Intro to PLC’s
January 3rd, 2007
What is a PLC?
A PLC (i.e. Programmable Logic Controller) is a device that was invented to replace the necessary sequential relay circuits for machine control. The PLC works by looking at its inputs and depending upon their state, turning on/off its outputs. The user enters a program, usually via software, that gives the desired results.
PLCs are used in many “real world” applications. If there is industry present, chances are good that there is a plc present. If you are involved in machining, packaging, material handling, automated assembly or countless other industries you are probably already using them. If you are not, you are wasting money and time. Almost any application that needs some type of electrical control has a need for a plc.
For example, let’s assume that when a switch turns on we want to turn a solenoid on for 5 seconds and then turn it off regardless of how long the switch is on for. We can do this with a simple external timer. But what if the process included 10 switches and solenoids? We would need 10 external timers. What if the process also needed to count how many times the switches individually turned on? We need a lot of external counters.
As you can see the bigger the process the more of a need we have for a PLC. We can simply program the PLC to count its inputs and turn the solenoids on for the specified time.
We offer a complete course on programming the PLC. (http://www.techtrainingsystems.com/DVD%20Courses/PLC_DVD.html)
Interesting New Application
January 3rd, 2007
Recently I was trying to describe what our Portable Training Labs are used for to an old friend of mine. I explained that they are primarily used to teach employees new skills. Usually an instructor will put on the course right at the plant where the employees work. Because our Trainers are so portable it is easy to teach a class almost anywhere. My friend (who works in management at a large company) thought that was interesting. However, his next comment really took me by surprise. He said, “Have you ever talked to an HR Department about using them in the hiring process to test a potential new hire’s abilities?”. To be honest, I had never thought about that particular application. Like many people I was locked into a preconceived notion about how our products should be used. So now I have an exciting new project to start the new year!
I hope your year is getting off to a great start too!
Welcome!
January 1st, 2007
Welcome everyone to the new TTSI blog. I thought it would be a good idea to start the new year with a new addition to our website - a Blog!
I would like to start by introducing myself. My name is Mike Krebsbach. I am responsible for Sales & Marketing at TTSI. My goal is to bring you interesting ideas, articles and products that will help you develop your skills in Electricity, Motors & Controls, Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Robotics and Programmable Logic Controllers for the Manufacturing Industry.
I hope you find this information interesting and (hopefully) a little entertaining. I look forward to your comments…..
I hope you all have a happy and fullfilling New Year!