Failure Analysis and Performance Improvement of a Paper Shredder

Abstract

A paper shredder is a mechanical device used to cut paper into smaller particles leaving the content in a way that cannot be put to further use. It has been observed over time that paper shredding machine always jam during operation and causes inconveniences. This research work used Failure Mode and Effect Analysis tool to analyze the causes of instantaneous paper shredding blade/cutter failure. It identifies the causes of failure, and the consequence of failure, and proposes process control i.e., what to monitor. The result showed that paper shredding machine problems always occur at the cutting region of the system and suggested that the blade/cutter should be redesigned to eliminate or reduce the blade’s failure. Furthermore, the study proposes a design modification paper shredder blade/cutter, to improve the performance. The comparative test conducted on the developed blade indicates an improvement of about 24% per time required to complete the shredding of 1kg which translates to volumetric efficiency of 79.9%.