The Secret of Using Counters – PLC Programming

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We will now look at the secret of using counters in the PLC. (Secret Using Counters) Counters are used in the majority of PLC programs. This is especially true if part of your SCADA system. Counters like the animated picture above count things. In this situation, we count the number of turns the little guy … Read more

Looking For Production Improvements – Then Do A Gemba Walk!

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I recently went for a Gemba Walk with Ann Machan,  General Manager of Pentair. Instead of doing ordinary daily production meetings, their walk does everything you can do in a boardroom, plus so much more. What is a Gemba Walk? https://kanbanize.com/lean-management/improvement/gemba-walk Gemba 101 – The Gemba Walk from Creative Safety Supply We met in her … Read more

The Secret of Using Timers – PLC Programming

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We will now look at the secret of using timers in the PLC. Timers are used in the majority of PLC programs. There are also a wide variety of off-the-shelf industrial timers that you can use. The implementation of timers can be vast; however, it all starts with a TIMING CHART. Timing Chart – Secret … Read more

Lubrication basics

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I recently went to a seminar on lubrication basics. Mike Deckert of Flo Components Ltd presented this. So why talk about Lubrication on an industrial automation website? Lubrication is vital in maintaining uptime on equipment. It is often thought of near the end of most automation projects, but it should be a principal component of all … Read more

Here’s a Quick Way to Wire NPN and PNP devices

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Here’s a Quick Way to Wire NPN and PNP devices I often get asked how to wire NPN and PNP devices to the programmable logic controller. This can be unclear at first when looking at the wiring diagrams. I have managed to destroy a few sensors in the process….. so let’s get started, and I … Read more

How to make a Start Stop Jog circuit in a PLC

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Looking at a stop-start jog circuit in the PLC will help us understand the differences in hard-wiring the circuit and programming. Basic Start Stop Circuit Let’s start with the primary start-stop circuit. Here is what it looks like hard-wired. (Physical switches wired to outputs devices, such as motor contactors and relays.) When the start pushbutton … Read more