Construcción e implementación de una planta didáctica automatizada, para prácticas de tratamientos superficiales de cobreado, niquelado, zincado, anodizado

Abstract

This project describes the development for the construction and implementation of an automated didactic plant that allows performing surface treatment practices of copper plating, nickel plating, zinc plating, anodizing according to current requirements. The starting point was field research accompanied by the criteria of specialists, where variables, parameters, and factors such as voltage, current intensity, temperature, and time were determined with the purpose of obtaining better results in the processes. The structural analysis of the plant was carried out using the academic SolidWorks software, considering loads of 50 N and 100 N based on the design and resistance of the material to determine stresses and deformations. The system consists of automated control for surface treatments where the necessary hardware was selected, a Raspberry Pi3 small board computer was chosen to control the circuit, using Python as the programming language, in which algorithms were developed to manage the control signals to the actuators of the plant and the generation of a high-level graphical interface for interaction with the user. Through analysis, the materials and equipment necessary for the plant were selected, considering as basic requirements: a current rectifier, a worktable for holding tanks, a chamber for gas extraction consisting of two fans, glass and steel tanks, electrical resistances, a 12 VDC pen motor, a compatible touch screen, anodes and electrolytic baths for each process. The construction and implementation of the complete automated didactic plant for control and monitoring based on embedded systems were achieved. Utilizing functionality tests, adequate ranges of time (5-30) min, temperature (18-60) °C, voltage (2-12) V were established, thus obtaining tables and graphs of optimum results. It is recommended to follow the operation manual to avoid injuries or burns to the operator.