When it comes to getting the most out of your industrial and manufacturing equipment, it’s crucial that you have the right technology to oversee its performance. Programmable logic controllers are a leading product in these industries for their ability to manage and control even the most unique of mechanical systems. However, as important as they are, they can still prove difficult for some to wrap their heads around. Here, we’ll dive into what programmable logic controllers are and why you need one.
Explaining the Purpose of PLCs
Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, are computers that receive and process data from pieces of equipment, then distribute performance instructions. These products are incredibly customizable, highly intuitive, and an extraordinarily powerful addition to any equipment system. In entering your own unique commands, PLCs make managing and directing your machines a simple task. They also keep you informed as they record all data they receive and allow you to adjust performance expectations accordingly.
The Benefits of PLCs in the Workplace
With the right PLC equipped to your equipment system, you can obtain a series of different benefits in your daily work operations. For one, they allow you to make running your machines more efficient by homing in on issues you can fix. They’re also very versatile and can accommodate any combination of equipment when you take the time to program them to your needs. Solid-state parts make these products incredibly reliable as well, ensuring they last for several years before needing an upgrade or replacement.
How PLCs Work With Your Equipment
When learning what programmable logic controllers are, it’s also important that you know how they work. PLCs operate in four primary steps input scan, program scan, output scan, and housekeeping. During the first step, the PLCs received diagnostic data from all machines connected to it. Then, it distributes orders based on how you programmed it. The PLC then energizes or deenergizes outputs depending on those orders. Finally, it upkeeps communications between each piece of equipment for future information gathering.
If you’re interested in improving the efficiency of your equipment system, PLC Direct can help you get what you need. We carry a broad range of programmable logic controllers to correspond to varying brands and types of machines. This way, whether you’re running newer or older systems, we have something compatible with your setup.