Programmable Logic Controllers, What are they?
A PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER (PLC) is an industrial computer control system that continuously monitors the state of input devices and makes decisions based upon a custom program to control the state of output devices.
Almost any production line, machine function, or process can be greatly enhanced using this type of control system. However, the biggest benefit in using a PLC is the ability to change and replicate the operation or process while collecting and communicating vital information.
Another advantage of a PLC system is that it is modular. That is, you can mix and match the types of Input and Output devices to best suit your application.
HISTORY OF PLCS
The first Programmable Logic Controllers were designed and developed by Modicon as a relay re-placer for GM and Landis.
- These controllers eliminated the need for rewiring and adding additional hardware for each new configuration of logic.
- The new system drastically increased the functionality of the controls while reducing the cabinet space that housed the logic.
- The first PLC, model 084, was invented by Dick Morley in 1969
- The first commercial successful PLC, the 184, was introduced in 1973 and was designed by Michael Greenberg.
When do industries use PLC
Industries adopt automation technologies to achieve-
1. Repeat accuracy in the function/process.
2. Adhering strict delivery schedules.
3.Reduction in human errors.
4.Less dependence on labour.
5.International quality standards.
You will find automation in each & every industry irrespective of its size. As the demand of automated machines rises, you will find an increase in manufacturers of such machines & plants.
Now, the user & manufacturer of automated systems require engineers to design, maintain & modify such systems. So ideally every industry needs such automation engineers.
PLC & SCADA are also used in the Stackers, Reclaimers, Ship loaders and Conveyor belt systems which are used in Ports and Mines.
Our PLC courses
We have an extensive range of PLC training courses available covering all PLC manufacturers and levels of expertise from the complete novice to the advanced. ALL of our training courses can be tailoured to your own requirements.
ALL our courses will be based on the relevant software and hardware. We aim to make ALL our courses as practical as possible, leading to ‘real world’ skills and not just theoretical skills.
No prior knowledge is required for this course as it starts from scratch and assumes no previous experience, you will reach the skilled level where you can look at becoming a programmer, get into engineering maintenance in an industrial environment, fault find or make amendments to programs, this is the course for you.
The ‘Typical’ 10 day level 3 course usually covers 2 or 3 of the major manufacturers, Siemens S7, Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi (This can be amended to other manufacturers if you have a particular requirement). The course aims to be 90% practical, as we believe the easiest way to learn is to do it! Every student works on their own dedicated training rig and computer, enabling you to get the most from the course. A full set of course notes and a USB drive full of other manuals is provided at the end of the course.
We can also cover a wide range of manufacturers including :
- Siemens Step 5 PLC Training (Using Step 5, Quadriga or Others)
- Allen Bradley PLC 3; 5 Training (AB6200 Software)
- RSLogix 5 PLC Training
- SLC PLC Training (RSLogix 500)
- ControlLogix PLC Training (RS Logix5000)
- MicroLogix PLC Training (RSLogix 500)
- S7-200 PLC Training (Step 7 Micro)
- S7-300 PLC Training (Step 7 or TIA Portal)
- S7-400 PLC Training (Step 7 or TIA Portal)
- Kuhnke PLC Training (Kubes)
- Omron PLC Training (Syswin)
- Modicon PLC Training (ProWorx and Others)
- Mitsubishi PLC Training (Medoc, GX Developer, GPP & Others)
- Toshiba PLC Training
- GE Fanuc PLC Training
- GEM 80 PLC Training
- Telemecanique PLC Training
- Most other PLC manufacturer training undertaken.
We also cover a wide range of SCADA Systems to enable engineers to modify and add to existing screens, fault find through systems, set up communications etc.
What is Obtained/Achieved on our PLC courses?
PLC10
Level 3 EAL – Programmable Logic Controllers
City & Guilds – Programmable Logic Controllers
PLC13
Level 3 EAL – Programmable Logic Controllers
City & Guilds – Programmable Logic Controllers
City & Guilds 2382-15 – 17th Edition Wiring Regulations
PLC15
Level 3 EAL – Programmable Logic Controllers
City & Guilds – Programmable Logic Controllers
City & Guilds – 2394 Initial Verification
City & Guilds – 2395 Periodic Inspection
PLC18
Level 3 EAL – Programmable Logic Controllers
City & Guilds – Programmable Logic Controllers
City & Guilds 2394 – Initial Verification
City & Guilds 2395 – Periodic Inspection
City & Guilds 2382-15 – 17th Edition Wiring Regulations
Where can you do the PLC training?
We currently offer our PLC courses in Chesterfield, Derbyshire and Aberdeen, Scotland. Due to logistics, more PLC dates are available at our Chesterfield centre.
Source: https://www.amci.com/industrial-automation-resources/plc-automation-tutorials/what-plc/
