IOT Based Automation of Pre-treatment Plant for Surface Coating with Multiple Batch System

Powder Coating is a method of applying decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products that are used by both industries and consumers. Pre-Treatment is a process that manufactures need to go through to remove all grease, oils and dirt from the metal (usually conductive) surfaces. The process of pre-treatment has the following stages: Degreasing, Derusting, Phosphating, Passivation and Water Rinsing. Depending on the type of material that is to be pre-treated, the stages of the pre-treatment cycle can be varied accordingly. The existing system lacks in modes and in efficiency due to the inability for simultaneous execution. The pre-treatment process can be operated in three modes: Automatic, Manual and Maintenance. The system is a multiple batch system that allows multiple trays (batches) to be treated simultaneously with the help of electromagnetic latching mechanism. Integrating the system with lOT removes the restriction of localized operation and allows the operator to control the entire system remotely, without being present on the assembly floor. Further the quality of the proposed system is evaluated using Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP).