Enhancing Engineering Technology Programs Using an Integrated Drive Machine

Purdue University Northwest is home to the Integrated Drive Machine (IDM), donated by Rockwell Automation. During Rockwell Automation’s 50th anniversary, this conveyer system was the main attraction for their exhibition. Upon arrival at the university’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC), the IDM arrived in various states of disrepair. For three months, all components except for the forklift were fully repaired and operational. The IDM is programmed by using Device Net, which is a network protocol used in the automation industry to interconnect control devices to allow both data exchange and allow the PLC to communicate with multiple devices. This type of communication allows for more sophisticated programming including alarms, photo sensors, and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) functionality. Additional communication to PCs and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) was accomplished by using Ethernet/IP. The IDM also incorporates multiple HMI which allow the user to operate the machine from any point. The system was assembled and set up by a group of students. All wiring, troubleshooting, and programming was also conducted by undergraduate and graduate students from multiple programs. This machine has been used in many classes and senior capstone design projects to provide a real-world application experience to students and close the gap between education and the workforce.