease of maintenance. The design and construction followed standard engineering principles to achieve structural stability, operational safety, and reliable performance. The performance results showed that the grain crusher achieved a throughput capacity of approximately 15 kg/h with a crushing efficiency of about 92%. Sieve analysis revealed that the crushed output consisted predominantly of particle sizes in the range of 0.71 mm to 1.40 mm, making it suitable for food processing and livestock feed preparation. The machine effectively crushed dry maize grains and is adaptable for processing similar dry grains such as sorghum and millet. The crusher operated smoothly with minimal vibration and reduced processing time compared to manual methods, demonstrating that it is a practical, affordable, and reliable solution for small-scale grain processing in rural communities