Abstract

The design and construction of a prototype rock crushing machine was performed this is with a view to ensuring that the designed crusher is capable of crushing rocks, lime stone and solid minerals for indigenous use. The research work was tailored mainly on the design and production of locally fabricated rock crushing machine for indigenous use. To accomplish the entire work within the scope of time therefore necessary parameters were considered, the following activities were also performed according to the procedures discussed in the research work. Available crushing machines in mines were studied to ascertain their associated prospects, challenges and problems. Extensive research was carried out using existing data and information-based literature survey that was used. Detailed design analysis was performed with a view to catering for all the identified challenges. A prototype was constructed to evaluate the design analysis carried out. Rock crushing machines are highly essential in the mineral processing and extractives industries. The few machines in use today in most industries are imported, thus raising the cost of production and depleting foreign exchange earnings. Locally designed rock crushing machines have lot of benefits which translate to job creation, revenue generation and wealth creation. This provides amble opportunities for Government, stakeholders, corporate bodies and individual alike to own such machine since they are affordable since they are manufactured locally which signifies that such machines could be attended to easily by the manufacturer in case of any failure or malfunctioning. It reduces importation, thus fighting the depleting foreign exchange earnings.

Keywords: Design; Construction; Rock machine; Indigenous and use