Practical Experience · Technical Area
Automação Eletropneumática
Hands-on training in Pneumatics and Electropneumatics built on the benches of ETEC and SENAI — working with SMC PNEUMATE 200 didactic kits, FESTO simulation panels, and self-initiated circuits assembled beyond regular class hours.
⚡ O Desafio
Automatizar processos físicos exige a integração de sensores, válvulas pneumáticas e CLPs com lógica ladder rigorosa, garantindo segurança e determinismo em cada ciclo de operação.
🏭 Integração de Hardware Cíclico
My first contact with physical automation came during my Mechanical Technician program at ETEC, where Pneumatics and Electropneumatics was a core subject across all semesters. The training progressed from software simulation to hands-on assembly on FESTO physical simulation panels and educational kits available at the institution.
Recognizing a strong affinity with the field, I complemented that foundation with a dedicated course at SENAI, which deepened my technical knowledge and formally validated the skills acquired at ETEC. In both institutions, I achieved top scores in practical assessments — and whenever possible, used the lab equipment outside of class hours, with faculty authorization, to build additional circuits on my own initiative.
On the purely pneumatic side, I gained hands-on mastery over the full range of mechanical components: single and double-acting actuators, directional control valves, pressure regulators, push-buttons, air service units (filter-regulator-lubricator), compressors, and distribution lines. Using these, I assembled air-logic circuits implementing automatic cycles — including single-step actuation, automatic return at end-of-stroke, and combined sequences on simulation panels.
On the electropneumatic side, I learned to integrate the pneumatic system with electrical control logic: basic and magnetic position sensors, proximity sensors, solenoid-operated valves, and interlocking circuits using push-buttons — including classic start/stop circuits with self-holding contacts, built on the electrical simulation panels.
Since these environments were designed for intermediate technical education, hands-on experience with HMIs and PLCs was not part of the curriculum. To advance into industrial-level control logic and programming, I enrolled in Control and Automation Engineering at UNIFEI — a natural progression of the technical path I had already been building.
Below are some video demonstrations of the simulation cycles and practical tests performed directly on the educational panels and simulation kits at the teaching labs.
(Note: Raw laboratory recordings captured for purely educational purposes).
📸 Evidências e Registros
Mechanical Pneumatic Cycle (SMC PNEUMATE 200 Didactic Kit)
Continuous loop using two actuators (one single-acting spring-return, one double-acting). The double-acting cylinder triggers a pneumatic limit sensor valve to pilot the cycle mechanically without electricity. (Note: electrical wiring seen is inactive).
Cyclic Electropneumatic Sequencing (SMC PNEUMATE 200 Didactic Kit)
Automatic advance and return loop of a double-acting actuator driven by relay logic. Integrates electrical limit switches, direct-acting solenoid valves, and a start/stop toggle control.
Limit Sensor Control Loop (FESTO Panel)
Single-acting (spring-return) actuator using a limit switch that commands a solenoid valve to cut off pressure at full extension, creating a continuous loop. Also shows manual push-button controls.
Synchronized Integration (Two SMC PNEUMATE 200 Didactic Kits)
Interconnection and logical integration of two independent didactic kits to coordinate and synchronize the simultaneous extension and retraction of double-acting cylinders.