DESIGN OF SEMI-AUTOMATED ROBOTIC SYSTEM FOR ROD CUTTING

The first fundamental activity in each manufacturing process is the cut-off operation; while it does not add value to the finished product, it is vitally necessary. Normally, cutting off is done on fully automatic equipment, however there is potential for low-cost automation to shorten cycle times, improve cut length accuracy, and lower cost per cut. The project explores a low-tech approach to the cutting-off process that makes use of an electro-pneumatic circuit and a proximity sensor. The goal is to use intelligent automation circuit control to shorten cycle time by at least 50%, improve cutting accuracy, and conserve power. Cutting speed of the cutter and air pressure, which determines cutter feed rate, are the two factors that will affect cutting.