Flexible manufacturing prototype to process PVC parts

Describes a machine designed to process small PVC pieces. This machine should allow several different processing tasks without too much reconfiguration, thus providing a high level of automation. The solution is based on a three-axis movable platform moving inside a cage structure where several tools are attached. This paper describes the machine components (control hardware and software) but not the mechanical structure. The machine processes one piece at a time. The piece is placed on the platform and held in place by a gripper. The platform moves inside the cage, placing the piece in the appropriate tool position by following a checklist of operations. The machine is controlled by a personal computer equipped with I/O and motion interface boards. The software developed is composed of modules for the different control and configuration needs. The developed software also allows the monitoring of several of these machines. In this way, we are not limited to a system composed of a single machine but we can diverge into a flexible manufacturing system composed of several machines using a Web "atmosphere".