The objective of this senior design project was to automate the skimming process used for the aluminum high pressure die casting production line at the Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles casting plant located in Kokomo, Indiana. The aluminum procured from the production line is used to manufacture automotive powertrains for motor vehicles. After meeting with the client to discuss the project, the team determined the goal of this project would be to design and develop a fully-automated prototype as the final deliverable. The client had two main requirements. The first requirement was the automated skimmer should not be in the way of the ladle, as it goes to pick the aluminum used for the casting process. The second main requirement was the skimmer should be fully autonomous with a manual mode for emergency override. The goal was to generate a design and build a full-scale prototype.
Spring 2021
In the aluminum furnaces used by Chrysler for casting, oxidation on the surface can cause quality defects. This oxidation is currently removed manually, requiring the work cell to shut down temporarily and exposes workers to high heat and other hazards.
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SOET