Introduction to Industrial Automation

Figure 5.22  Position-time diagram of the two-cylinder arrangement shown in Figure 5.20.

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Elements of Electro-Pneumatic Components 

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179

5.9.2   Industrial Automation of an Object Stamping Machine

In Figure 5.24a, an object stamping machine is presented that it is operating with the help of three 

pneumatic cylinders. The objects are received from the supply feeder, with the help of gravity and 

without a special mechanism. From the cylinders A, B, and C, A places and tightens the object 

at the stamping position. The B cylinder performs the stamping, while the C cylinder pushes the 

object onto a conveyor belt. A number of limit switches are necessary in order to detect the vari-

ous movements of cylinders, particularly limit switches {b, c} for the A cylinder, {d, e} for the B 

cylinder, and {f, g} for the C cylinder. Furthermore, the limit switch “a” detects the existence of 

an object for stamping. In general, it is not necessary that every single- or double-action cylinder 

be accompanied by the two sensors. However, the utilization of two sensors per cylinder simplifies 

the implementation of the sequential logic of the physical process. In any similar application, we 

have to initially select the types of cylinders and valves, as well as design the circuit of the pres-

surized air. These selections are already completed in Figure 5.24a. All the cylinders were selected 

as double actuation types. Alternatively, cylinders B and C could be of a single actuation type. 

Ball feeder

1

Ball carrier

2

Proximity

switch 

PS

1

PS

2

Coil a

(a)

Ball separation feeder and pneumatic circuit

N

d

R

d

START

 

STOP

C

d

a

C

(b)

Automation circuit

C

PS

1

PS

2