Diseño e implementación de un prototipo funcional de máquina trituradora de residuos plásticos.

Abstract

This project presents the conceptual design, detailed design, manufacturing, and validation of a plastic shredding system intended to produce material with an average size of 5 mm or less, suitable for injection molding processes, addressing the need to convert post-consumer plastic waste into reusable feedstock through a compact, robust system with industrial-grade capabilities. In the first phase, the functional, operational, and manufacturability requirements are defined, and several shredding configurations are compared to select a concept that ensures cutting efficiency, mechanical stability, and ease of assembly; based on these criteria, an initial conceptual prototype is developed to validate the mechanism's overall operation, identify limitations, and refine the design. The insights gained support the development of a second prototype conceived as a real, fully functional machine with dimensions, materials, and performance consistent with light industrial operation. The detailed design follows a structured engineering sequence, including blade selection, rotor design, structural shaft analysis under combined loads, bearing selection, and the design of both the shredding chamber and the hopper; the final prototype is manufactured using conventional cutting, machining, and welding processes, incorporating minor adjustments during assembly to improve manufacturability and component integration. The results confirm that the machine operates reliably, produces a homogeneous output smaller than 5 mm, and provides a solid foundation for direct implementation in industrial applications.