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Project Summary
3M uses Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to measure material change and chemical composition broadly throughout the company. Of these analysis, a technique using an attenuated total eflectance crystal (ATR) is most often used. This requires a sample to be in contact with a diamond crystal for analysis. To automate this analysis, we will need an automated cleaning method that will prepare surface after every analysis.
Design Goal
We have created a solution incorporating a foam tip dispenser, a solvent dispenser, and an automated robotic arm. This arm will maneuver a foam swab wiping the crystal surface then disposing of the swab.
Design Constraints
- Components must be UL certified
- Fully enclosed electronic circuitry
- Safely interact with optical microscope surface
- Effectively clean the testing surface
- Repeatable system
Download the project summary (PDF file).
SolidWorks model of the robotic arm and the FTIR
Members of the Project Team
Student Team:
- Lucas Shriver - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Tyler Johnson - Major: Computer Engineering
- EclasHiro Ssebatta - Major: Electrical Engineering
- Tom Bureau - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Fred Lee - Major: Mechanical Engineering
Industry Representatives: Jessica DeYoung and Christopher Shaffer
Faculty Advisor: David Forliti
Pictured left to right: Lucas Shriver, Tyler Johnson, EclasHiro Ssebattta, Tom Bureau, Fred Lee.