It is a distinctive form of computer device designed for use in industrial control systems. It has a robust construction and unique functional features such as sequential control, ease of programming, timers and counters, easy-to-use hardware and reliable controlling capabilities.
It is designed to be enormously robust, so it could withstand harsh industrial environments such as extreme temperatures, vigorous vibrations, humidity and electrical noise.
The logic controllers are often tasked to control and monitor a very large number of sensors and actuators. They are therefore different from other regular computer systems in their extensive I/O (input/output) arrangements.
In addition to being used as a special-purpose digital computer, the PLC can be used in other control-system areas and industries. This explains why PLCs are often referred to as industrial PCs.
It is designed to be enormously robust, so it could withstand harsh industrial environments such as extreme temperatures, vigorous vibrations, humidity and electrical noise.
The logic controllers are often tasked to control and monitor a very large number of sensors and actuators. They are therefore different from other regular computer systems in their extensive I/O (input/output) arrangements.
In addition to being used as a special-purpose digital computer, the PLC can be used in other control-system areas and industries. This explains why PLCs are often referred to as industrial PCs.
The PLC is also commonly used in civil applications such as in washing machines and for controlling traffic signals and elevators. They are used in many industries to monitor and control production processes and building systems.
Once programmed, the PLC will perform a sequence of events triggered by stimuli referred to as inputs. It receives these stimuli through delayed actions such as counted occurrences or time delays.
These special computer devices are different from regular computers such as PCs or smartphones in that:
- 1. A PLC performs only a single set or sequence of tasks, with greater reliability and performance, except when it is under real-time constraints. This is in contrast to regular PCs and smartphones that are designed to execute any number of roles simultaneously within the Windows framework.
- 2. The PLC has a number of features that you don’t find in normal computers, such as protection from the open area conditions like heat, dust and cold.
- 3. It is low cost compared with other micro-controller systems. When you’re using a PLC in various applications, you only need to change the software component for each application. With other micro-controller systems however, you would have to change the hardware components too with different applications.
This microprocessor- based controller includes a programmable memory that stores instructions and implements functions that include sequencing, timing, logic, arithmetic, and counting.
How programmable logic controllers work
Each PLC system has three modules namely: CPU module, power supply module and one or more input/output (I/O) module.
- CPU Module
- Power supply module
It receives AC power and converts it to DC power that the two other modules (CPU and input/output modules) use.
- I/O Modules
The I/O modules can be digital or analogue.
Areas where programmable logic controllers are applied IN MALAYSIA
PLCs are used in various applications in industries such as the steel industry, automobile industry, chemical industry and the energy sector. The scope of PLCs dramatically increases based on the development of all the various technologies where it is applied.
- In AS Automation Services, PLC, HMI & also SCADA has been used for building control panel for Aluminum/Metal industry , pharmaceutical plant, ingredient mixing plant and we provide PLC, HMI & SCADA skill training registered under Human Resources Development and fund Malaysia (HRDF/PSMB).
- Glass industry
The production of glass is an elaborate and sophisticated process so the companies involved often use PLCs with the bus technology in its control mode.
Overall, the PLC is applied in both analogue data recording in the glass production, and in digital quality and position control.
- Paper industry
For instance, a PLC controls and monitors the production of book pages or newspapers in offset web printing.
- Cement manufacturing
- Food Industry (Ingredient Concentrated Production Companies)
Consumers want great-tasting products created from trusted, authentic and wholesome foods and flavors. Those Companies understand the fundamental science of taste: flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, mouthfeel, stability and sensorial experiences. They also understand consumer desires and needs, and they have the technology and expertise to meet these needs. Example of Machine they use which involve PLC is mostly the ingredient mixing tanks. Tanks are developed and designed using high grade raw material in compliance with industry laid norms and guidelines.
- Automated storage and retrieval system
From the traditional high bay warehouse to innovative robot-based storage solutions. companies like DEMATIC offers you a wide range of traditional and advanced technologies for automated storage and retrieval of pallets and smaller goods, such as cartons or bins. These fully automated systems boost warehouse quality, flexibility and efficiency.
A distributed control system comprised of PLC in its user mode and a configuration software are used in the industry’s production and management processes. The PLC in particular, controls ball milling, coal kiln and shaft kiln.
Other examples of PLC programming applications that are in use in various industries today include water tank quenching systems in the aerospace sector, filling machine control system in the food industry, – industrial batch washing machine control and closed loop textile shrinkage systems.
Other examples of PLC programming applications that are in use in various industries today include water tank quenching systems in the aerospace sector, filling machine control system in the food industry, – industrial batch washing machine control and closed loop textile shrinkage systems.
PLC is also used in the coal-fired boiler fan change-over system in hospitals, corrugation machine control system and silo feeding as well as injection molding control systems in the plastic industry. The programmable logic controllers at AS Automation Services includes a huge variety from various top industry manufacturers such as Siemens, Mitsubishi Electric, Allen-Bradley and Omron. All these can be put to various applications in key departments of your business to standardize the production process and increase your return on investment.
In AS Automation Services , we provide detailed , fully equipped with PLC hardware , software & laptop for cheapest price possible and we also provide one-to-one training
For more info contact Mr.TSoon or Whatsapp @ +60163329691