Design and Development of a PLC-Based Conveyor Trainer with Variable Speed Drive

Abstract

The design and construction of a miniature conveyor based on an Omron CP1E Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Schneider ATV212 Variable Speed Drive (VSD) aims to provide a safe and representative industrial automation training medium for technicians and operators at PT Indexim Coalindo. Direct training on real industrial equipment entails high safety risks and substantial operational costs. The experimental method was employed, encompassing hardware design, ladder diagram programming, and integrated system interlock testing. Data were collected through field observations, literature reviews, and component reliability testing. The results indicate that the miniature conveyor was successfully developed and accurately performed basic operational functions (start, stop, and reset). The VSD effectively regulated the speed of the three-phase induction motor. Furthermore, the integrated protection devices—including the emergency stop, pull cord switch, belt drift switch, and rotation sensor—proved responsive in detecting potential faults and automatically stopping the system to ensure operational safety. This system is suitable for interactive simulation to enhance human resource competencies in industrial automation.