DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A HYDRAULIC PRESS
BY
BENJAMIN, Shadrach Kurah
2018/1/71041EM
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
SCHOOL OF INFRASTRUCTURE, PROCESS ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA
SEPTEMBER, 2024
DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A HYDRAULIC PRESS
BY
BENJAMIN, Shadrach Kurah
2018/1/71041EM
A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING,
SCHOOL OF INFRASTRUCTURE, PROCESS ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY,
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA, NIGER STATE IN PARTIAL
FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR AWARD OF BACHELOR OF
ENGINEERING (B. ENGR)
SEPTEMBER, 2024
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DECLARATION
I BENJAMIN, Shadrach Kurah with the matriculation number 2018/1/71041EM of the
department of mechanical engineering, federal university of technology, Minna. hereby
declare that, DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A HYDRAULIC PRESS, is a collection
of my original work under the supervision of Prof. A. A. Abdullahi of the department of
Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, and
has not been presented for any qualification anywhere, all information collected from other
sources has been duly acknowledged.
BENJAMIN, Shadrach Kurah ______________________
2018/1/71047EM Signature and Date
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CERTIFICATION
The research project titled: “Design and Fabrication of a hydraulic press” by
BENJAMIN, Shadrach Kurah(2018/1/71041EM) has been duly supervised, approved and
has met the requirements in partial fulfilment for the award of Degree of Bachelor of
Engineering mechanical, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
PROF. A.A ABDULLAHI __________________
SUPERVISOR Signature & Date
Engr. PROF. K. C. BALA __________________
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, Signature &Date
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGENEERING
Engr. Prof. Malachy Sumaila ____________________
EXTERNAL SUPERVISOR. Signature and date
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DEDICATION
This project is dedicated to God Almighty, who has been the source of my strength and
wisdom throughout this degree program. Secondly, I dedicate this project to the entire
BENJAMIN KURAH family. And to everyone who played a part in my academic journey.
God bless you all, AMEN.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My endless gratitude goes to God Almighty for His sustenance and enablement throughout
the time of my project. Special thanks goes to my supervisor Engr. Prof. A. A. Abdullahi, for
his support and relentless effort toward the success of this project from the beginning to this
moment. I pray Almighty God reward you for all your good deeds.
My appreciation goes to the head of department of Mechanical Engineering and the entire
staffs of the School of Infrastructure and Processing Technology, For their unwavering
support. Thank you for being part of my success story.
My sincere gratitude goes to my parents (Mr. and Mrs. BENJAMIN KURAH) for their
support through prayers and also finances towards my academics. May God bless and reward
you. A big thank you to my siblings TIMOTHY, BLESSING , JOSEPHINE, And BEATRICE
For their sacrifices advice and support ,I love you all, may God bless and prosper you.
To my cousin and his Wife Mr and Mrs Wakili Bulus. To my Uncles and Aunties; Mr and Mrs
Bulus Kurah
Special thanks to my friends; Abdulmajid, Biodun, Ernest, Lookman, Shadrach, Gift, Anya,
Olu, Manasseh, Ali and many others too numerous to mention. May God Almighty lead you
all to greater heights. A big thank you to my project mate OODO, Apochi Innocent, for his
help and support. I wish you success in all your endeavors.
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ABSTRACT
This project focuses on the design and fabrication of a mini hydraulic press machine,
developed for small-scale applications in workshops, educational institutions, and
hobbyist environments. The primary goal is to create a hydraulic press that is compact,
cost-effective, and highly efficient, catering to users who require high-force operations
without the need for large, industrial-sized equipment. Traditional hydraulic presses,
while powerful, are often too large, expensive, and energy-intensive for smaller-scale
operations. This project aims to bridge that gap by offering a downsized alternative that
retains the core functionality of larger presses but in a more manageable and accessible
form.
The design process involved selecting appropriate materials, such as mild steel for
structural support and stainless steel for durability, to ensure the hydraulic press meets the
necessary strength and performance requirements. A 30-ton hydraulic jack was chosen as
the primary force-generating component, ensuring the press can handle various tasks like
material pressing, bending, punching, and forming with ease. Additionally, key
components such as springs, coatings for corrosion protection, and a stainless-steel base
were integrated into the system to enhance the machine’s durability, reliability, and
performance under different working conditions.
The fabrication phase involved the construction of a compact frame, cutting and shaping
steel plates, and assembling the hydraulic components into a cohesive system. Detailed
calculations were performed to ensure the proper force amplification and velocity ratios,
guaranteeing the hydraulic press operates efficiently with minimal manual effort. Testing
was conducted under different loads and operational scenarios to evaluate the machine’s
ability to perform precise, high-pressure tasks required in metalworking and small-scale
manufacturing.
The results indicate that the mini hydraulic press successfully meets the required
performance standards, offering a reliable, portable solution for small-scale workshops,
educational purposes, and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Its compact size and affordability
make it an excellent tool for individuals or organizations with limited space and
resources. Moreover, the hydraulic press maintains the essential benefits of hydraulic
systems, such as high force generation and precise control, while significantly reducing
cost and energy consumption. This project demonstrates the viability of downsized
hydraulic systems and opens the door for future innovations in compact industrial tools.
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