Development of Automatic Material Sorting Machine Based on PLC

Abstract

Automatic material sorting is one of important links in assembly line work of manufacturing industry and logistics industry. The automatic sorting machine designed and developed in this work was comprehensively controlled by air pressure, mechanical drive, PLC and touch screen. Aiming at solving problems of low sorting efficiency, high error rate, etc. of manual sorting, this machine could improve manufacturing effectiveness and reduce product cost for enterprises. The machine was able to sort metal and plastic articles in different sizes. Transporting materials with conveyor belt, this machine could identify different material textures and sizes with photovoltaic sensor and magnetic sensor. Then, sorted materials could be placed in corresponding positions after being grabbed with pneumatic robotic manipulator with three degrees of freedom.