E&TC / ECE · Embedded and digital electronics · Final year project
Colour Product Sorting using Pneumatic Conveyor Belt
A PLC-controlled sorter that separates products by colour. A colour sensor identifies each item on the conveyor, and pneumatic pistons push it into the right basket.
What is the Colour Product Sorting using Pneumatic Conveyor Belt project?
A PLC-controlled sorter that separates products by colour. A colour sensor identifies each item on the conveyor, and pneumatic pistons push it into the right basket.
Key facts
- Branch
- Electronics & Telecommunication (E&TC / ECE); also suits Mechatronics
- Type
- Final year project · Advanced
- Suitable for
- Diploma capstone and B.E / B.Tech final year
- Build time
- 6 to 8 weeks
- Estimated component cost
- ₹21,700 – ₹31,900
- Guidance from
- ₹9,999 (Hardware / IoT Final Year)
How the Colour Product Sorting using Pneumatic Conveyor Belt works
- 12 V power adapter / step-down transformer supplies the circuit; a regulator gives the controller and sensors a steady 5 V.
- The Colour sensor identifies colours for sorting or detection.
- The Push buttons and switches provide manual inputs and the power switch.
- The Compact PLC runs the ladder logic that sequences the machine's inputs and outputs, the way industry automates processes.
- The DC geared motor provides the driving motion.
- The Solenoid lock locks or unlocks the door when energised.
- The LEDs indicate status.
Block diagram
Inputs
Colour sensorPush buttons and switchesController
Compact PLCOutputs
DC geared motorSolenoid lockLEDsComponents list and cost
Typical prices from Indian online stores and electronics markets (Lamington Road, Budhwar Peth, SP Road). Buy from one store where you can to save on shipping.
| Component | Qty | What it does | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact PLC (e.g. Delta DVP / Siemens LOGO!) | 1 | Runs the ladder logic that sequences the machine's inputs and outputs, the way industry automates processes. | ₹9,500 |
| Colour sensor (TCS3200) | 1 | Identifies colours for sorting or detection. | ₹450 |
| Push buttons and switches | 1 | Provide manual inputs and the power switch. | ₹40 |
| DC geared motor | 1 | Provides the driving motion. | ₹250 |
| Solenoid lock (12 V) | 1 | Locks or unlocks the door when energised. | ₹450 |
| LEDs (assorted) | 1 | Indicate status. | ₹20 |
| 12 V power adapter / step-down transformer | 1 | Supplies stable low-voltage power from the mains. | ₹250 |
| Valves (solenoid / direction control) | 1 | Control the direction and flow of air or fluid. | ₹900 |
| Shafts (machined) | 1 | Transmit rotation and torque. | ₹400 |
| Pulleys and V-belt | 1 | Transmit rotation between shafts. | ₹350 |
| Mild steel frame and fabrication | 1 | Forms the main structure that holds all parts. | ₹2,500 |
| Pneumatic cylinder | 1 | Converts compressed air into linear push-pull motion. | ₹1,800 |
| FRL unit (filter-regulator-lubricator) | 1 | Needed for this type of build. | ₹1,500 |
| PU pipes and push-in fittings | 1 | Needed for this type of build. | ₹700 |
| Air compressor (small) | 1 | Supplies compressed air. | ₹3,500 |
| Pneumatic Actuator | 1 | Part from the design specification | ₹150* |
| Pneumatic Pipes | 1 | Part from the design specification | ₹150* |
| Electromagnet | 1 | Part from the design specification | ₹150* |
| Proximity Sensor | 1 | Part from the design specification | ₹150* |
| Connecting Rod | 1 | Part from the design specification | ₹150* |
| Roller | 1 | Part from the design specification | ₹150* |
| Joints Fixtures | 1 | Part from the design specification | ₹150* |
| Passive components, PCB and wiring kit | 1 | Enclosure, mounts and fasteners, resistors (assorted), capacitors (assorted), PCB / breadboard and cables, connectors and jumper wires. | ₹610 |
| Wiring, PCB, soldering and enclosure | 1 | Project overhead | ₹450 |
| Demo model base / mounting board | 1 | Project overhead | ₹500 |
| Testing spares and replacements | 1 | Project overhead | ₹300 |
| Estimated total | Varies with brand, quality and city | ₹21,700 – ₹31,900 |
Prices are estimates for budgeting; items marked * depend on the exact size or model chosen. We confirm the bill of materials when your design is frozen, and components are charged at actual cost with bills.
How much does this project cost?
| Option | What you get | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Components only | You buy the parts and build it yourself | ₹21,700 – ₹31,900 |
| Hardware / IoT Final Year | Working model or guided build, Circuit diagram and bill of materials, Firmware / code with explanation | from ₹9,999 + components |
| Capstone Project (CPE) | Working project or model, Black book in MSBTE format, Step-by-step explanation | ₹9,999 + components |
| Diploma ITR | 100% working source code, Project report PDF, PPT | ₹1,999 + components |
No GST and no hidden charges. Use the cost calculator for a quote with your deadline and add-ons, or see all plans.
Download the project brief (PDF)
Summary, working, components and cost and viva questions on one branded PDF to show your guide or team. To get it developed, contact us on WhatsApp.
What you submit with this project
- Working model with circuit diagram and program code
- Project report or black book in your university's chapter order (block diagram, circuit, calculations, results)
- Presentation for the review and final viva
- Synopsis for topic approval, if your college asks for one
E&TC / ECE viva questions on this project
What is the aim of the Colour Product Sorting using Pneumatic Conveyor Belt project?
A PLC-controlled sorter that separates products by colour. A colour sensor identifies each item on the conveyor, and pneumatic pistons push it into the right basket.
Explain the working of your project in short.
12 V power adapter / step-down transformer supplies the circuit; a regulator gives the controller and sensors a steady 5 V. The Colour sensor identifies colours for sorting or detection. The Push buttons and switches provide manual inputs and the power switch. The Compact PLC runs the ladder logic that sequences the machine's inputs and outputs, the way industry automates processes.
Why is a PLC preferred over a microcontroller in industry?
A PLC is rugged, works on 24 V industrial signals, tolerates noise and heat, and is programmed in ladder logic that maintenance staff understand. It is also easy to modify on site.
How does the TCS3200 detect colour?
It has photodiodes with red, green, blue and clear filters. It outputs a square wave whose frequency depends on the light intensity for the selected filter.
Why is a pull-up resistor needed with a push button?
Without it the input pin floats and reads random values. The pull-up keeps it HIGH until the button connects it to ground.
Why is a geared motor used?
The gearbox reduces speed and multiplies torque, so a small DC motor can move a vehicle or mechanism smoothly. Torque increases roughly by the gear ratio.
How does a solenoid lock work?
When current flows, the coil becomes an electromagnet and pulls the plunger in, releasing the latch. When current stops, the spring pushes the plunger back to lock.
Explain the block diagram of your project.
The input section senses the real-world quantity, the Compact PLC processes it according to the program, and the output section displays the result and drives the actuators. The power supply section feeds every block.
Which communication protocols are used between the modules?
The sensors give digital or analog signals read directly by the controller's I/O and ADC pins, and outputs are driven through transistor or relay drivers.
What is the operating voltage of the circuit?
The controller and most sensors work at 5 V (ESP boards and some modules at 3.3 V). A 12 V adapter powers the board, and a regulator steps it down. Motors and relays get their own supply line so they do not reset the controller.
Is your system open-loop or closed-loop?
Closed-loop: sensors measure the actual position, distance or condition and the controller corrects the actuators until the target is reached.
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