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Feren Aurelia Dyka Chandra

What Material Should we use to Build a Sturdy and Long-lasting Tool?

This research aims to develop a weeding tool that is both efficient and sustainable by analyzing the requirements for weeding tool materials, taking into account various environmental factors, and comparing different materials to determine the optimal blade materials and model for the weeding tool developed by GreeFarm. 

Standard Requirement of Weeding Tool Materials

There are ten main factors that decide the quality of a material used for weeding tools. These include:

  1. Weight

  2. Durability

  3. Hardness

  4. Flexibility

  5. Sharpness retention

  6. Heat resistance

  7. Conductivity

  8. Rust and corrosion resistance

  9. Cost

  10. Availability

Material Properties Data

There are three classes of material based on their atomic bonding forces: metallic, ceramic, and polymeric. The followings are the materials' properties data of the material that are considered to be used.

Result

While materials like aluminum, medium carbon steel, and stainless steel are commonly used due to their durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness, the result of the research suggests that copper is the most suitable material for a weeding tool blade, followed by stainless steel and nickel. However, copper has certain disadvantages, including its heavy weight and inability to maintain a sharp edge or hold its shape when struck against tough objects. To address these limitations, copper is often combined with other metals, such as tin, aluminum, or manganese to create bronze, which is stronger, tougher, and more hard-wearing than copper alone. Moreover, bronze does not rust and holds sharp edges well compared to steel. Therefore, bronze is a recommended blade material for a weeding tool, given its practical advantages, aesthetics, and material properties.

Optimisation range analysis of blade parameters

The position of the same blades in a row should be diversified to prevent the build-up of soil and debris on the blades. When multiple blades of the same size and shape are placed in a row, they tend to create a "dead zone" in the center of the row where the blades do not effectively cut through the soil or remove weeds.

 

Research and testing done by Frontiers have generated the following formula and data:

  1. When α=0°, the resistance fluctuated in the range of 40–130 N, and the average resistance was approximately 61 N.

  2. When α=5°, the resistance fluctuated in the range of 10–150 N, and the average resistance was approximately 68 N.

  3. When α=10°, the resistance fluctuated in the range of 20–150 N, and the average resistance was approximately 73 N.

  4. When α=15°, the resistance fluctuated in the range of 40–150 N, and the average resistance was approximately 82 N.

  5. When α=20°, the resistance fluctuated in the range of 40–160 N, and the average resistance was approximately 91 N.

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In conclusion, the optimal degrees of the blades from the center of the wheel should be 360°/6, which is 60°.

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