Automated Composite Pipe Cutting Machine for ASTM Standard Testing Specimen Preparation

Abstract

This thesis aims to design a pipe-cutting machine using costume-made metal fixtures, an Avid CNC Bentch Top machine, and Mach4 control software to cut strips off from pipes made of PVC, resin, and fibreglass materials automatically. The costume-made fixtures clamp down the pipe and rotate it to perform multiple cuts around it. Avid CNC Bentch Top Machine is used to perform the ramping cut with a 10mm diameter square shoulder milling cutter. A touch probe is mounted beside the cutter to measure the accurate pipe diameter. An HMI (Human Machine Interface) that allows the operator to input the dimension of the pipe and perform calibration before use is developed using the LUA language under Mach4 motion control software. Screen and button scripts are programmed to read the input from the operator and sensors to generate a Gcode file to drive the CNC machine. The machine prototype can cut 5 strips in 30 minutes with the dimensions and surface finish required by ASTM D790 and ASTM D638, significantly increasing the production rate and reducing the waste of human resources while focusing on the environmentally friendly and cost-friendly for small businesses.