A human-machine interface (HMI) is present in some form for every PLC. The HMI connects a user to a machine system to exchange information or control data. This interaction with the system can be through hardware or software.
HMIs offer different people information and control in many ways for the automated system. Operators, supervisors, mechanics, electricians, engineers, and programmers all have different needs. The machine HMI(s) must provide or make the information easy for all the people who use the system.
We will now look at some of the ways that human-machine interfaces (HMI) are used in automated systems today. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
Tag Archives: plc training
Click PLC Simple Conveyor EasyPLC
The Machine Simulator (MS) is part of the EasyPLC software suite. It has many built-in machines that can be programmed. A simple conveyor is one of these machines. This is usually the starting point for learning about the machine simulator. This conveyor example will use two digital inputs and two digital outputs. A pallet will move back and forth on the conveyor. When the pallet is detected on each end it will stop and reverse direction. If both motors are started at the same time, the motors will burn up. This will be demonstrated. The machine simulator will allow you as the programmer to make mistakes before trying your program in the physical world.
The Click PLC will be used to program this virtual machine. Using the Click Plus PLC, we will connect the simulator to the simple conveyor machine. This will be done using Modbus TCP (Ethernet) for communications. Using the five steps for program development we will show how this is programmed. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
ACC Automation 2021 Review – Industrial Control
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In this Covid-19 world, we are continuing to adapt. Social distancing, mask-wearing, hygiene, etc are the way we currently live. Video conferencing with Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet are the norm in business today. Information is knowledge, and everyone more than ever wants to be able to see, control and summarize production data on a regular basis. Open intuitive technologies are available to communicate like never before. Industrial plant data is rapidly changing. Factory 4.0 benefits are being seen and everyone wants to take advantage. We are looking forward to the New Year and new possibilities for implementing your control solution.
Each year we like to take a few minutes and reflect on the past, current, and future of ACC Automation. You have helped us to build the site that you see today through questions, comments, and suggestions. Thank you. Keep on Reading!
Click PLC EasyPLC Gantry Simulator
The Machine Simulator (MS) is part of the EasyPLC software suite. It has many built-in machines that can be programmed. The gantry loader is one of these machines. It will pick up metal boxes from a conveyor and place two on a wooden pallet. The Click PLC will be used to program this virtual machine.
Using the Click Plus PLC, we will connect the simulator to the gantry loader machine. This will be done using Modbus TCP (Ethernet) for communications. Using the five steps for program development we will show how this is programmed. The logical sequence step will include a flow chart and a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations will be done using indirect addressing in the Click PLC. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!
PLC Learning Series – Programming Steps
Developing a programmable logic controller (PLC) program can be broken down into five different steps. These programming steps are as follows:
Five Steps to PLC Program Development
Step 1 – Define the task
Step 2 – Define the Inputs and Outputs
Step 3 – Develop a logical sequence of operation
Step 4 – Develop the PLC program
Step 5 – Test the program
These five steps to PLC program development will help you in understanding, programming, and troubleshooting your automated machine.
We will be looking at each of these steps in a little more detail as we discuss the PLC programming development. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!