Programmable logic controllers are known as PLC which is a basic element of any sort of industrial automation and process control automation. Hence this is also known as PLC automation. Nowadays any sort of machinery is having some sort of PLCs to control various functions.
What is a PLC?
A Programmable logic controller (PLC) is basically an input-output device. It receives various input signals and processes these signals and generates output signals based on these input signals. What sort of output signals to be generated, what combination of input signals should generate what sort of output signals etc. can be programmed in the PLC. This programming once done will be retained in the PLC even in the case of power failure. PLCs are reliable devices which work for a long period of time.
Eg. In a CNC machine a PLC can be programmed in such a way that if there are no steel plates in the machine, the machine should be automatically switched off. This is achieved by checking whether there is any steel plate left in the bed using sensors. This sensor will continuously give input to the PLC. As soon as the sensor detects that there is no steel plate left on the bed, the PLC gives output as programmed to switch OFF the machine.
What is PLC Automation?
All sort of automation carried out using a PLC are generally known as PLC automation. A PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) is a modern PC used to screen inputs, and relying on their state make decisions dependent on its program or logic, to control (turn on/off) its outputs to automate a machine or a process. A PLC can be compared to the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer which processes numerous signals reliably. Apart from the PLC, there are numerous other components in PLC automation. These include various sensors, mechanical, electrical and pneumatical control devices, etc.
PLC Manufacturers
There are reputed PLC manufacturers such as ABB, SIEMENS, Allen Bradley, Beckhoff, Kinco, Omron, Rockwell automation etc. The fundamental principle of all of these manufacturers are the same but varies in various functionalities provided in each model, their programming language, etc.
Basic parameters to decide PLC for automation
A PLC system is designed through a ladder scheme which is a structured design pattern depicting the operational sequences required. After generating an Input-output list (I/O list) you will come to know the number of inputs and outputs required by you. It is a wise idea to consider an adequate number of spares for future usage.
Based on the IO list and other functions required, you will be able to decide the right PLC required by you.
Our solutions with PLC Automation
We provide various industrial automation solutions using PLCs, few of which are:
- Cement plant automation
- Conveyor belt automation
- Loading bay automation
- Gate automation
- Temperature controls automation for process plants
- Furnace automation
- Process automation
In the Middle East, we serve the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Tunisia, etc.
In Africa, we serve countries including Kenya, Algeria, Tanzania, Djibouti, Chad, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Morocco, Angola, South Africa, etc.
Also, we supply to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Srilanka, Maldives, and Cyprus.