This project is an academic study focused on the electrical and automation design of a conveyor machine used for moving parts. It includes detailed analysis of key components such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), motors, and pneumatic systems. The documentation explains how these parts work together to operate the conveyor safely and efficiently.
The project also covers different modes of operation and industrial safety systems that protect users and equipment. It is designed to help users understand automation logic in an industrial environment, offering insights suitable for students and professionals in electrical engineering and automation technology.
To run this application smoothly, please ensure your system meets the following basic requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, or any recent Linux distribution
- RAM: Minimum of 4 GB
- Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
- Disk Space: At least 500 MB free
- Additional Software: None required to run the application
If you plan to explore the project’s code or customize it, you may need software for editing files such as a text editor (e.g., Visual Studio Code) or PLC programming tools. However, for general use, these are not necessary.
This section walks you through downloading, installing, and launching the conveyor automation system software. It assumes no technical background, so each step is written clearly and simply.
Click the big blue button at the top labeled Download conveyor-automation-system to go to the download page. This page lists all available versions of the software.
- Choose the latest stable release for your operating system.
- Click on the file to start downloading.
- The file may be a zip or installer, depending on your platform.
After downloading:
- If you downloaded a zip file, right-click it and select "Extract All" or use your system's extraction tool.
- If you downloaded an installer, double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The installer will create shortcuts and place the files in an appropriate folder.
Once installed or extracted:
- Locate the program icon on your desktop or in your start menu.
- Double-click the icon to open the application.
- You should see the main screen with options to start or configure the conveyor system.
This application simulates the operation of a conveyor belt used in industry. It helps users learn about automation and control systems in a hands-on way.
- Control Panel: Start, stop, and reset the conveyor.
- Mode Selector: Choose between manual, automatic, or emergency stop modes.
- Status Indicators: Shows system status such as motor running, pneumatic pressure, and safety alerts.
- Settings: Adjust parameters like motor speed, sensor sensitivity, and timing.
- Manual Mode: You control the conveyor directly using buttons.
- Automatic Mode: The system runs based on preset logic, simulating real production operations.
- Emergency Stop: Immediately halts all operations to ensure safety.
- The system includes virtual sensors that detect blockages.
- Emergency stop can be triggered via a button or automatically by the software.
- Alerts notify the user if any component fails or requires attention.
The project consists of several parts that work together:
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC): Controls motors and sensors using ladder logic.
- Motors: Simulated models representing conveyor belt drives.
- Pneumatics: Controls air-powered components like clamps or pushers.
- Sensors: Detect presence of parts and emergency situations.
The application uses realistic values and timing to mimic a real conveyor system. This helps users understand how automation works in an industrial setting.
- Ensure your operating system meets the system requirements.
- Try running the program as administrator.
- Check if your antivirus software is blocking the application.
- Make sure the mode selector is set to "Automatic."
- Check if any emergency stop is active.
- Verify settings like motor speed and sensor sensitivity.
- Press the reset button on the control panel.
- Verify that the emergency stop condition has been resolved.
- Switch back to manual or automatic mode.
You can visit the releases page to download the latest version of the software:
Download conveyor-automation-system
This page contains all versions and related files. Choose the file that suits your system, download, and follow the installation steps in this guide.
If you have questions or need assistance:
- Check the documentation folder inside the download for detailed manuals.
- Review the project issues on GitHub for common problems and fixes.
- Contact the project maintainers via GitHub by opening a new issue.
For more information about automation and electrical engineering concepts relevant to this project, consider these resources:
- Introductory books on PLC programming and ladder logic.
- Basic courses about industrial automation systems.
- University of Aveiro’s publications on electrical and automation engineering.
This project is provided for academic and educational purposes. Refer to the LICENSE file included in the repository for full license details.