There are many kinds of industrial control systems, but many people in the industrial manufacturing industry rely on programmable logic controllers. These control systems increase productivity, reliability, safety, and more, helping businesses meet their goals and succeed. Let’s examine the role of programmable logic controllers in automation and their importance to industrial manufacturing.
What’s a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)?
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a solid-state control system used to control a variety of electro-mechanical processes. PLCs have nonvolatile memory used to store the instructions for implementing functions, such as I/O and PID control.
These controllers were originally created as an alternative to hard-wired relay logic systems in the automobile manufacturing industry. They soon became the automation controller of choice for harsh environments due to their sturdy construction and reliability.
How Does It Work?
PLCs process information received from input devices and use that information to trigger required outputs based on preprogrammed parameters. They can easily monitor and record information such as machine failures, operating temperatures, productivity, and start/stop processes. This makes them ideal for use with complex logic and diagnostic operations.
What Role Does It Serve in Industrial Automation?
PLCs are multifaceted tools that are invaluable to the industrial industry. They have the brawn to hold up in even the toughest environments, making it possible for busy, logic-based industries such as the automotive industry to automate easily and effectively. Let’s look at the various roles of programmable logic controllers in automation.
Process Control and Automation
The main role of a PLC is to automate processes by processing input information and using it to trigger outputs. PLCs can turn components on and off, raise and lower temperatures, and display an alarm whenever it detects abnormalities.
Monitoring and Data Collection
PLCs can also monitor and record data from connected inputs and machines. You can process data and view information such as live trends, productivity reports, and other valuable metrics by connecting PLCs to Machine Monitoring or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
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