PLCs information required?

[Bobster]

So, the last apprentices I had all had a PLC module in their engineering NVQ.

Do any trainees need information/training in this field?

If so, I'll put something together.

FYI i moved from being an electrician several years ago into engineering, for the past 8 years I've been a controls engineer, writing software/designing hardware to control plant and machine processes.

 

[Bobster]

I also tend to work in various places around the world, so forgive the time I'm posting. Time zones ruin sleep!

 

[Darkwood]

I'll be happy to chip in too with free software links with virtual testing modes for those interested although I'm sure Rob has this covered too

 

[Rocboni]

Hi Rob, how did you make this move? Although I'm at the end of my apprenticeship it's something I dabble quite a bit in and would like to increase my knowledge further particularly PLCs

 

[Bobster]

Just natural progression and being in the right place at the right time.

Working in maintenance will nowadays generally involve PLC work, then once proficient, move to a system integrator.

 

[Rocboni]

Not where I work weve still got manual operated star delta starters and oil filled breakers!

So what formal courses did you do or didn’t you?

 

[Bobster]

I had all of that too in the quarry I used to work.

No formal courses on PLC training until I ended up with a job as a system integrator.

Plenty of books on the subject that I self taught myself. Now there are lots of videos and forums online you can learn from.

In my experience, nobody looks for formal PLC qualifications, they only want experience. As it is really easy to find out who's bluffing on what they know.

 

[Rocboni]

I’ve played about with the Eaton smart relays and the schneider Zelio software but want to increase my knowledge and I’m intrigued how complete plants operate with many machines ect (being based in a mill) none of our production plants use plc’s they still use relay logic (which works well for them I have to say and easy to repair)

Need to learn about system bits ect I also worry there must be certain ways things are programmed/done and just because something works doesn’t mean it’s right, so how do you know what’s your doing right if your self taught.

Any books you can recommend Rob?

 

[Bobster]

I’ve

Apologies Rocboni on not replying sooner, I've just finished 4 jobs in 4 different states, 11000miles of travel in 7 days.

Let me put something together properly tomorrow.

In a nutshell, software has no rules, if it works it work, but there are good practices.

By nature the software you use to write code makes sure it complies with the IET standard (which is poor and outdated). The only real standards in PLC software writing are for public rail and nuclear plants.

I wouldn't recommend you any books, as they are not cheap, the most recent one I got on motion control was a cool £200. The manuals are where you need to look. Often example code, how it works etc. Just unfortunately not written too easy to follow.

I'll post some examples.

You mention using zelio programmable relays (they're not PLCs, although offer similar functionality). Is there anything else on site you have? So I could possibly tailor my next post?

 

[Rocboni]

Thanks Rob. Nothing really on site available, only one machine has a PLc on it and it's a 1 tonne bagging machine. It's a Mitsubishi FX PlC, these look the easiest hardware wise to purchase. Just need to find a source for GX developer so I can have a play with one. All the other programming software is £1200+ I also like the look of the Mitsubishi GOT HMI. Another thing I'd like to get into.

 

[Bobster]

HMI's and PLCs go hand in hand.

I've done quite a lot with the mitsubishi range. They are pretty good. However the programming interface (GX developer) is really outdated. It however doesn't contain as many bugs as some other brands.

 

[Rocboni]

I think it would be ideal to start with being so basic and is the cheapest "professional" software I can find. Can't justify buying Siemens S7 software for one or two projects a year.

 

[netblindpaul]

I think that the Siemens Logo is a bit nearer to "real" PLC, but still a long way off.
There are HMI's with free software.
There is also a few IEC standards on PLC type software, including an IEC language.
There are also free PLC programming packages out there too.
Manufacturer courses tend to be the way to go, it's how I learned, I worked for one and was trained by them.
Often if you are working for an integrator or an OEM, they will have a base programme, or structure that you follow.

Then there is safety PLC...
61508, 61511, 62061 etc...

 

[Darkwood]

As a user of 'micro' PLCs I can say that the borders between them has almost been erroded, the options on the latest ones now match the big boys out there although limited to program size.
I'm stripping a big baby out in the near future see if it's worth owt,only 10yrs old.