Master PLC Motor Delays: 7-Motor Sequential Start Guide

PLC Programming Example – Delay Starting of 7 Motors

We will look at a PLC programming example of delaying the start of 7 motors. Each motor will be on a switch that the operator can select at any time. The motor outputs should have a 5-second delay between the outputs coming on. This question originally came from PLCTalk.net. An original solution to the problem … Read more

Master Click PLC Timers & Counters: Essential Programming

Continuing our series, we will now look at timers and counters and how they are used in the Click PLC. Previously we have discussed: System Hardware – Video Installing the Software – Video Establish Communication – Video Numbering System and Addressing – Video The programming software and manuals can be downloaded from the Automation Direct website … Read more

Unlock Your Click PLC: Master PC Communication in Minutes!

So far in this series, we have discussed the Click PLC System Hardware (Video) and Installed the Software (Video). Today we will be establishing PC to PLC communications. This will allow us to program, edit or alter the way in which our Click PLC will function. 

The Hidden Language of PLCs: How Bits Control Everything

plc basics programmable logic controller

People often ask “What is a PLC?” and “PLC Meaning”. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a piece of hardware that isolates inputs from outputs. Programs are written to look at the inputs solve logic and set the outputs to perform work. Today we are going to look at the basic fundamental way we program. … Read more

These 3 Free PLC Tools Will Save You Hours of Coding

Three Free PLC Programming Software Tools

Manufacturers have software to program the programmable logic controller (PLC) or the human-machine interface (HMI). However, there are a few free tools that will help in the development of your PLC programs. We will look at three software tools and show how beneficial they can be to you. Free PLC Software Tools Synergy – Share … Read more

Master PLC Logic: Build a Complete Paint Spray System

We will look at a PLC basic tutorial of a paint spraying station. Following the five steps to program development, this PLC programming example should fully explain the procedure for developing the PLC program logic. Ladder logic will be our PLC programming language. We will use the Do-more Designer software, which comes with a simulator. … Read more

PLC Program Example – Shift Register (Conveyor)

We apply the five steps of PLC development to a plc shift register example. This PLC programming example will use a shift register to reject a product on a conveyor. When programming a PLC, you need to track what has previously happened. Shift registers allow you to do just that. We will look at a … Read more

Master PLC Programming: Build a Process Mixer Step-by-Step

We will apply the five steps to PLC Program development to our following programming example of a process mixer. The process mixer will be programmed using ladder logic. We will discuss each step of the PLC program development. 1 – Define the task: How does the process mixer work? A normally open start and normally … Read more

Build Powerful PLC Die-Stamping Controls in 5 Simple Steps

steps plc program development

Programming a PLC can sometimes be a daunting task. The best method is to break the task into smaller steps. These are the steps that I have used for years to develop PLC programs. We will apply them to a die-stamping application. Step 1 – Define the task: What has to happen? This is written … Read more