Structural and dynamic analysis of paper-cup-forming machine in a high-speed operating condition

The current production speeds of current paper-cup-forming machines need to be improved to match the increasing demands of the market. However, high-speed operations may cause severe vibrations, which are detrimental to the machine. In this study, a 3D dynamic simulation model was developed to predict changes in the dynamic characteristics of the machine following increased operation speed, using the Recurdyn and Nx Nastran software. Accuracy of the simulation model was validated by comparing simulation results and experimental measurements of the machine vibration. A new upper plate design was also developed, to minimize vertical deflection and vibration due to increased operating speed. Our simulation model showed that new upper plate design reduced the magnitude of maximum deflection by 72% and maximum vibration by 38%, suggesting that a modified upper plate would be dynamically stable in high-speed operations.