Manual corn shelling is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and results in low productivity. Research conducted by Andriyono and Farid Sariman from Universitas Musamus, Merauke, in June 2026, aimed to design modifications for a corn shelling machine to improve work efficiency and measure the machine's production capacity after the changes were implemented.
Background and Objectives
The main issue with traditional corn shelling in Merauke is time inefficiency and low output. This study focuses on modifying the mechanical components of existing corn shelling machines to optimize their performance and support local farmers' needs in accelerating post-harvest processes.
Research Methodology
The study was conducted through a series of technical modifications on a corn shelling machine at the La Guy Workshop in Merauke. The modifications included:
- Capacity Adjustment: Increasing the size of the hopper from 0.021 $m^3$ to 0.024 $m^3$.
- Speed Enhancement: Replacing the motor pulley to increase rotational speed from 350 rpm to 584 rpm.
- Component Optimization: Enlarging the shelling screen.
- Feature Addition: Adding a cleaning blower sourced from a rice thresher to clean the shelling output.
Testing was conducted over 9 trial runs using dried corn with diameters ranging from 40-80 mm.
Key Findings
The modifications showed a positive impact on the machine's performance:
- Increased Work Capacity: The modified machine demonstrated significantly more efficient work capacity compared to the pre-modification state.
- Cleaning Efficiency: The addition of the cleaning blower successfully separated corn kernels from debris or leftover cobs more effectively, resulting in a cleaner final product.
- Operational Speed: The increase in machine rotation (rpm) proved capable of accelerating the shelling process without significantly damaging the quality of the corn kernels.
Implications for Local Agriculture
This research demonstrates that relatively simple technical modifications to agricultural machinery can provide tangible economic impacts for farmers in Merauke Regency. By increasing capacity and output cleanliness, farmers can reduce operational costs and save production time, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of their corn products.
Author Profile:
- Andriyono, Farid Sariman – Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Musamus, Merauke, Indonesia.
Research Source:
Andriyono, & Sariman, F. (2026). "Modification of Corn Shelling Machine in Merauke Regency". International Journal of Integrated Science and Technology (IJIST), 4(6), 320-327.
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