2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Affordable and Localized Plastic Sheet Press Machine for Sustainable Manufacturing

Presented at Advancements in Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

A sheet press that recycles plastics not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers economic, social, and regulatory benefits. Embracing recycling technologies in the manufacturing industry is crucial for a more sustainable and responsible approach to production. This project aims to develop an efficient and cost-effective plastic sheet press machine, utilizing exclusively American local manufacturers. The main purpose is to address the need for affordable sheet pressing technology while promoting small companies in the manufacturing industry.

The developed plastic sheet press machine demonstrated robust performance, effectively pressing plastic sheets into desired forms. Through collaboration with local manufacturers, the cost of production was significantly reduced, making the technology economically viable for a wider range of applications. The machine exhibited consistent and reliable results in various operational conditions, validating its practicality and usability. Furthermore, the product offers a cost-effective solution for businesses and manufacturers and contributes to economic growth and sustainability, establishing a foundation for future advancements in sheet pressing technology.

Authors

Kenny Dwight Harris Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology [biography]

My Name is Kenny Harris, there are several things to know about myself, being a senior mechatronic engineering student at Vaughn College of aeronautics and technology. However, here are three important items related to myself: I am an eight-year Marine Corps veteran and an immigrant hailing from the island of Jamaica; finally, and most importantly, I make it a duty to participate in engineering related activities such as clubs, conferences and currently serve as a senator of the National Society of Black Engineers at the college. I am always striving for excellence and love to solve problems that are thrown in my direction. It has forever been my motto that: “no idle life can build a true man.”
Mr. Mahin Rajon Bhuyan Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology [biography]

I’m a senior student pursuing a B.S. in Mechatronic Engineering at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. Additionally, I am treasurer of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Club. My engineering interests are mechanical, aerospace, drones, robotics, and 3D printing. I aim to obtain my engineering license while seeking opportunities to learn from various disciplines within engineering to expand my expertise.
Mr. gordon qian Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology [biography]

Gordon Qian is a senior Mechatronics Engineering Major at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Engineering. For this project, their role entailed acting as software lead focusing on the programming of the Arduino Mega in C++ and running the tests with the components alongside electrical. During periods in which programming or tests could not be completed, the organization of both responsibilities per person and items or files based on work completed was established and maintained.
Alaric Hyland Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Dr. Shouling He Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology [biography]

Dr. Shouling He holds a position of professor of Engineering and Technology at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, where she teaches various courses in Mechatronics and Electrical Engineering. Her academic and educational interests focus on Robotics and Automation, Machine Learning, and Mechatronics Education. She has authored over 50 papers published in journals and conferences.
Brandon Seth Cuevas Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

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