Biorest: Welding Arm Support Made from Galangal Fibre

Abstract

In the welding industry, one of the major issues that frequently reduces productivity and work quality is the presence of non-ergonomic working postures and muscle fatigue caused by prolonged tasks. These conditions not only affect welders’ performance but also contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. In response to the need for a more ergonomic and environmentally friendly support device, a new approach has been introduced through the development of an Adjustable Welding Arm Rest using galangal stem fibres as the primary material. This natural fibre was selected due to its availability, lightweight properties, and suitable mechanical strength for industrial applications. The objective of this study is to design and develop an adjustable arm support device and to evaluate the mechanical strength and durability of galangal fibres based on different weaving techniques. The development process includes Computer-Aided Design (CAD), prototype fabrication, and Charpy impact testing on three types of fibre weaves: shredded, braided, and twisted. The results show that the shredded weave achieved the highest average impact energy of 23 J, outperforming the other weaving techniques. This indicates that the shredded method yields the best impact resistance and is suitable for applications in lightweight structural components. The use of natural materials such as galangal fibres also reduces production costs and supports sustainable manufacturing practices. Overall, the Adjustable Welding Arm Rest made from galangal fibres has strong potential to serve as an alternative to synthetic materials while meeting contemporary ergonomic requirements in the welding industry.