Diseño y simulación de un sistema mecatrónico para la automatización del proceso de electrodeposición en la empresa EMC Technology

Abstract

Electroplating is widely used at EMC Technolgy to provide surface protection to electronic components. Today, this operation is manually executed and it covers 24 hours a day due to its low efficiency and because of the multiple and thorough inspections required. Besides, some of these procedures need to be repeated occasionally when the expected results are not obtained in the examinations. In addition, electroplating operators are constantly exposed to hazardous chemicals such as sulfuric acid, nickel, lead, tin and tarniban. These may cause chemical burns, skin irritation, allergic reactions, dehydration and even cancer when in contact with skin or when inhaling their vapors. This is where EMC Technology meets the necessity of an automated electroplating process. The current efficiency of the process is low and the workers' occupational safety and health is being compromised. Thus, a mechatronic system offering a solution to the stated problem is completely designed on this project. Its mechanical structure is planned, sensors and actuators are properly selected and located within the system, a three dimensional model of the machine is developed, control systems and user interface are designed in LabView, electronic circuitry and power interface are also designed. Finally, computer simulations are used in order to verify system operation leaving everything ready for implementation to proceed as a second stage to be held out of this project.