Industrial and Craft Production Lab – Focus ” Mechatronics – Transfer System

Lab Objectives

• Assembly of drive units, couplings and shafts
• Integration and wiring of switching devices and sensors
• Testing and adjustment of switches and sensors
• Programming and verification of functional processes. The lab aims to give students practical and theoretical skills in using and controlling a 24 V DC industrial conveyor system. This module is designed to simulate real industrial automation scenarios, allowing operations such as:
• Assembly and wiring of electrical and mechanical components
• Control and programming of electric drives
• Detection of end positions using sensors
• Connection and handling of signals via standard M12 and SUB D interfaces
• Development and testing of PLC programs in a real environment. Through study and experimentation, students will become familiar with automated transfer technologies and the related communication protocols.

Educational Aims

The educational aims of the lab include:

• Acquiring technical and practical skills: the lab allows students to assemble, configure and commission a conveyor system, integrating mechanical, electrical and IT knowledge.
• Developing logical and computational thinking: PLC programming and the handling of digital/analogue I/O require sequential process analysis and the design of effective control logic.
• Training in industrial interfaces and communication: the module helps students understand the practical use of standard M12 and SUB D interfaces and external 0-10 V signals, key elements of Industry 4.0.
• Problem-based learning (problem solving): the exercises, structured with increasing difficulty, encourage operational independence and the ability to analyse and resolve faults or inefficiencies in the system.

Conclusion

The lab on the 24 V DC transfer system with anti-pinch protection is a complete, multidisciplinary learning experience. Through theoretical and practical modules and the use of professional tools, students develop transferable skills in:

• Industrial automation and control
• Electrical safety and circuit protection
• Programming and functional logic
• Use of technical manuals and structured documentation. The experiment-based teaching approach (Jog Mode, speed control, part transport) and ETS documentation (students/teachers) ensure progressive, practical learning that is closely aligned with the needs of the technical and engineering world of work.