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Low-cost oscillating sieving shaker machine for granulometry analysis in food science

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article presents the design, fabrication, and validation of a low-cost oscillating sieving shaker machine developed for laboratory-scale granulometric analysis of powdered and solid food materials. The system integrates 3D-printed PLA components, an aluminum modular frame, and a dual gear-motor mechanism that generates controlled oscillatory motion for particle size classification. Designed under open-source and affordability principles, the device was constructed using locally available materials and standard FDM-printing parameters. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of critical components printed in PLA, PETG, and ABS confirmed safe elastic behavior under a representative 5 kg load, with stresses below 21 MPa and displacements under 1.7mm. A thermal-impact study established a linear correlation between load, motor current, and temperature (R 2 ≈ 0.99), with a maximum temperature of 28.8 °C—well below the glass-transition limits of PLA and PETG—ensuring thermally stable operation. Performance tests performed according to ASTM C136/C136M-19 on soy lecithin, potato starch, and ascorbic acid confirmed accurate and reproducible particle-size distributions consistent with literature values. The total fabrication cost of USD 143.78 represents a significant reduction compared to commercial shakers (USD 2,800–3,700). This work validates an open-source, cost-effective, and reproducible device suitable for educational and research laboratories requiring reliable granulometric control in food powder analysis.
Source: HardwareX
DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00736
Authors: Juan Carlos Núñez Dorantes, Mario Luna Flores, José Roberto Grande Ramírez, Verónica Flores Sánchez, Jonathan Josue Cid Galiot, José Ernesto Domínguez Herrera
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $610
OpenAlex ID: W4417537254
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Cites: 20
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