Design of a Sensory-based Control System for Compression Molding

The objective of any automatic system is to acquire input data and resolve the output activities in an autonomous and efficient way. Among other control equipment, sensors are an important component of such systems. This work describes the design and implementation of a sensory-based control system for the operation of a compression molding press machine. The overall operation and control is based on a programmable logic unit and certain amount of solid state inductive proximity and pressure sensors. The functionality of the sensory system is analyzed through quantitative and qualitative simulation models, and validated with physical measurements, prior to the implementation. The overall design and supervision procedures applied have enabled the reduction of sensor failures and machine malfunctioning.