ACC Automation: PLC & Industrial Control Learning
Practical Tips and Techniques
An array is a storage area for common data type tags. They usually have some relationship with each other and must be manipulated as a group. We can use arrays for motion control, recipe management, sequencing (indirect addressing), math, etc. The Productivity 2000 Series PLC uses arrays programmed using the Productivity Suite Software. We will … Read more
Pneumatic synchronization with advanced programmable logic controller (PLC) programming solutions offers a reliable and efficient way for discrete parts manufacturers to control their production lines. By connecting compressed air cylinders to the PLC through a timing mechanism, the system can be easily programmed to accurately and consistently repeat machine motions or cyclic actions. This is … Read more
Data handling instructions are used to perform movement and manipulations of the memory in the programmable logic controller. The Productivity 2000 Series PLC has fifteen different data handling instructions that can be used in various applications. This includes all of the data handling instructions. Understanding the full capability of the PLC that you are programming … Read more
There are four fundamental variable types in PLC programming: Boolean, Integer, Real, and String. This is a universal concept for all PLC programming but needs to be clarified due to the acronyms and various names used by manufacturers and PLC hardware. Your controller programming manual will help you understand the terms of the variables in … Read more
Data handling instructions are used to perform movement and manipulations of the memory in the programmable logic controller. The Productivity 2000 Series PLC has fifteen different data handling instructions that can be used in various applications. It is important to look at the capabilities of your programmable logic controller. This will lead you to different … Read more
PLC programs scan cyclically. This means that it is repeated many times and in the same order. The primary sequence of a PLC scan is reading the inputs, executing the program, diagnostics, and communication, and updating the outputs. We will look at these scan items with particular attention to how the ladder logic program is … Read more
This tutorial is for beginners who are just starting to program PLCs. Using the EasyPLC simple conveyor, we will move a box back and forth on the conveyor. We will learn to write the PLC ladder logic program for this operation. Using the five steps to PLC programming development, we will determine what must be … Read more
We will connect two Click PLUS PLCs and communicate in three different ways. Using the send and receive commands, we will set up one PLC to be the master (client) and communicate with the slave (server). WiFi, Ethernet, and Serial communication will share common memory areas between the Click PLCs. The send and receive commands … Read more
We will connect a lighted pushbutton switch to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Using our Click PLUS PLC, we will be assembling, wiring, programming, and testing our pushbutton switch system. The Fuji Electric pushbutton, normally open (NC) contact, will be wired to the first PLC (X1) input. The LED light will connect to the Click … Read more
The Machine Simulator (MS) is part of the EasyPLC software suite. It has many built-in machines that are used to show different programming techniques. The solder robot example is one of these machines. This will demonstrate a sequencer robot example. In this case, four rivets are welded using a robot. The logic will step through … Read more