Design of a low-cost semi-automatic labeling machine for family farming operations in northwestern Argentina

Abstract

This article aims to reduce costs in the design of a semi-automatic labeling machine for cylindrical food-preserve containers. The use of accessible emerging technologies is proposed in order to optimize labor, time, and financial resources. The relevance of the project lies in the fact that, in northwestern Argentina, the productive matrix is composed of approximately 60% family-based farming operations, many of which do not label their products due to the high costs in time, money, and labor associated with aesthetic finishing tasks when compared to other, more urgent needs. This situation results in their inability to join the value chain and the formal market, as well as the loss of all the benefits that product labeling provides from a marketing perspective.

The project proposes reducing costs by up to 50% of the average price of semi-automatic labeling machines through the design of 3D-printed mechanical components, supported by corresponding structural calculations to verify their reliability for this application. In addition, the incorporation of new functionalities into existing semi-automatic labeling machines available on the market is proposed by programming a human–machine dialogue interface. This interface, implemented using a Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller, would allow the automatic adjustment of specific operational parameters.