International Journal of Advanced Mechanical Engineering.
ISSN 2250-3234 Volume 4, Number 5 (2014), pp. 509-517
© Research India Publications
http://www.ripublication.com
Automatic Punching Machine: A Low Cost Approach
Arun S
1
, Sree Rajendra
2
and Vijayavithal Bongale
3
1
IV Sem M.Tech (IAR), Malnad College of Engineering (MCE), Hassan,
Karnataka, India
2
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, MCE, Hassan, Karnataka, India
3
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, MCE, Hassan, Karnataka, India
Abstract
The proposed work describes the design and fabrication of prototype of
automatic punching machine controlled by PLC and shedding light on the
working principle and the hardware structure of the system. Punching or
pressing process is one of the most important and necessary processing step in
sheet metal industry. By automating this process one can have a greater
control over the process. Programmable Logic Controllers are used for the
control of the system. This system can replace existing manual feed and
operated punching and pressing machines. By interfacing PLC controls with
the conventional machines, it is possible to achieve good results in the form of
reduced manufacturing lead time, reduced cost and increased safety of the
worker.
Keywords— Punching Machine, PLC, Pneumatics, Ladder logic.
Introduction
In today’s practical and cost-conscious world, sheet-metal parts have already replaced
many expensive cast, forged, and machined products. The reason is obviously the
relative economy of operation, easier implementation for mass-production, as well as
greater control on the technical parameters. In most of the sheet metal operations
punching or pressing operation is the main or initial operation in the process
sequence. Automating this operation results in reduced lead time and also can reduce
human effort.
Automation can be defined as the “technology concerned with application of
mechanical, electronic and computer-based systems to operate and control
production”. There are many reasons for automating the process. The reason may be
to reduce manufacturing lead time, to increase labor productivity or to improve the
worker safety, etc.