Project Hub /Robotics & Autonomous Systems/Motor Drivers & Motion Control/Arduino Based Resistor Reel Cutting Machine

Intermediate

ARDUINO

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

6 – 12 Hours

Partial Kit

Arduino Based Resistor Reel Cutting Machine

An automated, 3D-printed resistor reel cutting machine controlled by an Arduino Nano, utilizing stepper motors for feeding and servo motors for chopping.

Originally published on CircuitDigest

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

A4988 driver Stepper Motor Driver Rs. 125.00
TowerPro SG90 Mini Servo – 180 degree Rotation – Standard Quality Rs. 179.00
Arduino Nano C Type V3 ATMEGA328 with Soldered Headers Rs. 608.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: LCD (generic / unspecified)
20x4 LCD
Screws / Nuts / Standoffs / Hardware
Zigbee / XBee
Optocoupler (PC817 / 4N35)
Capacitors
3D Printed Parts / Filament / Printer

Browse all components

How It Works

The Arduino Based Resistor Reel Cutting Machine is an automated electro-mechanical system designed to precisely feed and chop component strips. At the heart of the system is an Arduino Nano microcontroller, which coordinates all operations based on user input from push buttons and visual feedback displayed on a 16x2 LCD Screen with I2C communication. Power is supplied to the electronics via a 12V 2A DC Adapter, protected by a 50V 100uF Electrolytic Capacitor to help smooth out voltage fluctuations. When the operator initiates a cut cycle, the Arduino commands a NEMA17 Stepper Motor through an A4988 Stepper Motor Driver. This driver translates step and direction signals from the microcontroller to accurately drive a timing belt system. The mechanical assembly utilizes 20x40 Aluminum Extrusion Profiles for a sturdy frame, alongside 8mm Smooth Shaft Rods, 8mm Threaded Rods, Flanged Ball Bearings, Pillow Block Mounts, and custom 3D Printed Parts to guide the material smoothly. To ensure precise feeding lengths, a MOC7811 Opto-Coupler Sensor acts as an optical feedback mechanism to track the component tape. Once the specified length of resistor reel is fed through, the Arduino signals an MG90S Servo Motor to actuate a cutting blade, cleanly chopping the component strip to the required segment size.

Why Build This

Automates repetitive component preparation tasks for medium-scale electronics manufacturing and PCB assembly workshops.

Provides a practical, low-cost production line solution for manufacturing facilities producing LED drivers and power supplies.

Serves as an exceptional hands-on integration project for engineering students combining mechanical CAD, 3D printing, and microcontroller programming.

Real-World Application

Medium-scale electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly workshops, and low-cost production lines for LED drivers and power supplies.

Skills You'll Learn

Stepper motor control

Servo motor actuation

I2C display interfacing

Optical sensor integration

Mechanical assembly with aluminum extrusions

Power supply decoupling

Safety Precautions

Ensure proper wiring of the 12V power supply and stepper motor drivers to avoid short circuits. Exercise caution around moving mechanical parts and servo-driven cutting blades.

Technology Tags

ARDUINO

3D PRINTING

STEPPER MOTOR

SERVO MOTOR

OPTOCOUPLER

PCB ASSEMBLY

AUTOMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the A4988 driver?

The A4988 driver acts as an interface between the Arduino Nano and the NEMA17 stepper motor, translating low-current digital step and direction signals into the higher currents required to drive the motor precisely.

How does the machine know when to stop feeding the resistor reel?

The system utilizes a MOC7811 opto-coupler sensor to optically detect and track the movement of the component tape, allowing the Arduino to measure and control the feed length accurately.

Can I power this project using a standard USB computer port instead of the 12V adapter?

No, a standard USB port cannot supply the necessary voltage and current required to drive the NEMA17 stepper motor and other power-hungry components; a dedicated 12V 2A DC Adapter is required.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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