OPTIMUM DESIGN OF A PARA RUBBER-TAPPING MACHINE

Abstract

Generally, rubber tapping requires many workers working in the field, and tapping processes rely on experts who have ability and experience to get a large amount of latex and do not damage the rubber tree surface. Nowadays, technology and tools have been developed and applied in rubber tapping processes, such as automatic rubber tapping machines, but it consumes high budget to invest and likely to be lost as well. For these reasons, rubber field owners continue to use a traditional method by using manual workers to tap rubber. In this research, there is a conceptual design to create equipment helping farmers for rubber tapping that can reduce tapping time and does not need very skilled workers. The design guidelines will focus on easy installing and using. It has low production costs, no complicated mechanisms, and easy maintenance, therefore, it would greatly optimize in practical use. The rubber tapping machine is made of metal designed to have three main components which are 1. the rubber tree attachment, 2. the device bracket, and 3. the rubber tapping system (including tapping rails). The procedures start from placing the rubber tapping knife used into the tapping machine (part 3), hold the handle of the knife and drag the knife along the cutting rail installed on the rubber tree. It will help the workers work faster with precise depth, long slit, and angle. From the test results obtained from the traditional rubber tapping using a normal tapping knife compared with the rubber tapping device, it is obviously found that using assistive devices can reduce the time in incisions by 65-80%, get precise incisor, notch length, and correct incline angle. Besides, it is also reasonable price, and it can be used for a long time. © School of Engineering, Taylor's University.