PORTABLE PNEUMATIC VULCANIZING

MACHINE
Johnrey S. CANTAY#1, Augustine A. DAYRIT#2, Danicko M. GANDIA#3, Juvelino P. PINGOL#4,Benedicto N. FORTALEZA

Technological University of the Philippines

Manila, Philippines
1
jayarzero4@gmail.com
2
austine_dayrit@yahoo.com.ph
3
dgandia@yahoo.com
4
mist_hue@yahoo.com

Abstract - The main objective of the project is to develop a
portable vulcanizing machine that comes up with built-in Michelin
Air Compressor System, and SMC Pneumatic Products. The
LEDTEC Digital Timer acts as the controller for the heating plate
which allows to preset the duration of time for the heating process.
The traditional C-Clamp type locking system has been replaced by a
pneumatic system composed of cylinder, valve and air compressor.
The 5/2 way valve controls the advance/retraction motion of the
cylinder with maximum of 100 Psi working pressure from the air
compressor.The machine has successfully met the right design and
dimensions necessary to make it portable without sacrificing the
efficiency and durability of the machine. The test shows that the
quality of outcome can be achieved with the right preset of time and
preparation procedures. It confirms a 94.55 percent of accuracy at
correct time preset, thus errors are due to wrong time preset and
preparation procedures. The machine achieved the proponents
innovation of the traditional vulcanizing machine by merging all the
technologies available. The project is a 2 in 1 machine that enables
you to vulcanize and inflates at the same time. Moreover, the machine
also achieved users friendly type of operating procedures that makes
it more comfortable to use.
Index Term- C-clamp.LEDTEC digital timer, Michelin Air
compressor, pneumatic 5/2 way valve, SMC pneumatic cylinder,
working pressure, vulcanization.
1. INTRODUCTION
The invention of wheel is one of the greatest accomplishments of
ancient inventors. It is considered as one of simple machines which
are still very useful until now. Through the years, wheel design
undergone various developments and the addition of tire was
introduced. Nowadays several types of tires have been developed
such as tubeless tires and the most common type that goes with an
inner tube. Vulcanizing or vulcanization of rubber is a process of
repairing minor injuries and small tears on its surface.
In the commercial scale, vulcanizing rubber is a process that
requires basically two different kind of machine (vulcanizing machine
and air compressor). There are several types of vulcanizing machine
and air compressor available on the market today. Imagine how much
it will cost the owner to own one of those machines. For this study,
the proponents of this project want to develop a machine that will
give a solution to lessen its cost and level of operation difficulty a
handy, user-friendly, space saver, semi-automatic vulcanizing
machine with built-in air compressor.
addition of pneumatic technology makes it more economical, user-
friendly, space saver and yet less expensive compared to those
separate machines. For this project, individuals who are aiming to
have a small business (vulcanizing shop) with a small capital can now
start their on own business on their own garage with this machine
alone. And also the materials to be use to fabricate this machine are
available and easy to find in commercial market. This proposed
project can eventually boost the economy and cut the numbers of
jobless individuals since it is a machine anyone can afford and
operate. Further more, it is a machine that has a simple and effective
operating procedures so that, time, space, and money can be saved.
The main objective of this study is to develop a portable
vulcanizing machine with pneumatic technology that is able to
vulcanize any type of inner tubes. It can also be used to inflates not
just inner tubes, but also all kinds of inflatable materials such as ball,
rubber boats, large inflammable toruses tubes for swimming, and
rafting. Specifically, this study is focused on the following:To design
a vulcanizing machine capable of vulcanizing and inflating inner tube
for tire and other inflatable product/materials.To design a vulcanizing
machine integrated with pneumatic technology safety features such as
digital timer, circuit breaker, etc.To design an easy to transfer
vulcanizing machine with the aid of its wheels that will make it
portable in different locations.To evaluate the vulcanizing and air
compressing machine in terms of procedures, working hour,
reliability, savings, quality, and efficiency.
The proponents have to consider first the size of the machine to be
fabricated. Since it is for small scale industries, it should fit into a
small room or a commercial space that has a limited working area. In
addition, the proponents also consider the speed of the process. The
time of heating the vulcanizing rubber gum, and pumping of air,
should be fast enough or equally compared to the conventional rubber
vulcanizing and pumping processes which is being presently availed
of by motorist and vulcanizing shop owners. For the application of
vulcanizing rubber gum, traditional procedures will be applied except
that this machine introduced automatic current cut-off system with
the aid of a digital timer to prevent over heating of the gum as well as
the addition of pneumatic technology. The pneumatic cylinder will
produce the clamping force needed to make the melted gum pressed
to the surface evenly.

This project is a semi-automatic machine that is used for

vulcanizing inner tube for tires. This type of tire is widely used since
it is cheaper and stronger than the tubeless one. By using this
machine, the owners can save electrical energy, cost, space, and time
that will lead to a cheaper price of service so that both costumer and
business owner will enjoy the benefits; it is economical to use for
commercial and residential purposes. This is a combination of two
machines, the vulcanizing and air compressor machine with the

Fig 1.Block Diagram
Fig 2. SMC pneumatic system
The application of vulcanizing rubber gum is applicable to all
kinds of inflatable rubber tubes except for tubeless tires. And lastly,
for the air pumping process, the hose will be attached to the inner
tubes service valve to pump air with the right pressure to comply
with the rubber tube manufacturers specifications.
Capacity drain water can quickly be discharged. Furthermore, the
number of fluid supply ports is increased and the ports are equally
spaced to thereby quickly and uniformly fill a heated steam or the like
into a bladder. As a result, it is possible to reduce a cycle time of a
tire vulcanizing step to thereby increase productivity in a fluid
supply/discharge head of the bladder in a tire vulcanizing machine.
An abstract of the invention, released by the Patent Office, said:
"In the tire vulcanizing machine, the fluid supply ports and the fluid
discharge ports which are open to face an inside of the bladder are
formed in the head block, the fluid discharge ports are disposed on
the lower side of the head block, the fluid supply ports are disposed
on the upper side of the head block, and the fluid discharge ports and
the fluid supply ports are not disposed on the same plane.
II. METHODOLOGY
The project is combination of different technologies that enables to
vulcanize and inflates at the same time. In constructing the machine
certain steps are followed. The conceptualization of the Pneumatic
Vulcanizing Machine with Built- in Air Compressor includes the
application of direct heat by means of heating plate, the application of
vulcanizing rubber gum, pneumatic and air compression process. The
proponents have to consider first the size of the machine to be
fabricate. Since it is for small scale industries, it should fit into a
small room or a commercial space that has a limited working area. In
addition, the proponents also consider the speed of the process.
The time of heating the vulcanizing rubber gum, and pumping of
air, should be fast enough or equally compared to the conventional
rubber vulcanizing and pumping processes which is being presently
availed of by motorist and vulcanizing shop owners. For the
application of vulcanizing rubber gum, traditional procedures will be
applied except that this machine introduced automatic current cut-off
system with the aid of a digital timer to prevent over heating of the
gum as well as the addition of pneumatic technology.
The pneumatic cylinder will produce the clamping force needed
to make the melted gum pressed to the surface evenly. The
application of vulcanizing rubber gum is applicable to all kinds of
inflatable rubber tubes except for tubeless tires. And lastly, for the air
pumping process, the hose will be attached to the inner tubes service
valve to pump air with the right pressure to comply with the rubber
tube manufacturers specifications.
The proponents will customize the machine. Steel bars, stainless
steel and mild steel plates will be used as materials for the fabrication
of its structural frame and cover to satisfy the rigidity requirement
during clamping process. For the air pumping system, a portable air
compressor will be installed inside in order to save space without
sacrificing the efficiency of the machine. And for the heating process,
customized heating plate will be installed and shall be controlled by a
digital timer. It will be installed with magnetic contactor/relay, and
circuit breaker for safety reasons.
Fig 3. The ordinary traditional vulcanizing machine
Different research points have been identified by the researchers
in exploring the various areas and parts of the project specifically,
The different types of vulcanizing rubber gum, its properties, and
application techniques, The right heat application and time duration
using different types of gum for different kind of rubber injuries. The
designs of structural frame, electrical wiring, and clamping
mechanism used in different types of vulcanizing machine. The
pumping capacity and size of air pump to be used since it requires
small amount of space. The electrical device to be used to supply both
heating plate and air compressor. It includes circuit breaker,
transformer, rectifier, alert buzzer, digital timer, magnetic
contactor/relay, switches, and different colors of indicator lamps,
blinker, wire connectors, exhaust fans, and power cord. The Portable
Pneumatic Vulcanizing Machine is composed of two processes;
vulcanizing and pumping.[1]

Fig 4. Initial design of the entire vulcanizing machine
For the vulcanizing process, the heating plate is made up of
stainless steel plates with built in heating element similar to those flat
iron assembly which is available in the market. It is mounted
perpendicular to the sliding shaft.
Fig. 5. Arm and Cylinder Assembly
The self-locking mechanism is made of heat treated steel to
prevent bending of the mechanisms component and to ensure strong
clamping force enough to press the heating plate against the material
to be repair. As for the frame and cover, we use mild steel plates
(gauge 12) bended to form an angular bar as a replacement for
ordinary angular bar to reduce weight. [2]
Fig 6. Heating Plate Assembly
For the air compressor system, there are many available portable
air compressors to choose from. Most of them came out with different
designs, colors, power, and color which is good enough for this
project. One characteristic of a good air compressor to be consider for
this project is the size. Figure 3.2-c shows an air compressor that
comes with pressure gage, pressure hose, and dimension which is
suitable for this project.
This project to reduce occupied space and net weight in order to
comply with the portability of the project that will lead to a lower
cost. the smallest air compressor possible to be installed. Power is
also considered for choosing the suitable air compressor to be
installed.
The Proponent used the smallest air compressor available in the
market just to cut the cost of this project without sacrificing power
and efficiency of the machine. [3]
Fig 7. Initial design of the air compressor system
Fabrication of the machine
The proponents used the internet, social media, and visited the
specialty market to look for some existing vulcanizing machine
suppliers and the components needed for the construction of the
machine. Also, through the technical knowledge obtained in studying
Machine Design and Machine shop, the proponents designed the
machine and identify every part with its dimensions and material
specifications. Computing necessary values and variables for the
machine performance and characteristics were also taken. Helps to
determine the elements of the machine that require necessary
adjustments and revisions. These are then integrated in the final
settings of the machine optimize its performance and efficiency.
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The Pneumatic Vulcanizing Machine is a combination of four main
systems: the air compressor system; pneumatic system; vulcanizing
system; and the control system. Choosing the best design of a
portable air compressor for this project undergo a series of research
and evaluations. We came up with a decision to choose an air
compressor unit in terms of size, capacity, design, and safety features
that meet all the requirements that been set for this project.
A. Parts and assembly
For the design of an air compressor unit, we choose a very trendy
and presentable design that suits the designers rendition of the
machine frame design. With the addition of a pneumatic system for
this project, the air compressor unit must also have an air tank with a
capacity to store the desired pressure and volume of air to run the
pneumatic system and inflate vulcanized tube at the same time. Since
the weight is also a factor of consideration, we chose the right size
and dimension of an air compressor unit for this project. We see to it
that this air compressor unit comes with a very small package and yet
meet all the requirements we set. This air compressor unit must also
have the best safety features for this project.
 And also, this air compressor unit must came up with pressure
gages and control valve in order for the operator to easily monitor and
control the pressure of the tank and the tire to be repair. These
instruments will make this machine more reliable, and effective.
The addition of a pneumatic system will make the clamping operation
of vulcanizing fast and easy. We design the pneumatic system
according to the desired function and motion of the cylinder as we
planned. This system is composed of pneumatic control valve,
pneumatic cylinders, pneumatic fittings and hose. See figure 8.
Fig 8. Air compressor Schematic Diagram
For the cylinder, we used a SMC (1 x 4) pneumatic cylinder
with a maximum capacity of 150 PSI. It is also installed with
different types of pneumatic fittings and adaptors. It is also installed
with different types of pneumatic fittings and adaptors. For the
vulcanizing system, we design the heating plate using stainless steel
plate (AISI No. 302, annealed) due to its corrosion resistant
properties. The heating plate is heated up by a standard heating
element (220V 50W) and controlled by a digital timer device.
Vulcanizing process shall be attained from preheating the heating
plate according to the test evaluation and results, placing the
specimen to the bed and setting the digital timer up to prescribed
duration of time. The control system is composed of electronic
components such as digital timer, relay, transformer, rectifier, blinker,
terminal block, alarm, switches, etc. that is responsible for controlling
the function of the entire machine. It controls and run the exhaust
fans, indicator lamps, air compressor, and heating element. [3]
As for the frame, it is designed to be compact, rigid but light in
terms of weight. The frame, in order to minimize the space and
materials is design in this manner in order to make this project
portable and accessible in different locations. Since the weight is one
of the factors of consideration, this frame will be made from steel
angle bars to make it light and durable. The wheels axle will be made
of galvanized bolts and nuts to prevent corrosion. The materials will
be joined by means of arc welding so that the frame will be more
rigid and strong.
The steel materials used for the frame is an ASTM A36 steel angle
bar (1 x 1/8) in size; C1015, normalized steel round bar (5/8 ) in
diameter; C1015, normalized steel flat bar (1 x 3/16) in size; and
galvanized bolts and nuts (3 x 1/2). [4]
The cover of the frame will serve as the outer protection for the
entire machine. Choosing the right material for this part will
improved the aesthetics and the overall appearance of the machine.
Also, it will add more strength and improved the rigidity of the entire
machine assembly.
The materials will be cut according to the dimensions stated in the
plan by means of grinding cutting discs, metal scissor, and straight
cutter. The covers material will be made of G.I. sheet, gage 12 to
prevent the machine from excessive corrosion and damage.
As for arm and handle assembly, it is the strength and rigidity of
the materials is the common factor that comes first in choosing the
right materials in consideration. The strength of the materials to be
used must withstand the pressure exerted by the pneumatic cylinder.
This assembly will be made of C1015, normalized steel plates, with a
thickness of about of an inch. Bended according to the right
dimension and sizes so that the strength of this assembly can be
improve. The handle will be made out of G.I. pipe (3/4) in
diameter same to those standard motorcycle handle available in the
market.
As for bed and support assembly, it must be made out of a
material that can withstand the excessive pressure exerted by the
pneumatic cylinder and has a corrosion resistant quality at the same
time. Due to these circumstances, we decided to use AISI No. 302,
annealed stainless steel plates, with a thickness of about 3/16 of an
inch. Stainless steel pipe, flat bars with bolt and nuts as the materials
for the support assembly. For the bed material, it will be made out of
nitrile cork gasket which is known for its high-temperature resistance
quality and rigidity.
As for pneumatic cylinder bracket assembly, it must be made out
of a material that can withstand the excessive pressure exerted by the
pneumatic cylinder and has a corrosion resistant quality at the same
time. Due to these circumstances, we decided to use AISI No. 302,
annealed stainless steel plates, with a thickness of about 3/16 of an
inch. Stainless steel pipe, flat bars with bolt and nuts as the materials
for the support assembly. For the bed material, it will be made out of
Nitrile Cork Gasket which is known for its high-temperature
resistance quality and rigidity.
B. Maintenance procedure
Make sure to unplug the power cable from the main electrical
source before conducting the maintenance routine for the safety of the
technician. Always check if there are any faulty wirings and electrical
components before and after using this machine. Inspect the
pneumatic system from leaks and worn out hose and fittings. Drain
excess water from the air tank once a week to prolong the life of the
tank and to prevent the tank from corrosion.
C. Table of results for the portable vulcanizing machine
Table 1. For Bicycle inner tube Pre-heated for about 5mins.
TRIAL TIME ELAPSED/ OUTCOME
GUM
1 3mins. Overcooked
2 2mins. Overcooked
3 0.5min. Undercooked
4 1min. Smooth, Perfectly
Bond
5 1min. Smooth, Perfectly
Bond
Table 2. For Bicycle inner tube Pre-heated for 5mins. Table 6. For Bicycle inner tube Pre-heated for 5mins.

TRIALS TIME ELAPSED/ OUTCOME TRIAL TIME ELAPSED/ LENGTH OF OUTCOME

GUM GUM CUT
1 4mins. Overcooked 1 4mins. 3cm. Overcooked

2 3mins. Overcooked 2 3mins. 3cm. Overcooked

3 0.5mins. Undercooked 3 0.5min. 3cm. Undercooked

4 1min. Smooth, Perfectly 4 1min. 3cm. Smooth,

Bond Perfectly Bond
5 1min. Smooth, Perfectly 5 1min. 3cm. Smooth,
Bond Perfectly Bomd
Hence; recommended time set is 1min/gum (Pre-heated 5mins.) Hence; recommended time set is 1min/gum (Pre-heated 5mins.)

Table 3. For Jeepney inner tube Pre-heated for 5mins.

Table 7.For Jeepney inner tube Pre-heated for 5mins.
TRIALS TIME ELAPSED/ OUTCOME
GUM TRIAL TIME ELAPSED/ LENGTH OF OUTCOME
1 3mins. Undercooked GUM CUT
1 3mins. 3cm. Overcooked
2 2mins. Undercooked
2 2mins. 3cm. Overcooked
3 0.5mins. Undercooked
3 0.5min. 3cm. Undercooked
4 1min. Undercooked
4 1min. 3cm. Undercooked
5 1min. Undercooked
5 1min. 3cm. Undercooked
Hence; recommended time set is 1min/gum (Pre-heated 5mins.)

Table 4. For Jeepney inner tube Pre-heated for 10-15mins.

Table 8. For Bicycle inner tube Pre-heated for 10-15mins.
TRIALS TIME ELAPSED/ OUTCOME TRIAL TIME ELAPSED/ LENGTH OF OUTCOME
GUM GUM CUT
1 3mins. Undercooked 1 3mins. 3cm. Overcooked
2 2mins. Undercooked
2 2mins. 3cm. Overcooked
3 0.5mins. Undercooked
3 0.5min. 3cm. Undercooked
4 1min. Smooth, Perfectly
Bond 4 1min. 3cm. Smooth,
Perfectly Bond
5 1min. Smooth, Perfectly
Bond 5 1min. 3cm. Smooth,
Hence; recommended time set is 1min/gum (Pre-heated 15mins.) Perfectly Bomd
Hence; recommended time set is 1min/gum (Pre-heated 15mins.)
Table of results for the portable vulcanizing machine having 3cm
cut Based on the series of tests and evaluations we conducted, this
prototype meets all the expectations and requirements that have been
Table 5. For Bicycle inner tube Pre-heated for 5mins. set as suggested by our adviser. Since this prototype is installed with
better technology as compared to those conventional/traditional
TRIAL TIME ELAPSED/ LENGTH OF OUTCOME vulcanizing machine plus the edgy design, it makes the operation of
GUM CUT vulcanizing faster and easier without sacrificing the quality of
outcome. However, the operation of this machine is limited to
1 3mins. 3cm. Overcooked
vulcanizing and inflating inner tubes and other types of inflatable
rubber only. The changing of tires is done by other machine or
2 2mins. 3cm. Overcooked device. All in all, the set requirements and expectations have been
satisfied by this prototype in terms of quality, time and efficiency, the
3 0.5min. 3cm. Undercooked experiment shows almost the same result, however it is not advisable
to vulcanize inner tube having 3cm cut because the quality and
4 1min. 3cm. Smooth, efficiency may suffered.
Perfectly Bond
5 1min. 3cm. Smooth,
Perfectly Bomd
 V. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS

This prototype is installed with better technology as compared to

those conventional/traditional vulcanizing machine plus the edgy
design, it makes the operation of vulcanizing faster and easier without
sacrificing the quality of outcome. However, the operation of this
machine is limited to vulcanizing and inflating inner tubes and other
types of inflatable rubber only. The changing of tires is done by other
machine or device (i.e. Tire Changer). After presenting the Portable
Pneumatic Vulcanizing Machine to the panel, assessments and
evaluations were made about the capabilities of the project.The
Portable Pneumatic Vulcanizing Machine is capable of vulcanizing
inflating any type of inflatable inner tubes and other inflatable
materials with a good quality outcome in a faster manner. The
Portable Pneumatic Vulcanizing Machine is a users friendly machine
that can be use and operate by anyone due to its simple but efficient
technology.The Portable Pneumatic Vulcanizing Machine is
accessible in any locations due to its portability, size and design.The
Portable Pneumatic Vulcanizing Machine is a space saver due to its
compact design and can be placed anywhere consuming a very small
amount of space.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENNT

This project study would not be possible without the supervision

and help from several individuals who contributed and extended their
valuable assistance. Utmost gratitude is due to the faculty members of
the Mechanical Engineering Department, TUP Manila, whose words
of wisdom become motivations and inspirations to the researchers as
they overcome burdens and challenges in the formulation and
accomplishment of this study. Their positive assessments and
criticism had made substantial contribution in further enhancement,
development and refinement of the project.

The researchers would like to show great appreciation towards

their adviser, Engr. Benedicto N. Fortaleza, who shared his
knowledge and expertise in the course of the study, their classmates,
friends and batch mates, for the warm company, support and
encouragement that inspired them on the completion of this research,
their families, for the assistance and support, and above all to God
almighty for His continuous guidance and blessings.

REFERENCES

[1] Klenck Thomas (30 July 2010). How it works: Air Compressor
Retrieved from http://creativehandman.com/documents/how-to-
select-an-air_compressor.pdf

[2] Bloch, H.P. and Hoefner, J.J. (1996). Reciprocating Compressors,

Operation and Maintenance. Retrieved from
http://howstuffworks.com/Gas_compressors.apn

[3] Rowe, D. M., ed. (2006). Thermoelectrics Handbook:Macro to

Nano. Taylor & Francis. Retrieved from
http://Ebooks.com/Thermoelectric_effect

[4] Design of Machine Elements by Virgil Moring Faires