PLCs and CNCs are two major categories of digital controllers employed in different industrial control applications. On a surface level, it’s easy to group them together since they are both run by programs, digital processors, and they both interface with input and output devices. For example, if you ask a systems programmer whether a CNC…
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are rugged and lightweight computers used to automate industrial processes such as wastewater treatment plants, ore processing plants, and manufacturing plants assembly lines. They are designed to perform logical decisions for different electro-mechanical control applications and to operate reliably in harsh industrial environments like in extreme low or high temperatures, and…
So, can a microcontroller be used in place of a PLC? The answer is in a very narrow set of circumstances, such as straightforward control requirements in a low duty environment, then the answer is yes. However, the differences above highlight that PLCs are designed for industrial and high-volume service applications that require safety, redundancy, ease of programming, and a host of other features that microcontrollers cannot provide.
According to ISA, automation is defined as “the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically”. In a more practical sense, it is a system that operates with minimum or no human intervention at all. It has been part of the development of mankind all along however, the concept was further…
The Kinetix 5500 and 5700 series servo drives offer innovative responses to automation and motion control needs for any system. Combined with the right Kinetix VP servo motors, these systems optimize space and are easier and simpler to use. Because they integrate motion control on EtherNet/IP, a dedicated motion network is not required. This allows…
The PowerFlex 525 and PowerFlex 755 by Allen Bradley deliver powerful control functionality in cost effective packages that allow you to design and deploy a control solution quickly.
