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Backgroubnd: A rod mill is a rotating grinding machine that uses steel rods to crush and grind ore or other materials into smaller particles. A rod mill rod charger is a mechanical loading system used to safely store, handle, and feed steel grinding rods into a rod mill. It reduces manual handling, improves safety, and allows controlled rod delivery during mill maintenance or operation, supporting efficient grinding performance and easier rod replacement. A rod mill rod charger mainly consists of a rod storage bench, where the bundle of grinding rods is placed, a rod indexing system to separate and control individual rods, a transfer mechanism to move each rod from the bench to the loader boom, and a rod mill loader boom that delivers the rod into the mill. The charger also includes a rail-mounted travel mechanism, allowing the unit to move forward and backward so the boom can be positioned and extended into the mill for safe and controlled rod loading. Main components include: * Rod storage bench for holding the grinding rod bundle * Rod indexer to separate and position individual rods * Transfer mechanism to move rods from the bench to the loader boom * Rod mill loader boom to carry and feed rods into the mill * Rail-mounted travel mechanism for forward and backward movement * Boom extension mechanism to allow the boom to enter the mill The existing rod mill rod charger is manually operated, with hand indexing of the grinding rods and manual movement of the loader boom into the rod mill for loading. After the rods are transferred onto the rod mill loader boom through the indexer, they are conveyed into the mill by a series of rotating drums driven by an electric motor. Existing data includes a 3D laser scan of the rod mill charger and surrounding area for design verification and modelling. The concept design has been finalised. The proposed modification includes using a pneumatic cylinder to rotate the rod indexer and a rack-and-pinion drive system to move the rod mill loader boom into and out of the mill in a controlled manner. The scope includes the design of a rod mill loader boom similar to the existing arrangement. The new boom shall be supported from the same existing support locations and maintain similar overall weight, dimensions, and operating envelope where practical. The design scope included not limited : * Design of the bench and indexer * Design of the stationary support frame * Design of the travelling / tracking boom * Design of the connection between the stationary frame and tracking boom * Design of a rack-and-pinion mechanism to move the boom into and out of the mill * Design of the rotating drum mechanism to move grinding rods along the boom and into the mill * Integration with the existing rod mill charger layout and support points * Consideration of similar weight, dimensions, and functionality to the existing loader boom The scope shall include all required mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems. All components shall be standard industrial items, readily available in Australia, and selected in accordance with applicable Australian Standards. Special or uncommon custom-order items shall be avoided. Deliverables: * 3D model native files in Autodesk Inventor * General Arrangement drawing and Fabrication drawings * Mechanical design calculations and Finite Element Analysis report Job Sequence: 1. Client provides the 3D laser scan data. 2. Contractor develops the design model and submits it for review. 3. Client reviews the model and provides comments. 4. Contractor addresses comments and updates the model. 5. Contractor prepares the FEA and submits it for review. 6. Client reviews the FEA and provides comments. 7. Contractor addresses comments and finalises the design. 8. Contractor prepares the final drawings. Estimated duration: 2 to 4 weeks from receipt of the required information and client approval comments.
Project ID: 40569986
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15 freelancers are bidding on average $1,101 AUD for this job

Hi there, I’m a Mechanical Design & FEA Engineer with extensive experience in heavy industrial equipment, structural design, and fabrication. I can redesign your rod mill rod charger in Autodesk Inventor while preserving the existing operating envelope and support locations, integrating the pneumatic indexer and rack-and-pinion boom drive into a robust, fabrication-ready solution. Approach: • Develop the 3D design from the laser scan and existing charger layout. • Design the bench, indexer, stationary frame, travelling boom, rack-and-pinion drive, rotating drum mechanism, and support interfaces. • Select standard industrial mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical components compliant with Australian Standards. • Perform mechanical calculations and FEA to validate strength, stiffness, and safe operation. • Prepare GA drawings, fabrication drawings, BOM, and incorporate review comments through to final release. Deliverables: • Native Autodesk Inventor files • GA and fabrication drawings • Mechanical design calculations • FEA report • BOM and manufacturing documentation Timeline: 2–4 weeks (as per project scope and review cycle) Budget: As per SOW I look forward to discussing the project and delivering a reliable, manufacturable rod charger design ready for fabrication. Best regards, Arati M.
$1,125 AUD in 7 days
6.7
6.7

With a keen emphasis on producing high-quality deliverables that not only meet, but exceed client expectations, I am confident in my ability to successfully complete your Automated Rod Mill Loader Design project. My extensive experience in CAD modeling, 3D animation, and technical design solutions make me a perfect fit for this job. I have an unmatched ability to transform existing data into precise geometry, clean detailing, and production-ready files— all of which are skills that will add immense value to this project. Over the years, I have excelled at meticulously analyzing complex engineering challenges and providing practical solutions. Throughout the design process, I assure you of not only maintaining transparency but also providing timely updates to ensure professional trust and client satisfaction. As an advocate for clarity, durability and polished results tailored to client requirements, you can rely on me to develop the proposed modification with an additional touch of optimization on the overall weight, dimensions, and operating envelope— where practical. In addition to my engineering expertise, I am versatile with multiple file formats such as FBX, OBJ, STL and other CAD drawings — all tools that will facilitate easier communication and efficient delivery of your desired final product! Let's work together to enhance safety, loading efficiency, and grinding performance in your rod mill loader system.
$772 AUD in 10 days
6.3
6.3

Hello sir, Did go through your job description and glad to share that I have enormous experience in working with Automated Rod Mill Loader Design Automated Rod Mill Loader Design I'm a seasoned programmer and Engineer with quality experience in Flutter, React, Node.JS, SpringBoot, Frontend and Backend Development, Python, Matlab, R studio, C, C++, C#, OpenCV, OpenGL, Tesseract OCR, google vision, Statisticaal programming/R progamming data analysis Computing for Data Analysis Time Series & Econometric, Machine learning, AI, Deep learning, Matlab and Mathematica, 3D modeling, CAD/CAM,AutoCAD, 2D, Architectural Engineering, SolidWorks, Unity 3D, PCB, Electronics, Arduino, Automation, Embedded and Firmware , IOT, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering I am a TOP Rated Freelancer, and you can check my reviews here as well: https://www.freelancer.com/u/mzdesmag. Looking forward to potentially working together on this project. Thanks and Best regards, Adekunle.
$750 AUD in 7 days
5.7
5.7

Hi, Thank you for sharing the detailed requirements for your Automated Rod Mill Loader Design project. I have carefully reviewed your scope and am confident that I fully understand the technical and operational needs—especially the emphasis on safety, controlled automation, and seamless integration with your existing plant infrastructure. Your specifications for standard industrial components, adherence to Australian Standards, and the focus on maintainability are well noted. My approach will be to build upon your finalised concept, starting from the 3D laser scan data to ensure dimensional accuracy and optimal fit within your current layout. I will design the rod storage bench, pneumatic-driven indexer, and rack-and-pinion boom system for reliable and safe operation, integrating all subsystems including the rotating drum feed and travel mechanisms. All selections will prioritise availability in the Australian market, and I will provide robust FEA-backed calculations to ensure structural integrity. I have successfully completed similar automation and materials handling projects, including the upgrade of a rail-mounted telescoping conveyor for a major Australian mining client. This involved reverse engineering from point-cloud scans, designing new mechanical and pneumatic systems, and delivering full fabrication drawings and FEA reports in Autodesk Inventor—resulting in improved safety and operational efficiency. I am confident in delivering a practical, robust solution that meets your requirements and expectations. - Detailed 3D model in Autodesk Inventor with native files - General Arrangement and comprehensive Fabrication Drawings - Mechanical design calculations and FEA analysis report - Selection and integration of standard industrial components per Australian Standards I am ready to begin work immediately and look forward to collaborating closely with your team. Best Regards, Callie
$1,125 AUD in 10 days
0.0
0.0

Hi there, I'm a licensed professional engineer. I understand you're looking for a complete redesign of an existing rod mill loader to automate the indexing and boom travel while maintaining compatibility with the current installation, support points, and operating envelope. I have 20+ years of experience in mechanical equipment design for mining and industrial machinery, including structural design, machine automation, pneumatic systems, fabrication drawings, and FEA. I've completed similar projects involving material handling equipment, rail-mounted mechanisms, rack-and-pinion drives, and upgrades to existing mining plant equipment using Autodesk Inventor. I can develop the Inventor 3D model, mechanical calculations, FEA, fabrication drawings, and integrate standard Australian industrial components while considering applicable Australian Standards. I'm also comfortable working from 3D laser scan data and following a staged review process to incorporate client feedback throughout the design. One quick question: will the pneumatic and electrical control philosophy (PLC/I/O requirements) be provided, or is that expected to be included in the design scope? I look forward to working with you. Best Regards, James
$1,500 AUD in 3 days
0.0
0.0

Hello, I am excited about your Automated Rod Mill Loader Design project. With a strong background in mechanical engineering and experience in creating precise mechanical systems, I can develop the pneumatic and rack-and-pinion mechanisms integrated with the existing rod mill charger. Using Autodesk Inventor, I will deliver detailed 3D models and fabrication drawings that meet Australian Standards, ensuring weight and dimension compliance. I am confident in providing the FEA report and mechanical calculations swiftly within your 2 to 4 week timeline to support your operational needs efficiently. Have you identified any specific challenges with the existing rod charger that the new design must address? Thanks,
$1,250 AUD in 15 days
0.0
0.0

Hi, I will achieve your goals by delivering a complete Autodesk Inventor design package for the rod mill charger, including the redesigned boom, rack-and-pinion drive, pneumatic indexing system, fabrication drawings, engineering calculations, and FEA—fully integrated with your existing laser scan and Australian Standards. I'll provide regular design reviews throughout the project to ensure the final solution is robust, manufacturable, and ready for implementation. Thanks!
$1,000 AUD in 7 days
0.0
0.0

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