Plc ?
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From: Wisconsin
Plc ?
I am thinking about sending in my resume for a maintenance job that I am highly qualified for except for one thing. It says, " would like some PLC training" I might be qualified if I knew what the hell a PLC is. I'm guessing something electronic or computer controlled?
Toss me a bone guys This job pays almost double what I am making right now.
Toss me a bone guys This job pays almost double what I am making right now.
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From: Lost some where in the middle of the Ozark Mountains!
I'm not real sure but google tells me, from what I actually understood, that it's basically like a series of automated CNC events on one machine.
http://www.thelearningpit.com/plc/plcs.html
Hope that helps...
http://www.thelearningpit.com/plc/plcs.html
For those new to the world of PLCs, getting a handle on what they are, what they do and how they do it can be somewhat intimidating at first. The same could also be said of computers, and of course that's exactly what a PLC is. Well almost!
In fact, there's a bit more to the average PLC than just a computer. There's no doubt that a computer is the heart of the beast, but then there's also all those interface modules (I/O) that allow the beast's computer to monitor and/or manipulate endless types of electrical devices and equipment. Then to make matters even more interesting, most PLCs aren't exactly programmed like other computers. PLCs were designed from the onset to be installed, wired, commissioned and maintained by electrical personnel rather than your average computer science grad. As a direct result of this electrical influence, the PLC programming language of choice evolved to become "Ladder Logic", a programming language that looks more like a wiring diagram than the structured lists of computer directives that are normally associated with languages such as C++ or Visual Basic.
So what does this all mean? Well basically what we end up with is really three significant areas of study when it comes to PLCs: (1) Computers, (2) I/O (interface) and (3) Programming. You don't have to be an expert in all three to work with PLCs, but you must have an understanding of all 3 before you can claim that you know how PLCs work.
In fact, there's a bit more to the average PLC than just a computer. There's no doubt that a computer is the heart of the beast, but then there's also all those interface modules (I/O) that allow the beast's computer to monitor and/or manipulate endless types of electrical devices and equipment. Then to make matters even more interesting, most PLCs aren't exactly programmed like other computers. PLCs were designed from the onset to be installed, wired, commissioned and maintained by electrical personnel rather than your average computer science grad. As a direct result of this electrical influence, the PLC programming language of choice evolved to become "Ladder Logic", a programming language that looks more like a wiring diagram than the structured lists of computer directives that are normally associated with languages such as C++ or Visual Basic.
So what does this all mean? Well basically what we end up with is really three significant areas of study when it comes to PLCs: (1) Computers, (2) I/O (interface) and (3) Programming. You don't have to be an expert in all three to work with PLCs, but you must have an understanding of all 3 before you can claim that you know how PLCs work.
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From: Ofallon, Mo.
A PLC is a programable logic controler. There are several types. PLC 5, SLICK 500, and the latest CONTROL LOGICS. They are all made by rockwell automation. We use them in manufacturing. Chances are if you dont know what they are, you have never been around them.
There are training classes available at rockwell. Some local colleges, and tech. colleges have them as well.
Hope that helps.
ed
There are training classes available at rockwell. Some local colleges, and tech. colleges have them as well.
Hope that helps.
ed
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From: Colorado
Originally Posted by Photog95
So what you are saying is that when I am at work, programing the CNC plasma cutter, I am working with PLC's? Heck, if that is the case, I am a master.
PLC training would infer that you know how to do computer programming in a fashion that you can reconcile logic problems, and set up new logic for running plant auxiliary equipment using I/O, transducers, transmitters, pressure switches, etc...
Allen Bradley, Wonderware, Citect, Delta V, and Fanuc are examples of PLCs. They tend to use Ladder Logic, and read left to right, top to bottom.
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From: NH
Originally Posted by Photog95
So what you are saying is that when I am at work, programing the CNC plasma cutter, I am working with PLC's? Heck, if that is the case, I am a master.
I then moved from those to LabView when I was designing automated test equipment. Worked with LabView for about 5 years and loved it as well...
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From: Susquehanna Valley, pa.
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From: Ofallon, Mo.
Its a little more than that.
I dont know what the company does with plc's that your looking at. The company I work for we use process control and insturmentation for our making department and control for our packing and whs. operations. We use ethernet, dh plus, control net, and device net just to run one part of our busniess. Which is less than 5% of the total operation.
I've never programed a cnc before. So I dont know whats involved to do that.
If you tell me what the company does. I might be able to give you an idea about what they use plc's for.
ed
I dont know what the company does with plc's that your looking at. The company I work for we use process control and insturmentation for our making department and control for our packing and whs. operations. We use ethernet, dh plus, control net, and device net just to run one part of our busniess. Which is less than 5% of the total operation.
I've never programed a cnc before. So I dont know whats involved to do that.
If you tell me what the company does. I might be able to give you an idea about what they use plc's for.
ed
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From: Airdrie, AB
I have been programming PLC's for a few years now as well on several different platforms. There are literally hundreds of manufacturers of PLC's including Rockwell (the most common in North America) and Siemens (one of most common ones in Europe), Control Microsystems, GE Fanuc, Modicon etc. The ones I work on are all in the Natural gas industry controlling gas plants, compressors, gas turbines, generators and switchgear. Most are the SLC500 or Control logix platforms from Rockwell and Panelview HMI's. PLC systems are not all that complicated really if you are familiar with control systems in general. Generally, they are a processor with an expandable rack for adding just about any kind of signal inputs and outputs, analog or discrete. The program will monitor all of these inputs and control the outputs to do whatever you want it to.