Auto-annealer with Dillon case-feeder

[kombayotch]

Several years ago I build a jig for my CNC mill to automate my brass annealing. The old thread is here:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/538728-CNC-Annealer-(Now-with-case-feeder)

Has worked well over the years, but I've always had the intention of building a stand-alone unit. Finally got around to doing that.



Automated annealing with a Dillon case feeder keeping a constant supply of cases to the machine.



The CNC mill has been replaced with an $8 RC servo. The annealer can be controlled with a computer, or used in an stand-alone mode where a potentiometer is used to control the annealing time.

Video here:




Another servo could be added to spin the case, but I haven't found that to me necessary with these torches. Besides, I will probably end up converting it to induction annealing. One of these days I'll build the circuit for it... But, the next project will likely be turning the FX-120i scale into a Prometheus-like auto powder dispenser.

 

[yomomma]

I'd like to hear more about this;

The annealer can be controlled with a computer, or used in an stand-alone mode where a potentiometer is used to control the annealing time.

 

[kombayotch]

The servo is controlled by a small board containing a PIC microcontroller which has a serial interface to the PC. This is how you set the three positions, movement acceleration/peak velocity, and dwell times. When in stand alone mode, the PIC just reads the pot and scales the annealing dwell time based on it's position. Right now, its set to scale between 2-9s.

 

[Fargone4sure]

Very nicely done.

 

[yomomma]

Oh OK....I use Picaxe micro controllers.

What board and software?

 

[kombayotch]

Pololu Micro-Maestro

I have the programming and emulator tools for the PIC, but with the price of the Micro-Maestro, it just isn't worth my time to build from scratch.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Great project... I love the simplicity and effeciency.

But you lost me at pots and pics

Jerry

 

[kombayotch]

Potentiometers (pots) are resistors in which the resistance changes as you turn them. Dials on electronic devices are potentiometers.

PIC is a brand of microcontroller made by a company called Microchip. Micocontrollers are small processors that have integrated peripherals. They are in most electronic things these days. Your coffee maker has one, your TV remote has one, even the interior light in your car has one.

 

[captainmike]

maybe a video would help us to see your process for those who doesn't get the electronic parts like me I am more visual lol

 

[kombayotch]

There is a video at the bottom of the OP.

 

[09outlander]

Interesting. When I finally get my milling machine I think I might try to make something similar, maybe incorporate a Dillon case feeder with the Bench Source annealing machine.

 

[captainmike]

There is a video at the bottom of the OP.

thanks
didn,t see the small link. my bad

 

[Gatehouse]

Your avatar pic is accurate.

 

[BeagleBoy360]

You Should drill out where it stops to heat the brass, put a new motor under the whole with a rotating rubber pad to rotate the brass when it stops on that spot.
Just an idea.

 

[kombayotch]

I think I will build the induction heating head instead. It's pretty easy to make one based on a Royer oscillator.

 

[yomomma]

You should post your progress on that in the DIY section.

I built an annealer last year, was thinking of converting it to induction. Lots of different approaches out there.