it needs to use hydraulics or pneumatics.Im willing to spend a bit of money but not alot under 30$. if anyone can help me please do.
perhaps you can generate the force hydraulically using a small bottle jack (like those I've referenced in a link). All the the crucial bits are pre-manufactured, and saves so much hassle sealing leaks, making sure the pistons run straight etc. Get a piece of pipe (probably best if it's metal, but plastic drain pipe might be OK, if you're not not using that much force!) and cut a section of it away so can still use the jack's handle when it's placed inside the pipe. A can be prevented from shifting when being crushed by having a through pin (a removable steel bolt going all the way through the pipe) on the side opposite to the crushing force. You then need to counter the reaction force produced by the jack pressing against the can. Again you could use a through pin to prevent the jack shifting, but if you've got the equipment/expertise welding/braising might be a better solution. Perhaps a series of holes for the through pins would help cope with different sizes/number of cans? (You might be able to get the bits from a half decent scrap yard, and maybe claim some extra credit for recycling the components) www.machinemart .uk/shop/range/...
