Desenvolvimento de Máquina para Monda Térmica de Plantas Infestantes

Nelson Miguel Lopes Mendes

Key information

Authors:

Nelson Miguel Lopes Mendes (Nelson Miguel Lopes Mendes)

Supervisors:

Pedro Alexandre Rodrigues Carvalho Rosa (Pedro Alexandre Rodrigues Carvalho Rosa)

Published in

July 3, 2025

Abstract

This work presents the design, development, and manufacturing of an innovative CO2 laser machine for thermal weed control in the viticulture sector, with the capability to integrate additional treatments, such as gaseous ozone application for antifungal control. The system was developed with a focus on interoperability, enabling multiple treatments on a single platform to meet the demands of modern industrial agriculture. The project adhered to Design for Manufacturing and Assembly principles, optimizing production and assembly, and Design for Cost, ensuring the project’s viability. The machine employs CO2 laser technology to eliminate weeds with high precision, without using phytopharmaceuticals, thereby reducing soil pressure and compaction, and incorporates a control system to manage optical components and lasers. The development process spanned from initial research, product definition, conceptual and detailed design, to prototype production, employing manufacturing techniques such as cutting, welding, and bending. Tests conducted with the Proof-of-Process prototype confirmed the system’s precision and speed.