How do you use PLCs to control your product?

There are a lot features of PLCs hardware and software is there for considering while selecting a PLC for the specific application, but I have seen many times that there is one thing that overthrows all that is customer requirements. If a customer or the end user asks for particular make PLC so that it is easier for them to troubleshoot so you have to take that make PLC only.

Para escolher corretamente um PLC, precisamos conhecer bem a aplica??o onde está a necessidade de controle, observando o tipo de comunica??o utilizada por exemplo. Nunca esque?a de prever entradas e saídas a mais cerca de 20%, para o caso de adicionar melhorias a aplica??o..

From my experience, selecting the correct PLC can be the difference between a good control system or a system that barely works. We must not only consider current needs (something that many are commenting on), we must also consider future needs. And something very important, *very very important*, consider the compatibility between devices so as not to complicate your life.

PLCs are widely utilised in many different industries because they are quick, simple to use, and thought to be simple to programme. There are five common programming languages for PLCs. The most popular language is Ladder Logic, however the same functionality can also be attained using Function Block Diagrams, Sequential Function Charts, Structured Text, or Instruction Lists.

Something to consider is labeling and adding descriptions to everything you are programming. This helps with collaboration, troubleshooting, and even picking up where you left off the next day. I make a goal each time I program to make the program so understandable, that the next guy can take one look at it, and completely understand the system. Often times the best programmers aren’t the ones who design difficult and complex programs, the best programmers make the difficult and complex systems simple with their programming. Programming a PLC is an art, so make it presentable.

To designing PLC program need to consider a lot of item include Alarm, Interlock, Auto Sequence, Manual Sequence, Origin pattern, Mode and so on. For me importance is to stop the sequence if have any abnormal issues and can do recovering program to resume the process. Get the specification from customer and ask them pattern PLC programming that customer familiar either ladder diagram, function block, structured text and so on. It will guide us to design and create PLC programming and It will help customer to reduce troubleshooting time later on.

Easy, use the language you want. Just please add comments on everything! and if possible, follow the GRAFCET structure, the other people who interact with your program will appreciate it.

PLCs offer flexibility and adaptability in controlling various aspects of a product. Through programming, PLCs can be easily reconfigured to accommodate changes in production requirements or product specifications. This flexibility allows manufacturers to quickly respond to market demands, implement new processes, or integrate additional functionalities without significant downtime or retooling.

For this, I want to recommend 3 important points. 1. Identify critical sequences, those where something can break! and make sure it doesn't happen. 2. Your network is important, check all the devices within it, their IP addresses and that they are correctly configured. 3. Safety, Safety, SAFETY!. We don't want someone to get hurt on the first day.

Its always depending on system requirement. Today with the technologies improvement. PLC needs to handle lot of datas and lot of communication with other systems. Theses changes push the PLC world to become more industrial computing world. So to summarize i would say the choosing criteria will be : > Memory capacity > Communication interfaces > Customer or intern requirement

PLCs facilitate data logging and analysis, providing valuable insights into production performance and product quality. By recording parameters such as cycle times, error rates, and energy consumption, PLCs enable monitoring of process efficiency and identification of potential issues. Analysis of this data can inform decision-making processes, such as optimizing production schedules, troubleshooting equipment failures, or implementing preventive maintenance strategies.

There are two main ways here: a) If the system is new, make sure you don't break anything, go step by step the first time, there's no need to rush, and make sure you don't endanger anyone, you have to avoid those Bypasses! b) If you are adding to an existing control system, remember: BACKUPS!! of everything!! include recipes and parameters!! Don't forget anything!!

In my career, everything has happened to me, from throwing down a network, deleting parameters, to burning a PLC! Of course, most of these as a practitioner. But all these mistakes have left me with great learning, Be cautious! And much more important, as a programmer, the life of the operator who works on that machine will depend on your program, don't skimp on security!!

PLCs enable automated control of manufacturing processes by executing pre-programmed sequences of commands. By interfacing with sensors, actuators, and other devices, PLCs can monitor parameters such as temperature, pressure, or speed, and adjust settings accordingly. For example, in a production line, a PLC can regulate conveyor speed based on product flow, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing errors.