Xavier Chaney

What Are PLC’s??  Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are special-purpose computers designed for use in the control of a wide variety of manufacturing machines and systems  PLC’s have many if not limitless control applications  Turning on/off pumps/motors  Timing, counting, and calculating  Monitoring and managing systems

What Are PLCs (cont.)

Advantages of PLCs  Reliability  Faster and Improved troubleshooting and maintenance  Offline Programming  Online Programming  Low Cost  Control grows exponentially

How PLC works?  PLCs operate by a program or language better known as ladder logic.  The ladder logic consists of usually 2 or more rungs, input instructions (such as switches and sensors), and output instructions (pumps, motors, pilot light, and alarms)  One the switch is actuated the current flows from left to right completing all of the commands concerning the logic which can vary.

How PLC’s Work (cont.)

How do PLCs Enhance Quality and Quality Control?  PLCs can be programmed to actuate if reaching a certain temperature or limit  This can be very helpful with materials or goods that are sensitive to contaminations and/or sensitive to pressure  This can improve the output of goods that are produced

How is Quality Control Monitored?  The inputs and outputs are monitored by the PLC itself.  This can be helpful for technicians, supervisors, and managers.  This is easier to troubleshoot and modify issues or problems, improving the percentage of quality goods.

References  Regh, James A., and Glenn J. Sartori. Programmable Logic Controllers. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education,, Print.  "PLC." Web.