2023 COES Design and Research Conference

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Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineering Technology Senior Projects

Integrated Engineering and Science Building 128.

1:00 p.m.

Mini-Lathe CNC Conversion

Team Members: Joshua Bass, Thomas Casey, Hunter Henderson, Djimon Hill

Advisor: Dr. Will Long

Our goal for this project was to implement a computer numerical control (CNC) system on an existing Sherline Mini-Lathe while maintaining its manual ability. The project included the implementation of a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B to serve as the primary controller, the installation of NEMA 23 Stepper Motors to control the axial motion of the lathe, an overhaul of the existing electrical controls of the lathe, and the fabrication of the various necessary components to achieve the end goal of a fully automated CNC Machine. With our methods of control implemented, the lathe can be used as a totally automated CNC machine, and parts can be machined to a high degree of quality, with a minimal degree of user intervention.
1:30 p.m.

Rock Tumbler

Team Members: Jansen Jones, Will Martin, Jacob Powell, Cameron Richmond

Advisor: Mr. Michael Theodos

For this project, our goal is to create a fully functional and automated tumbler/deburrer that has tunable input parameters and speed control. The project includes a proportional–integral–derivative motor controller with parameters determined by readings taken from a rotary encoder and weight measurements from a load cell.
2:00 p.m.

C.A.L.M: Casting Automation for Lost Materials

Team Members: Shawn Clark, Everett McKeller, Hugh Oliver

Advisor: Dr. David Hall

For this project, we implemented a human-machine interface (HMI), thermal controls, monitoring, and safety circuits for the lost-materials casting process in the Bogard Hall Prototyping Lab. Each system is connected to the programmable logic controller and supervisory control and data acquisition system in which all the data has been collected and displayed for temperature control and monitoring. The system also provides an HMI interface to guide the user through each step to a finished cast product. None of these systems interfere with the manual use of the machines as standalone products.