Development of two-dimensional plotter using programmable logic controller and human machine interface

Abstract

In this modern world, the use of computerized numerical control technology has become indispensable in the areas of logo designing, furniture, and marble industries, etc. It inspires authors to develop the two-dimensional Plotter device using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) to reduce the complexity of CNC machines. The functional application of X-Y axis-based Plotter is used to draw a variety of shapes, text, and images on the solid surface. In this study, ladder programming is performed according to the script, and the program is thus executed by PLC which further gives the signal to the actuators. The X-Y axis is controlled by servo drivers which drive servo motors. DC motor is used to decide the position of the pen. Human Machine Interface (HMI) is used to provide supervisory control to the X-Y plotter. It has been achieved that the implementation of PLC-HMI based control panel gives comfortable and secure control. Thus, the desired text/shape is achieved with ease, when the motors move along concerning X-Y axis and subsequently pen touches the sheet to draw text/shape. Hence, it is stated that more real-world applications could also be achieved using the plotter device.