ACC Automation: PLC & Industrial Control Learning
Practical Tips and Techniques
Timers are one of the first things you learn about programmable logic controllers. (PLC) Just about every PLC program will include timer instructions. The Productivity 2000 Series PLC has several different timer instructions for your program. We discussed the timed coil (TMC) and flasher coil (FLS) last time as part of the ladder logic output … Read more
The EasyPLC machining center loading robots will demonstrate sequencing and robot control using a PLC. Two input lines feed blanks to the robot. The robot will alternate taking the blanks and putting them into the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine. The robot moves the piece to the finished conveyor when the part has been machined. … Read more
PLC ladder logic counters are used in just about every PLC program. They will indicate how many times something has happened within the controller logic. Counters then can be used to trigger other outputs or items in the PLC. You can find counter applications in a variety of things every day. We will discuss three … Read more
The freight carrier weighing and distribution will demonstrate sequencing and shift registers on the EasyPLC machine simulator. The product comes in two different ways and must be organized, weighed, and delivered on the right output ramp. This will be based on the weight of the product. The EasyPLC simulator freight carrier will show you how … Read more
Normally open (NO) contacts or inputs in the PLC ladder logic program do not mean the same as a wired normally open switch. NO contacts on the ladder logic provide the logic condition for the rung to turn on the output. We will be looking at three things about the normally open (NO) contact on … Read more
A rock crusher (jaw crushers) is also known as “rock breakers” and is used to break up larger, more complex materials into more manageable pieces. The EasyPLC simulator rock crusher plant will show you how you can control this process through a programmable logic controller. We will be using Do-More technology to control this plant … Read more
If you are looking to purchase a PLC system, there are three key components that you should look for. If your current system does not contain these features, you need to replace it with one that does as soon as possible. The three most important features you should look for in your new PLC system … Read more
Traffic lights are used just about everywhere on busy roads around the world. They can help prevent traffic accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly in the right direction by regulating the flow of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The most common traffic light uses red, yellow, and green lights, along with arrows or flashes to … Read more
We will use an MQTT broker in Node-RED to communicate to the productivity PLC clients. MQTT stands for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport. This simple ‘publish and subscribe’ communication protocol does not take too many resources. Constrained devices with low bandwidth are ideal for MQTT. This protocol provides machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity, perfect for the Internet of … 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 robotic cell example is one of these machines. This will demonstrate a sequencer example. In this case, an engine is lifted and placed onto a rack. The logic will step … Read more