Design of the Mechatronic Drive System for an MDF Board Sawing Machine with Gripper-Based Movement

Abstract

The mechatronic design of the MDF Board Sawing Machine with Gripper-Based Movement (IM-2900 V30 Automatic) was developed in-house by INMES Industrial with the goal of creating a high-performance solution at a competitive cost. To avoid the use of more expensive traditional solutions (such as PLCs or servo drive kits), the company opted for the custom development of both hardware and software. The sawing machine was designed for high dimensional precision and rapid positioning. The gripper drive system utilizes a Three-Phase Induction Motor (ACIM) coupled with a frequency inverter with encoder feedback to ensure precision movement. The control architecture is based on a PCB that integrates a PIC16 microcontroller (for discrete functions) and a dsPIC33 DSC (for gripper control), communicating via protocols such as I²C, dI²C, and RS-485. The project includes the Smart Assist system — a visual aid using an LED strip to guide the operator and reduce material waste — as well as features such as electronic cutting height adjustment and miter cutting. Functional tests validated the required precision, achieving ± 0.2 mm in straight cuts and a gripper return speed of up to 25 m/min without load. The 2022 launch demonstrated superior efficiency compared to manual and semi-automatic machines. Commercial success, with over 200 units sold, proved that in-house mechatronic development optimized costs without compromising performance, fully meeting precision and speed requirements.