We are a team of six senior engineering technology students at Pittsburg State University who are working to design and manufacture an automated bottle takeout system for an industrial blow molding machine. Our goal is to improve an existing manufacturing process by reducing manual labor, increasing production efficiency, and creating a safer working environment for machine operators.
Currently, the Rocheleau R4 blow molding produces 22-ounce plastic bottles that require additional processing before they are finished. After leaving the mold, operators must manually remove excess plastic, known as tail flash, from the bottom of each bottle and feed the bottles into a separate trimming machine. This repetitive process requires significant operator involvement and presents ergonomic challenges.
Our team is developing an automated solution that will receive bottles directly from the blow molding machine, maintain their orientation, remove the excess plastic, and transport them into the existing spin trimmer. The system is being designed to accommodate the machine's normal production rate of approximately 120-180 cycles per hour while allowing operators to safely inspect and access the equipment when needed.
To accomplish this, we are combining mechanical design, pneumatic components, electronic controls, and automated conveyor technology into one integrated system. Throughout the project, we are responsible for designing, prototyping, manufacturing, assembling, and testing the machine to ensure it meets our customer's requirements.
Beyond improving the manufacturing process, this project provides our team with valuable hands-on experience in engineering design, manufacturing, automation, project management, and problem-solving. It allows us to apply the knowledge gained throughout our Pitt State education to a real-world industrial challenge.
With your support, we can purchase the materials and components necessary to bring out design to life. Your contribution will directly support our ability to build and test a functional automated system while helping us develop the practical skills needed for our future engineering careers.
Thank you for supporting our senior design project and helping us turn our education into real-world innovation!
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