Automatic Color Sorting Conveyor
Print Profile(2)
Bill of Materials
- Arduino Uno Microcontroller x 1: (picture reference in "Conveyor Hardware Guide pdf")
- 12V 5A Power Supply (with female adapter) x 1: (picture reference in "Conveyor Hardware Guide pdf")
- DRV8825 Stepper Motor Driver x 1: (picture reference in "Conveyor Hardware Guide pdf")
- TCS34725 RGB Color Sensor x 1: (picture reference in "Conveyor Hardware Guide pdf")
- Nema 17 Stepper Motor (42 x 42 x 40mm) x 1: (picture reference in "Conveyor Hardware Guide pdf")
- Small Breadboard x 1: (picture reference in "Conveyor Hardware Guide pdf")
- 100ĀµF Electrolytic Capacitor x 1: (picture reference in "Conveyor Hardware Guide pdf")
- Variety Pack of Dupont Jumper Wires x 1: (picture reference in "Conveyor Hardware Guide pdf")
Description
Boost Me (for free)
On the grind to get an H2C from points. Every boost gets me $1 closer and is SO greatly appreciated! š (updates of my point status in my user description)
Membership
Automatic Color Sorting Conveyor š„š©š¦
Smart. Precise. Streamlined for Modern Manufacturing Education.
The Automatic Color Sorting Conveyor is an intelligent, Arduino-powered system that brings real-world manufacturing automation into a compact, hands-on project. Designed for makers, students, and engineers alike, this system demonstrates the core principles of mechatronics, robotics, and industrial automation through a clean and efficient design thatās both powerful and easy to use.
Key Features
š¹ Intelligent Color Recognition
At the heart of the system is an Adafruit TCS34725 RGB color sensor, capable of detecting and classifying materials based on precise red, green, and blue light reflection ratios. Each color is instantly identified and sorted, showcasing practical sensor-based automation similar to whatās found in modern quality control and packaging lines.
š¹ Precision Stepper-Driven Conveyor
The conveyor is powered by a NEMA 17 stepper motor with a DRV8825 driver, offering smooth and accurate motion control. The use of the AccelStepper library ensures controlled acceleration and deceleration, mimicking the fine-tuned motion of professional industrial conveyors.
š¹ Automated Servo Sorting Mechanism
Dual high-torque servos handle sorting duties through a rack and pinion mechanism, automatically diverting items into separate bins based on color classification. Each servo operates with responsive accuracy and repeatable performance, simulating real pick-and-place mechanisms used in manufacturing robotics.
š¹ Simple, Straightforward Assembly
Every component ā from the 3D-printed mounts to the wiring layout ā was designed with clarity in mind. The conveyor is easy to assemble and wire, and the provided step-by-step documentation ensures anyone can build and operate it confidently, even with minimal prior experience.
š¹ Fully Programmable and Customizable
Built on the Arduino Uno platform, the system allows users to modify motor speeds, sorting sequences, and color thresholds directly in code. This makes it ideal for both learning and experimentation, encouraging users to explore automation logic, sensor calibration, and motion control integration. (the code I used is provided in the Conveyor Wiring and Code pdf document attached below)
Applications in Manufacturing and Engineering
The Automatic Color Sorting Conveyor serves as a powerful demonstration of industrial automation principles on a small scale.
It integrates multiple engineering disciplines:
Ā Ā Ā Ā -Mechanical Engineering ā belt drive mechanics, gear and stepper motion.
Ā Ā Ā Ā -Electrical Engineering ā power regulation, circuit interfacing, and sensor integration.
Ā Ā Ā Ā -Software Engineering ā embedded control, automation logic, and calibration routines.
This makes it perfect for:
Ā Ā Ā Ā -STEM education programs and engineering classrooms
Ā Ā Ā Ā -Automation and robotics training
Ā Ā Ā Ā -Prototyping labs looking to test real-time sorting logic
Ā Ā Ā Ā -Demonstrations of manufacturing concepts in a compact, interactive form
Why It Stands Out
What makes this conveyor exceptional is its balance of simplicity and sophistication. Itās easy enough for beginners to understand, yet robust enough for advanced users to experiment with real industrial control concepts. From precision motion control to sensor-based decision making, every part of this project reflects the spirit of practical engineering and problem-solving.
Summary
The Automatic Color Sorting Conveyor is not just a project ā itās a fully functional example of modern automation in action.
It demonstrates how sensors, actuators, and intelligent programming come together to achieve smart manufacturing. Whether for teaching, research, or personal innovation, this system delivers professional-grade functionality in an approachable and rewarding build.
Conveyor Hardware Guide pdf:
Ā Ā Ā Ā - Lists and shows what parts are needed for this project
Conveyor Assembly Guide pdf:
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā - Shows how to assemble conveyor, step by step, with reference images
Conveyor Wiring and Coding pdf:
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā - Displays schematic and list of wiring. Also provides Arduino code and tutorial on how to use Arduino IDE to download libraries and Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā upload code
FEEL FREE TO MESSAGE ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS! I'LL DO MY BEST TO HELP OUT WITH ANY PROBLEMS!
Documentation (3)
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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