Arduino based low cost automation solution for Berger Paints Limited, Bangladesh.
This machine was designed on behalf of Unipolar Automation Technologies Limited to increase the production line efficiency of Berger Color Paints Limited.
I worked on this project as an automation designer. The machine had two horizontal pneumatic pistons and two vertical pistons in front with suction cups. A tray contains the lids for color pot moves up and bring the lids below suction cups. Those suction cups grab the lid on commands from microcontroller then pneumatic pistons place them on the pot.
I designed the electronic section which consists of an h-bridge motor controller, user inputs, different optical sensors, relay outputs to control pneumatic valves and three digit seven segment counter display. Mr. Himadri Deb designed the mechanical body and pneumatic sections.
I tested the machine with separate modules like Arduino Mega, relay switching board, motor control module, limit switch etc. After many trials and solving different issues, we have designed a custom PCB board with AVR microcontroller as a low-cost solution compared to a full-fledged programmable logic controller (PLC). We have implemented optical isolation circuit to protect the low power components as the pneumatic valves operate on 230 volt ac.