Automated Powder Dispenser
Automated, accurate powder dosing for lab‑scale battery prototyping.
Overview
This project is a touchscreen-controlled automated powder dispensing system designed for precision dosing of powdered materials during battery cell prototyping. Built for a Mechatronics course, it integrates embedded control, mechanical motion, and sensor feedback for repeatable, hands-free dosing.
Problem
Powder components like cathode or anode materials must be dispensed with high accuracy. Manual weighing is slow and inconsistent, introducing variation in cell performance. This system automates the process for lab-scale production and R&D.
How it works
Weigh
HX711 reads live weight; noise-filtered for accuracy and displayed on the TFT touchscreen.
Dispense
A4988 driver powers the auger, with vibration motors assisting powder flow for consistent delivery.
Verify & Stop
The system automatically stops at target weight, preventing overshoot and ensuring repeatability.
Hardware Used
- Arduino Mega 2560 – Main microcontroller
- HX711 Load Cell Amplifier – Weight sensing mondule
- A4988 Stepper Driver – Controls auger for dispensing
- ULN2003 + 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motor – Base Rotation
- XPT2046 Touch Controller – Touchscreen Input
- ST7796 4.0″ TFT Display – User Interface Display
- Vibration Motors (Transistor Controlled) – Level Powder