AbstractThe 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 CuringDec01-11