A great thing about technology is that it allows us to gain knowledge much quicker and easier and with the internet, we can learn everything online. There are many education websites online but a small percentage of them have information about PLC programming. It isn’t a topic that you will hear about every day but it is necessary for every industry that uses smart machines.
A programmable logic controller machine has its own architecture with a processor and is a type of computer that uses its power to interact with the outside world. There are gadgets, relays, digital and analog sensors that are receiving information that is processed. What you see as output are those machines we see at firms like actuators, conveyor belts, valves, motors and many more.
Before we had computers, everything was operated manually which was much slower and less efficient. There are different kinds of programming and this type is much simpler but the outcome needs to be under best control. A big part of it involves relays that can be normally open or closed and are regulated by push button or limit switches. Learning takes time but training is more valuable here.Click on this link, https://onlineplcsupport.com , and read more about this.
What Is PLC and How It Works?
Compared to relay-based systems, Programmable Logic Controllers are much more cost-effective. The main definition is that they are computers with a high level of reliability that can run a program without delay at any time 24/7. They changed a lot because improvements in technology demanded even faster and more reliable computers. They were easy to use and setup but now you need to have an employee that knows this type of programming to create a program that will run depending on business needs.
It is considered as hardware that controls the processes in production and in case you never saw one, it looks like a box that has electrical circuits. It shouldn’t be placed in an open area like your personal PC is because it usually operates in a harsh environment. They won’t operate like your personal PC even if they are here for a long time, they are still robust.
They are starting to implement some of the characteristics we can see in the IT environment. Some of the characteristics include sensor monitoring and Ethernet connectivity that allows it to store data and better connectivity. There are different types depending on the segment of the automation but all of them have many shared goals like the ease of maintenance and deployment, high repeatability and high reliability.
Who Should Use Education Websites?
Because it isn’t something that you hear people talk about in everyday conversations, it means that there is a need for people that know more about it because it is used in every manufacturing facility. They heavily rely on PLCs and as technology evolves, they will need more experts that will be able to manage, program and develop these systems. Everything depends on your current function in the facility and how you can grow your career more by learning these skills. Learning new skills will for sure impact your salary and career progression.
Line Operators
A line operator isn’t the person that would know a lot about the processes and systems in the manufacturing facility. They are usually focused on production but lack knowledge about how it operates. It happens that they help electricians or mechanics when there is a certain problem but they don’t know how to use the tools or what exactly needs to be done. They won’t be involved in machine design or PLC programming or other tasks meat for engineers and mechanics.
You can get this type of job without a degree but the pay is much lower. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t progress and improve your skills. Your manager would probably appreciate it if you invest your time and effort into getting more knowledge and training that will help the company improve its production.
Programming and Mechanics
Mechanics are the ones doing the maintenance and control when the operator isn’t able to fix the breakdown issue. They have a huge role in development, research and engineering. Even if they have proper education, the experience is the most important part of it so many of them will learn electrical aspects. This includes PLC programming as a part of their job so they are the first that will intervene when it comes to controllers.
Many companies will value mechanics and engineers that already have the skills to operate this type of controllers even if it may not be in a job description so if you plan to work in a certain manufacturing facility, try to learn more about PLCs. It isn’t required to have a certain degree but it is appreciated. They will value more if you have experience in the field instead of education so training is the best solution.
Control System Engineers
This type of engineer usually knows this kind of programming very well. They should be able to implement them from start to finish and also modify and troubleshoot existing systems. One thing that everyone who works with these programs needs to understand that every person has his own way of doing it so the person making the changes needs to be familiar with the system that individual uses so he can understand it better and make necessary changes.
How to Learn Programming?
It doesn’t depend on what type of system it includes or what kind of machine, each person that wants to go through training and learn more will go through lessons about design, troubleshooting, programming and PLC hardware. It will help a lot if you already have knowledge of similar control systems. Most people choose Allen Bradley and Siemens as platforms and the first task would be to become familiar with the tools necessary to learn each platform.One of the most used is Allen Bradley RSLogix 500 software package and for Siemens, it’s TIA Portal. Read more on this page.
You can use many different varieties of languages like sequential flow charts, structured text, function block diagrams and the most common is ladder logic. Even if you are familiar with one of them or already have some knowledge, you should start with ladder logic and try to master it. Because of ease of debugging, simplicity to implement and roots of relay logic, it is the most widely spread type of programming.
Most of the training will include using three instructions including output energizes or OTE, examine if opened or XIO and examine if closed or XIC. When you get to know these basic steps, you should learn more about branching and rung structures. You can create logic routines using only these three instructions and try to get to know how they affect the booleans they are connected to.
If you want to learn efficiently, experiment as much as you can with these configurations. You will understand much easier how these structures will affect the systems in your daily life. If you want to land a job, you can expect that they test your basic knowledge instead of complex operations. The next step would be to focus on mathematical computations and timers.
