Introduction to Industrial Automation

10.18   Heat Treatment Process in a Chamber Furnace

In heat treatment processes, a gas-fired chamber furnace is usually required. The sliding door of 

such an industrial furnace, shown in Figure 10.18, is controlled by a PLC. The furnace door, at its 

open and closed states, activates the proximity switches PS

1

 and PS

2

 respectively, while the normal 

state is considered the closed one.

Opening door. The door opens by the momentary pressing of button b

0

 through the forward/

reverse motor (M) operation. When the sensor PS

1

 is activated, the door is open and the 

motor M stops.

2

3

1

Step motor for up-down motion

Step motor for joint column rotation

Suction cups

Initial position

Plates have thickness 2 cm

42 cm

42 cm

PC

PC

+24 V DC

+24 V DC

0 V

0 V

Vacuum

PC

Step

motor

Step

motor

Vacuum

1

2

3

Up

Down

(*)

(*) Ramp with variant slope depending on the

height of the end-effector from last plate.

Right

Left

Positioning cycle

PLC

I0.3

Q1.0

Q2.0

Q2.2

Q3.1

Q3.2

Inputs

Outputs

Step

Direction Step

Direction

Step motor driver 1

Step motor driver 2

Conveyor