Abstract

This research work presents design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a vibratory tumbler for the purpose of cleaning jewelry in mass. A survey was carried out on local jewelry making techniques and voice of customer requirements in order to know what goldsmith desire in the machine. The result of the voice of customer survey (that is the frequency at which the customer select the important ratings) was used in the design of the vibratory tumbler. Conceptual design process was then initiated where a number of possible concepts were made and the best concept selected for detailed design. In the detailed design, design calculations were carried out, 2D and 3D model of the vibratory tumbler was produced using AUTOCAD software and appropriate materials selected for the fabrication of the machine. The vibratory tumbler components were then fabricated according to the specifications on the detailed design. Both the standard and non-standard components were then duly assembled. Performance evaluation carried out on the vibratory tumbler revealed that the rate of production of cleaned jewelries from fabricated vibratory tumbler is about 42 jewelries for every 30 minutes as compared to 5 to 20 jewelries cleaned per day’s work by a goldsmith, the cleaning efficiency is 84%. The vibratory tumbler occupies 126300mm2 of the floor space.

Key words: Jewelries,mass finishing operations,vibratory tumbler,Design, Fabrication,performance evaluation