1. Abstract The purpose of this project is to design a temperature controller to automate paint curing on automobiles using infrared lamps. These lamps will vary in temperature throughout the curing process. An infrared temperature sensor will detect the temperature of the cured surface. The microcontroller will take the output of the temperature sensor and adjust the power output of the lamps to control the surface’s temperature. This method will greatly increase the chance that the paint curing process will be performed correctly and efficiently. General Background Infrared temperature sensor will measure temperature of painted surface Microcontroller will receive sensor reading as input Microcontroller will send output to infrared lamps to control surface temperature during the drying process Measurable Milestones Select microcontroller Select non-contact infrared temperature sensor Learn how to use microcontroller and how to program it Determine functionality of microcontroller Document project End Product Description Automate current paint curing process Reduce drying time from 2 days to 15 minutes Increase production and efficiency of vehicle painting Technical Approach Temperature sensors measure temperature of curing surface on automobile Temperature sensors send measured temperature to microcontroller Microcontroller adjusts power output of infrared curing lamps to control desired temperature for specified time intervals Testing Approach Test temperature sensor on a known temperature surface Test temperature input, output to lights, and timer on the microcontroller Budget Personnel Effort: 346 hours Hardware Costs: $440 Technical Problem Surface of the automobile cannot be touched during the paint curing process Different paint types require various curing times and temperatures Operating Environment Device will be exposed to dirt, sparks, and very hot or cold temperatures Device must be durable to withstand a potential drop by a user Intended Users Auto technicians and mechanics Assumptions Device will be contained on the infrared lamp stand Microcontroller will display the temperature of the surface and time remaining for current curing stage Temperature sensor will be accurate within plus or minus two degrees Fahrenheit Limitations Device will be small enough so that it can be easily moved Cost of temperature sensors and microcontrollers is high Paint surface cannot be touched to find temperature Design Objectives Utilize a microcontroller with a 4 to 20 mA output signal Utilize a non-contact infrared temperature sensor Functional Requirements Microcontroller will act as a thermostat to the infrared lights for the temperature controlling system Adjustments can be made to curing time and temperature Microcontroller will display the temperature of the surface and time remaining on curing stages Accuracy for the temperature sensor will be within plus or minus two degrees Fahrenheit Design Constraints Unit will be light weight so it is easy to pick up by hand Unit will be protected from the outside environment by a box Temperature Sensors Temperature Microcontroller with Timer Infrared Curing Lamps Client: H & S Autoshot P. O. Box 623 Centerville, IA 52544 Members: Michael Burman, CprE Jonathan Johnson, EE Matthew McMullen, CprE Tom Vedder, EE Mark Wibholm, EE Advisors: Dr. John Lamont Dr. Ralph Patterson Temperature Controller for Infrared Paint Curing Dec01-11