Design of a Timing Screw Mechanism with the Capability to Transfer and Rotate Cylindrical Parts, Manufactured Using 3D Printing Technology

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Prof. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran.

2 Undergraduate Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran.

Abstract

Timing screws are one of the main mechanisms used in packaging and conveying industrial parts lines. Despite their variety and extensive use, there are few scientific resources on their design principles. This research addresses the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a timing screw mechanism capable of rotating 180 degrees and reversing the direction of the packaging line for cylindrical parts. First, the main design parameters of the timing screw were examined, and their values were set based on assembly requirements. Since the screw is a standard linear-moving screw, extensions were added to enable 180-degree rotation. A computer simulation was used for this process. After determining the dimensions and creating a 3D model of the timing screw and its attached assembly, manufacturing was carried out with thermoplastic polylactic acid using the filament-freeform fabrication method. To evaluate performance, an electric motor was installed on the assembly, and tests were conducted on real parts. The practical tests show that the designed timing screw performs its intended function accurately. Additionally, the average surface roughness measured at 5.34 micrometers is considered a desirable result given the 3D printing process and proper operation.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Smiley face

References

[1] B. Nowruzi, and H. Beiranvand, “A Review on the Packaging of Dairy Products with Extracts and Pigments of Cyanobacteria and Microalgae,” Scientific Journal of Packaging Science and Art, vol. 15(58), pp. 47-62, 2024, DOR: 20.1001.1.22286675.1403.15.57.5.4 (In Persian).
[2] S. Faraji Kafshgari, M. J. Akbarian Meymand, and M. Habibi Najafi, “Investigating Types of Antimicrobial Packaging Systems,” Scientific Journal of Packaging Science and Art, vol. 14(56), pp.     63-78, 2024, DOR: 20.1001.1.22286675.1402.14.56.6.6 (In Persian).
[3] A. Eskandary, N. Ramezani Matin, S. Seif, and M. Pajohi Alamoti, “A Review of Developments on Food Packaging Industry and its Novel Methods,” Scientific Journal of Packaging Science and Art, vol. 14(53), pp. 17-33, 2023, DOR: 20.1001.1.22286675.1402.14.56.6.6 (In Persian).
[4] S. Dodangeh, S. Amiri, and L. Rezazad Bari, “A Review of Different Types of Active Packages, Mechanism and their Application in Food Industry,” Scientific Journal of Packaging Science and Art, vol. 11(44), pp. 80-90, 2021, DOR: 20.1001.1.22286675.1399.11.44.7.2 (In Persian).
[5] A. Emblem, and H. Emblem, “Packaging Technology: Fundamentals, materials and processes,” Woodhead Publishing, 2012.
[6] S. DuPuis, and J. Silva, “Package design workbook: The art and science of successful packaging,” Fair Winds Press, 2011.
[7] D. K. Sarkar, “Packaging technology and engineering: pharmaceutical, medical, and food applications,” John Wiley & Sons, 2020.
[8] G. Boothroyd, “Assembly automation and product design,” CRC Press, 2005.
[9] A. Hossain, N.D. Sharma, and G. Agarwal, “Developing Servo Indexing System Using Timing Screw for Automatic Liquid Filler in Manufacturing Environment,” In ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, 2016.
[10] Morrison Container Handling Solution, “The Essential Role of Timing Screws in Packaging Equipment,” https://blog.morrison-chs.com/en/blog/the-essential-role-of-timing-screws-in-packaging-equipment, 2025.
[11] H. Akram, N. Das Sharma, and G. Agarwal, “Developing Servo Indexing System Using Timing Screw for Automatic Liquid Filler in Manufacturing Environment,” ASEE 123rd Annual Conference & Exposition, 2016.        
[12] CCS International, “The List of Most Common Materials Used by Timing Screws Manufacturers,” https://cssintl.com/common-materials-in-timing screws?utm_source=chatgpt.com, 2025.
[13] QY Research, “Global Timing Screws Market Research Report 2024,” https://www.qyresearch.com/reports/3132183/timing-screws?utm_source=chatgpt.com, 2024.
[14] C.Q. Zhong, and Y.L. Zhang, “Design and analysis of timing screw based on B-spline curve,” Applied Mechanics and Materials, vol. 602, pp. 511-516, 2014.
[15] A. Avaz Sufyian, and S. M. Jafari, “The Application of New 3D Printing Technology in the Food Industry,” Scientific Journal of Packaging Science and Art, vol. 10(38), pp. 78-88, 2019, DOR: 20.1001.1.22286675.1398.10.38.7.3 (In Persian).
Packaging Science and Art
Volume 16, Issue 62 - Serial Number 62
Serial number 62 summer 2025
September 2025
Pages 1-11

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 08 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 12 October 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 September 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics