At the 14th Quality Conference of the Community of Higher Vocational Colleges of the Republic of Slovenia, awards were presented for the best diploma theses of 2024 in Slovenia. Among the recipients of awards for the best diploma thesis are Academia graduate mechanical engineer Davor Kramar and mentor lecturer mag. Dragan Gogić.
Structural Design, Production and Upgrade of a Filling Machine for Food Industry Products for Smaller Plants
In my diploma thesis, I focused on the structural design, production and upgrade of a filling machine for food industry products, specifically for smaller plants. The topic was chosen due to the lack of suitable filling machines on the market adapted to smaller plants, such as small butcher shops, farm tourism facilities and farms.
Smaller plants face particular challenges, such as limited capacities, spatial and financial constraints, the consideration of which was our objective in the design of the diploma thesis.
We also focused on the established hypotheses that (1) a semi-automatic filling machine is faster and more accurate than a manual one, (2) the use of adapted components increases reliability, (3) optimisation of energy efficiency contributes to reducing energy consumption, and (4) the introduction of digitalisation enables faster prototyping.
The methodologies used included a literature review, analysis of existing filling machines, use of CAD tools for prototype development, simulations and practical tests. Digitalisation was key to more accurate and faster development.
The economic analysis assessed the costs of manufacturing the filling machine.
The results showed that the improved structural design enables more accurate and faster filling of meat products, which reduces operational costs and increases productivity. The new filling machine is adaptable and easy to maintain, which is crucial for smaller plants.
The use of bearings on drive shafts, a more powerful electric motor and a thicker supporting wall further improved the operation and reliability of the filling machine.
I have demonstrated that with appropriate structural design it is possible to create a filling machine that is adapted to the specific needs of smaller plants in the food industry, meets high hygiene standards, is easy to maintain and enables competitive and efficient operations.
The complete diploma thesis is published at this link.
Studies are delivered in Slovenian – ask us how to apply.
B1 Slovenian is required; we offer a free preparatory course. The admissions team replies within one working day.
Source: Academia (23. 1. 2025). Fotografije: arhiv Academie.
This English summary was produced automatically from the Slovenian article and is pending editorial review. Slovenska različica
