Automation can unlock real benefits for your business, delivering the kind of high-speed flexibility and agility you need to gain an edge over your competitors. But revolutionizing your operations depends on the right equipment solutions — the right control systems and hardware that will accelerate industrial automation processes. This is where programmable logic controllers come in.
With a programmable logic controller (PLC), your business gains a simple and straightforward means of implementing automation on a scale that suits you. Read on to learn more about these handy pieces of industrial engineering — or reach out to our team and let’s chat about what you need.
PLC automation means using programmable logic controllers to execute automated processes within a system. In a basic sense, the controller receives a signal from an input source and executes a command to an output source. The nature of this command and its execution depends on how the PLC’s automation programming has been calibrated.
The controller can receive inputs from different kinds of sources. For example, the input might come from a human operator, or it might come from another machine or device. No matter the source, the controller will pick up the response in real-time during the detection phase — more on this below.
PLC industrial computers work according to a set chain of events that will repeat for as long as the controller is online and in operation. The initial phase is the detection phase — picking up signals from input devices to understand their current state.
PLC automation involves using programmable logic controllers to execute automated processes within a system. In a basic sense, the controller receives a signal from an input source and executes a command to an output device. The nature of this command and its execution depends on how the PLC’s automation programming has been calibrated.
PLCs can be programmed using various methods, including structured text, function block diagrams, and ladder logic. Each of these programming methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for the particular application.
The final step is the safety check. The PLC assesses the operating conditions of all inputs and outputs, as well as other system components, to make sure everything is as it should be. Following this, the controller returns to the first stage, and the process repeats.
Programmable Logic controllers connect your business with a wealth of different benefits. Here are some of the most important that you need to know about:
1
PLC controllers are extremely reliable forms of industrial automation. Provided that the programming is robust, the controller will execute the commands you expect it to according to the input state. This makes it highly suited to repetitive processes.
2
The PLC will work along with a variety of different types of input. This means it is a versatile and flexible solution with a number of different use cases. For example, if you want to create a relay circuit to govern automation, you’d need to rewire the circuit whenever you wanted to change a component or function — with a PLC, you just plug in another input to the port.
3
A combination of different factors — including flexibility and extreme reliability — make PLC controllers far more cost-effective than other forms of sequential automation. The intuitive set-up of the PLC makes management easy, eliminating much of the expensive labor associated with this kind of application.
4
PLCs can be utilized on a modular basis. Controller units work as standalone solutions but can be paired with other controller devices to achieve functionality at scale. These modular PLCs make it easy for businesses to grow their capability when required or scale back on capacity when the market dictates.
5
You have a wide range of different options when it comes to PLC programming. Ladder logic, Sequential Function Charts, and Instruction Lists are all popular ways of programming the controller. Your team can use other programming languages and ladder diagrams, depending on which method suits your business.
Here at PEC, we are proud to be able to help our clients leverage the key benefits of automation — including deploying PLC solutions that can transform industrial processes. Here’s what makes us the right choice for your project;
PLC automation can be used in a wide variety of industries, such as the food & beverage and automotive manufacturing industries, to save time and money on assembly lines and other repetitive tasks. By automating these processes, businesses can improve efficiency and quality control while reducing the risk of human error.
In addition, PLC automation can be used for motion control, allowing machines to move parts or products in a precise and controlled manner.
As a result, PLC automation can have a major impact on productivity and profitability. If you’re interested in learning more about PLC automation, reach out to our team. We’re happy to chat about your needs and your project.
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