Cost to automate a master caster..

[jlnel2]

Full auto....pew pew pew...

[jmorris]

I agree with the "depends on what parts you have..." statement.

I built an entire machine, mostly with "junk" I had collecting dust. The most expensive part I had to buy was the $65 mold from magma.

I used two relays, the first is a DPDT that when it hits the "all the way up switch" simultaneously cuts power to the motor on one pole and energizes the pour solenoid. I built a timer circuit using a 555 timer IC and a 10 turn potentiometer to achieve the fine adjustment needed. When the timer times out it closes the valve and powers the motor up again.

The second relay/timer allows me to stop the motor when the mold is all the way down and open, if I need extra cooling time.

[HATCH]

I sent this to a fellow today so I figured I would post it in this thread so you can get a idea of cost for the panel.

As for parts.

The most expensive part is the TouchScreen. Part # EA1-S3MLW or EA1-S3ML
Both are the same except for backgound colors. Cost new from Automation Direct is $205. You DO NOT want the -N model as its not a touchscreen

If you shop around you can find deals -> http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUTOMATION-D...-/152399248936

The second most expensive part is the PLC itself.
I use the C0-01DR-D. Cost new is $109
Your not generally gonna find them on EBAY and if you do the people selling them been smoking crack because they want more then NEW prices for them.

Then you need to smaller parts

Enclosure - need at least a 12x10x6 - Ideally 16x12x6 would be better if your wanting ALL the features.

SSR - need 1 for fan control - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solid-State-...-/191772071275

Power Supply - need one that converts 110/220 to 24vdc - need at least 30 watts in size - http://www.ebay.com/itm/100W-AC-DC-C...-/262572827929

Start/stop switch - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Start-Stop-P...-/141688679633
- will need to switch the bulb to 24vdc

Main power switch - http://www.ebay.com/itm/On-Off-Two-2...-/262946204595

Pilot relay - dpdt 24vdc coil - doesn't need to switch a lot of current - http://www.ebay.com/itm/HH52P-DC-24V...-/122065087994


That should give you a idea of what you need. Keep in mind the above links are examples. You can use them as a shopping list if you want. Keep in mind that getting stuff CHEAP comes with a cost. Most of the above stuff is Hong Kong. It may take 30 days or more to come in. I always buy in bulk so I have plenty of parts around.

I was lucky and located some used enclosures that worked. I am down to 1 now. Once I am out I will have to locate more or buy new which will drive up the cost.
I was also lucky and purchased a dozen DEMO touchscreens for $50 each. I have a few left but I am saving them for panels.
The PLC and touchscreen itself cost almost 1/2 of what I charge for the basic panel.

You will also need some DIN rail to mount the PLC and relay.
If you are using a metal sub panel then you will need a insulated pad to put under the above power supply. You could possibly use this - http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-45W-Din-...item4152172431
I haven't tried it but it should work too.

It takes me about 3 to 4 hours to build a basic panel if I am steady.

Considering 1/2 the cost of the basic panel is the touch and PLC, You will not save much money buy building it yourself if you don't already own some of the above parts.
You could prob save you $100 to $150 by building it yourself but its gonna make you pull your hair out when your done. LOL

[jlnel2]

I have been a bit busy but I hope to order up the pistons and fittings by the end of the week.

May have to sneak off with the mcmaster catalog at work tomorrow!

[alexdiaz73]

Hi, I am writing from Ecuador...sorry my english by the way...
Can somebody shwo images of the ubication and how are fitted (the position of the holes if i have to do).... of this 2 pieces:
--- clevis Rod End 1/4"-28 Thread, 2" Shank Center Length 6071K12
--- Rod Clevis with Pin for 3/4" Bore Size Round Body Air Cylinder 6498K42

I bought the machine a month ago, and is going to arrive in 1 week, so I start to buy the pieces to automated, I want to make me a good idea of how this parts are installed, so please some pictures, or hand writing diagram ...will be very helpfull...

thanks in advance...

[HATCH]

I can when I am at the shop next week or week after


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jlnel2]

��thanks

[HuskJ]

Contact Hatch. He has made the electronics part of the project and used to sell them. I am not sure he supplies the mechanical bits but he may be able to advise on that aspect. There are YouTube videos of the Hatch system as well.

Who is this hatch?

[HATCH]

Me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk