Design and fabrication of semi-automated garlic peeling machine for chili-garlic manufacturer/ Dominick C. Bartolome, Sebastian V. Cacanindin, Ralph Rommel S. Co, John Nicole B. Mazo, Charles Matthew R. Tagbago.--

Bachelor's thesis

College Of Engineering.--
Bachelor of science in mechanical engineering: Technological University of the Philippines,
2025.

Includes bibliographic references and index.

Garlic is a fundamental ingredient in Filipino cuisine, especially in the production of
chili-garlic condiments. However, the manual peeling of garlic remains a major challenge
for micro and small-scale food producers due to its labor-intensive and time-consuming
nature. This study presents the design and fabrication of a Semi-Automated Garlic Peeling
and Grinding Machine intended to enhance productivity, consistency, and hygiene in garlic
processing. The machine features a rotary peeling mechanism using food-grade silicone
fins, paired with a high-powered vacuum system that removes 80–85% of the garlic peels
during operation. It also includes a built-in grinder to streamline the entire process from
peeling to preparation. Performance tests showed the machine can peel 20–30 kilograms of
garlic per hour, with an average peeling efficiency of 66.39%, significantly outperforming
manual methods that yield only 0.89–1.03 kg per hour. The prototype was evaluated for

usability, production output, and economic viability, confirming its suitability for small-
scale chili garlic manufacturers. This innovation addresses the limitations of manual labor,

reduces production time, and offers a practical solution for enhancing small business
operations. By automating key steps in garlic processing, the machine contributes to
improving food manufacturing efficiency and supporting the growth of local food
enterprises in the Philippines.