Design of an Automatic Wood Cutting Conveyor Simulation with a Programmable Logic Controller

Abstract

This study aims to design and simulate an automated wood cutting conveyor system using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to enhance productivity and consistency in wood production. The research methodology includes system requirements analysis, hardware and software design, and simulation using PLC software. Key components such as the conveyor, motor, sensors, and cutting tools were identified to design the control circuit within the PLC. The simulation results show that this system can increase production speed and allows integration with other automation systems, thus improving operational efficiency. The simulation has demonstrated the system's effectiveness in boosting efficiency. It highlights the importance of timing in each part of the process: conveyor motor activation within 10 milliseconds, wood transfer within 10 seconds, cutting pause of 2-3 seconds, and cutting duration of 1-2 seconds, with a stop button response time in milliseconds enabling safe process termination.