Prototype of automatic conveyor system using programmable logic controller for educational purpose

Abstract

The study of conveyor control and programming using PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) has been taught in many universities, especially in the field of Electrical Engineering. Unfortunately, the material obtained by students is only in the form of theory without direct application to the conveyor system in the industry because it is constrained by the company policy. Therefore, it is necessary to build a prototype of automatic conveyor system using PLC for educational purpose. This prototype is owned by the university so that students can directly implement the results of the PLC program design that they have learned in class. The prototype of the automatic conveyor system can increase students’ interest and understanding of the industrial automation process so that they will be better prepared when they have implemented it directly to the industry. This research discusses the design and manufacture of a prototype of automatic conveyor system using PLC. The main controlling device used is the FX3U Mitsubishi PLC which is equipped with analogue inputs, analogue outputs, and high-speed counter output as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) output. The conveyor used is a mini conveyor with a DC motor drive. Conveyor speed control is done by adjusting the rotational speed of the DC motor using direct PWM setting from PLC. To complete the automation system, infrared sensor was added as the input to detect the dummy load. Thus, full automation system of conveyor for educational purpose was done and it showed satisfying results.