Greetings everyone! I am a mechanical engineer fascinated by automation and industrial control systems. To broaden my skill set and explore new career possibilities, I have made the decision to delve into PLC programming. As a complete novice in this area, I am seeking any helpful advice you can offer. For beginners interested in PLC programming, I am on the lookout for recommended online courses, books, or tutorials. Additionally, I am seeking guidance on which PLC software (such as Siemens TIA Portal, Codesys, Beckhoff TwinCAT, B&R Automation Studio) to begin with, as well as cost-effective hardware options for hands-on practice. I am particularly interested in resources that can aid in learning structured text programming for PLCs. Furthermore, I am open to suggestions for beginner-friendly projects or exercises that can assist me in applying my newfound knowledge. To all PLC programming and automation professionals, I would greatly appreciate insights on how you began your journey and any steps you would suggest for individuals like myself seeking to follow a similar career path. I am enthusiastic about expanding my expertise in this domain and would be thankful for any advice, resources, or personal anecdotes you can offer. Thank you for taking the time to read and assist.
I have personally witnessed the successful transition of two mechanical engineers into the field of instrumentation, automation, and controls. They were both highly respected and achieved great success in their new roles. One of my colleagues, who originally worked as an electrical engineer/designer, self-taught himself PLC programming and made a career switch to become a controls engineer with us. It is important to invest time in reading relevant books, following tutorials, and attending vendor training sessions to stay updated with the latest trends in the industry. Ignition University offers valuable resources for learning about SCADA software and its functionalities. Automation Direct in the United States is a recommended source for cost-effective PLC/PAC hardware and software solutions. If your background in engineering did not cover electrical and electronics basics, it is essential to fill in those knowledge gaps now. Do not hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from experienced professionals in forums like this one. Wishing you the best of luck in your career endeavors!
Have you had previous experience with programming? The initial step is mastering the skill of breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable segments. This skill is crucial to develop and can only be honed through consistent practice. Understanding programming logic is essential for reviewing and analyzing your work, and there are numerous free Codesys resources available online to help you get started. For those interested in learning about Siemens programming, consider checking out hegamurl on Youtube. Codesys is a great option as it can be run directly on your laptop for demonstration purposes. While German brands may be the next natural progression, it's important to note that they often come with a price tag. Fortunately, Codesys shares similarities with Beckhoff and Siemens, making it easier to apply similar concepts. Keep in mind that programming knowledge shouldn't be limited to just one language. Mastery of multiple languages, along with understanding their individual strengths and weaknesses, is what sets apart competent programmers from the rest. When it comes to practical applications, traffic light control systems for intersections are a common project to work on. Ensure that your programming accounts for factors such as lamp status measurement and fault detection. You can also add intelligence by incorporating sensor inputs to identify traffic congestion and adjust opening times accordingly. Don't forget to create simulation logic to test your programming solutions. If you prefer working on processing tasks, consider projects like designing a car wash machine or an industrial soup maker. Begin by programming blocks for each process device, such as proportional valves, solenoid valves, motors, VFDs, and analog inputs, as well as developing simulation logic. With a background in electrical engineering, the transition to programming PLCs may seem natural. Further your knowledge by exploring SCADA systems, and platforms like Inductive University can be a valuable resource. Best of luck on your programming journey!
If you have any valuable insights to share, please contribute, and I will credit you. To start, it's important to understand and follow the specifications for any project, treating them as customer requirements. Here are some guidelines to ensure successful implementation: 1. Carefully read and review the specifications multiple times. 2. Write down a detailed understanding of the specifications in a step-by-step manner. 3. Review your notes and make modifications if necessary. 4. Collaborate with the mechanical designer to address any differences in opinions or operations, ensuring alignment on all points before proceeding. 5. Step through your notes as if you are the PLC, documenting each action taken. 6. Continue following the instructions and make necessary updates as you progress. 7. Ensure all sensors, motor auxiliary contacts, and outputs are documented and make adjustments as needed. 8. Repeat the process until no further modifications are necessary. 9. Organize your data in a structured manner as you write the PLC program. 10. Document all steps thoroughly, anticipating the need for revisions or enhancements. 11. Maintain open communication with maintenance personnel and incorporate their feedback to facilitate troubleshooting and program understanding. 12. When installing the program, leave it in program mode if possible for debugging purposes. 13. Utilize detailed notes from previous steps when creating instruction manuals, using clear language and specifying I/O, timers, counters, and outputs. 14. Understand the potential dangers of powering on a machine and PLC for the first time, as wiring configurations may not be known. 15. Carefully debug the program to ensure it functions as intended. 16. Be prepared to address any potential scenarios, no matter how unlikely, to avoid issues during production. 17. Consider incorporating subroutines into the main program for better organization and efficiency. Overall, maintaining clear documentation, fostering collaboration, and adapting to feedback are key principles in successful PLC programming.
Hello everyone, I am Siva_1998, a mechanical engineer who is keenly interested in automation and industrial control systems. I have made the decision to delve into PLC programming in order to enrich my skills and explore new career opportunities. As a beginner in this field, I am seeking guidance on where to begin and if there are any recommended resources for beginners in PLC programming, such as online courses, books, or tutorials. When it comes to choosing PLC software to start with, options like Siemens TIA Portal, Codesys, Beckhoff TwinCAT, and B&R Automation Studio are popular choices. Additionally, I am looking for affordable hardware options to practice at home. I am also interested in learning structured text programming for PLCs. Are there specific resources available for this purpose? For practical projects, I would appreciate suggestions on beginner-friendly exercises to help me apply my learning effectively. I believe that hands-on experience is crucial for mastering PLC programming. Furthermore, I am seeking advice on the career path in PLC programming and automation. For those who have successfully transitioned into this field, I would like to know how you started and what steps you would recommend for someone like me who is eager to grow and learn in this area. Thank you in advance for any tips, resources, or personal experiences that you can share to help me on my journey in PLC programming and automation. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
During the initial 30 minutes of production runoff, James Mcquade raised the possibility of a crucial "what if" scenario unfolding in front of the customer. This timeframe is significant, considering that such issues often surface within just 30 seconds in typical cases.
Hi! Your interest in PLC programming is a great step for expanding your mechanical engineering skills. I'd suggest beginning with Rockwell's RSLogix 5000 as it's quite beginner-friendly. Check out PLCdev for their PLC programming guides - they're comprehensive and cover most of the basics. For hardware, you might want to look into getting a used Allen Bradley PLC on eBay for practical experience. As for Structured Text Programming, I would recommend "IEC 61131-3: Programming Industrial Automation Systems" written by Karl-Heinz John and Michael Tiegelkamp. It provides practical examples and exercises that may be very helpful. For a hands-on exercise, try automating a simple system like your home lights or garage door. One tip - don't forget to participate in online PLC programming communities and collaborate with other learners for insights and help. Good luck on your journey!
Hello there! It's exciting to see your enthusiasm for PLC programming. In terms of online resources, sites like PLC Academy and Udemy offer comprehensive and beginner-friendly courses on PLC programming. They offer lessons on different PLC software systems so you can choose which one you'd like to dive into. Regarding software, Siemens TIA portal is a solid choice for a beginner. It's user-friendly and widely adopted, leaving you with plenty of community support and resources. As for hardware, you might want to explore options like the Siemens S7-1200 starter kit, which offers a cost-effective way to practice programming on actual hardware. For structured text programming, I'd recommend the book 'PLC Controls with Structured Text (ST): IEC 61131-3 and best practice ST programming’ by Tom Mejer Antonsen. It provides a great introduction to structured text and PLCs. Try to apply your learning through small projects, like automating a miniature conveyor belt or temperature control system. You'll learn most effectively when you're solving real, tangible problems. I started my journey with a solid foundation in electrical engineering and just a lot of curiosity. Don't just stick to structured text – explore other programming languages for PLCs too, like Ladder Logic or Function Block Diagramming. It can open more doors for you in the field. Good luck with your journey into PLC programming!
Hey there! It's great to hear about your interest in PLC programming! I’d recommend starting with the Udemy course “PLC Programming from Scratch” since it's beginner-friendly and covers the fundamental concepts quite well. For software, if you’re looking for something widely used, Siemens TIA Portal is a fantastic choice, and you can often find trial versions. As for hardware, consider the Siemens S7-1200 starter kit or a low-cost PLC like the Click PLC to practice on. For structured text programming, the book "Programming Industrial Control Systems with IEC 61131-3" is a solid resource. To get hands-on, try creating simple projects like a traffic light controller or a basic conveyor system—these can be fun and challenging. Good luck on your journey, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
Hey there! It's awesome to hear about your journey into PLC programming! For starting out, I recommend checking out the "Introduction to PLC Programming" course on platforms like Udemy or Coursera — they have great beginner-friendly content. As for software, Siemens TIA Portal is widely used in the industry and has extensive resources, but Codesys is also fantastic for learning structured text since it's versatile and free to use online. For hardware, consider the Siemens S7-1200 starter kit or even a basic Arduino if you're looking for something budget-friendly to practice on. As for projects, try creating a simple traffic light control system using timers — it’s a classic that really helps reinforce logic and syntax. Good luck, and enjoy every bit of this exciting learning process!
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Answer: - There are several online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning that offer courses on PLC programming. Books such as "PLC Programming using RSLogix 500" by Gary Dunning and tutorials on platforms like YouTube can also be helpful for beginners.
Answer: - Popular PLC software options for beginners include Siemens TIA Portal, Codesys, Beckhoff TwinCAT, and B&R Automation Studio. These software platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive features for learning PLC programming.
Answer: - Yes, there are affordable PLC training kits available in the market that include hardware components like PLC modules, input/output modules, cables, and software licenses. These kits are ideal for hands-on practice and experimentation.
Answer: - Online courses, books, and tutorials focused on structured text programming specifically for PLCs can be beneficial. Platforms like PLCdev and PLCopen provide resources and guidelines for learning structured text programming in PLCs.
Answer: - Beginner-friendly projects like traffic light control systems, conveyor belt automation, and temperature control systems are great for applying PLC programming concepts. These projects help in gaining practical experience and understanding of
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