Design, Fabrication and FEM Analysis of Multipurpose Cutting Machine for Agricultural Uses

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, employing over 60% of the population and contributing 8.4% to the GDP. However, traditional farming practices are labor-intensive, leading to delays and workforce shortages. To address these challenges, a multi-purpose agricultural cutting machine has been developed to enhance efficiency and productivity. Despite technological advancements, high costs and limited accessibility hinder the widespread adoption of automation in rural farming communities. A 3D model of the machine was designed using SolidWorks 2021, followed by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess stress distribution and deformation in critical components. The Finite Element Method (FEM) ensures the reliability of the machine by minimizing potential failures before implementation. Prioritizing simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness, this innovation provides small-scale farmers with a sustainable and efficient solution to modern agricultural challenges. This project focuses on three key automation processes: Sugarcane Seed Cutting, where a motor-driven gearbox transforms rotary motion into reciprocating motion for precise cutting; Groundnut Stripping, which employs a rotating shaft and cylinder to separate groundnuts from plants efficiently; and Straw Cutting, where rotating blades mounted on a circular ring finely chop straw using a belt-driven motor.