Project Summary
Introduction:
Recently, the number of women engaged in home-based handmade crafts, particularly soap-making, has been increasing. This inspired the idea of developing a machine that simplifies soap production, allowing women to create soaps with various scents and colours effortlessly and safely.
The project involves producing soap from scratch using water, olive oil, and soda as primary ingredients, along with secondary additives such as colours and medicinal oils (e.g., aloe vera, flower water).
Problem Statement:
Traditional soap-making methods involve the use of harmful materials like soda, which can damage the hands and pose health risks. Additionally, the process is time-consuming, often taking hours. The proposed machine addresses these issues by reducing the time and effort required for soap production.
Objectives:
1. Develop a fully automated machine that calculates the required quantities and proportions for soap production.
2. Minimize manual labor in soap-making.
3. Introduce several features, including:
· Selecting the desired number of soap pieces and automatically calculating the proportions of olive oil, water, and soda.
· A heating system to maintain the appropriate temperature of the ingredients.
· A mixing system to prepare the mixture for pouring.
· An RGB system to allow users to choose the desired soap colour.
· A pouring system that tilts 90° to pour the mixture into Molds.
· A production line system to position Molds and monitor the process.
· A ventilation system with fans to accelerate the cooling process.
Scope of Work:
1. Control the quantities of materials pumped from containers based on demand.
2. Develop a sequential system to add materials in the correct order and track the mixing and heating stages.
3. Test and validate the system to ensure reliability and adherence to safety standards.
4. Create an application that allows users to select the number of soap Molds and control colour and scent preferences.
Methodology Highlights:
1. System Structure:
· The external structure of the machine is made of wood for ease of assembly and mounting components. It resembles a box, focusing on the output (soap) rather than the internal processes.
2. Control System:
· A keypad and LCD screen allow users to choose the number of soaps, color (via RGB system), and scent, initiating the manufacturing process.
3. Pumping System:
· Liquids (olive oil, water, soda) are pumped from plastic containers through tubes into a valve and then directly to the heater.
4. Heating and Temperature Sensing:
· The ingredients are heated to 70°C, monitored by a temperature sensor. The heater turns off automatically once the maximum temperature is reached.
5. Mixing Mechanism:
· The ingredients are mixed for 40-60 minutes to achieve the desired consistency. A motor-driven mixer moves up and down during the process, with a cover to prevent spillage.
6. Adding Colors and Scents:
· A dye injector and separate scent tube combine the chosen color and scent into the heater.
7. Heater Movement System:
· The heater moves along the production line using cylindrical columns and a scraper, with limit switches to prevent over-travel.
8. Mixture Casting:
· The heater tilts 90° to pour the mixture into molds and then returns to its upright position.
9. Mold Preparation:
· Molds are positioned under the heater using a stirring rod. A light sensor ensures proper alignment for the pouring process.
10. Ventilation System:
· Fans cool the soap after pouring, speeding up the solidification process.

Significance:
· Reduces the time and effort required compared to traditional soap-making methods.
· Minimizes direct contact with harmful materials, reducing health risks and potential injuries.
· Empowers women economically by enabling them to scale up production and enhance their livelihoods.
· Supports small home-based enterprises by offering a safer, more efficient alternative to manual soap-making processes.