Mini Desktop Conveyor

Mini Desktop Conveyor

One of the projects I developed to demonstrate my rapid prototyping capabilities was this desktop conveyor system. Rather than focusing on a single manufacturing process, the objective was to showcase how design, fabrication, electronics, and automation can be combined into a functional prototype in a relatively short development cycle.

The conveyor was designed  in SolidWorks, with many of the structural components produced through additive manufacturing. Other mechanical components were fabricated and assembled to create a compact, fully functional conveyor capable of supporting small automation demonstrations.

To introduce an element of industrial automation, the conveyor was equipped with an inductive proximity sensor to detect workpieces and stage an automated process. This allowed the system to simulate how sensors are commonly integrated into manufacturing equipment for part detection, sequencing, and process control.

Projects like this are an excellent example of how modern prototyping extends beyond simply creating a mechanical assembly. They require an understanding of CAD design, fabrication methods, electronics, sensors, and automation, bringing together multiple disciplines to rapidly develop and validate functional concepts before moving toward production.