Choosing the right PLC panel

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Programming logic controller (PLC) panels come in almost every shape and size with some of them being freestanding and others being wall-mounted and choosing the right solution for a particular application can be difficult.

David Manney, L&S Electric
11/18/2016

Programming logic controller (PLC) panels come in almost every shape and size with some of them being freestanding and others being wall-mounted and choosing the right solution for a particular application can be difficult. Courtesy of: L&S ElectricControlling equipment has always been of interest in industrial applications. Before modern-day computers came into existence, a series of relays controlled that equipment and may have numbered into the thousands. Any updates required expensive and time-consuming manual labor by electricians who needed to rewire all of the relays.
The adoption of digital computers gave rise to the modern programmable logic controller (PLC): a digital computer utilized for the automation of various processes within an industrial facility. The PLC is designed for applications ranging from controlling parts of an assembly line to automating and controlling the light fixtures in an establishment.
There are similarities between a personal computer and a controller. Both a PLC and a personal computer have a CPU, memory, and input/output (I/O) units. On the other hand, a controller is built for industrial applications. It is designed to operate under harsh environments often seen in many facilities. In essence, the PLC and a PC gather and release information.
The PLC panel can be used in a wide range of industrial applications, primarily for automating processes and increasing control over critical systems. The processor controls electrical power and is commonly referred to as an automation panel. PLCs are utilized in many industries including:

  • Automotive industry: the automotive industry is one of the largest users of PLCs and one of the first industries to embrace factory automation fully. The industry still makes use of automation through PLC panels on an ongoing basis.
  • Marine: from controlling specific parts of the vessel to a full vessel system, it is an important part of maintaining operation where failures can cause severe consequences.
  • Power generation: PLC panels can be used for some processes within a power generation facility, such as automating the soot blower controls
  • Paper making: PLC panels can be used for controlling many processes within the paper mill industry.
  • Automation control: The applications that achieve automation through the use of PLCs include HVAC systems, car wash systems, material handling, and conveyor systems

 
RELATED PRODUCT:  IDEC PLC+HMI SmartAXIS
 
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Inductive Factor 1 Sensors

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sensorConstant distance towards any metal

Inductive Factor 1 sensors offer the great benefit of maintaining the same sensing distance towards all metals. Unlike standard sensors where this value changes, depending on the material. The benefits of Factor 1 sensors are obvious: This uniform distance offers outstanding flexibility in system conception and sensor installation. Contrary to conventional sensors, Factor 1 sensors feature enhanced sensing distance towards many different metals. Hence, they are even perfect for applications with variable objects.
Your benefit:

  • Utmost flexibility in construction and installation „
  • Uniform, large sensing distance towards any metal „
  • Shorter installation times, thanks to minimal adaptation effort „
  • Eased alignment thanks to large sensing distance „
  • Reduced sensor variety – the same sensor will match different applications

 
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fast sense

Laser Distance Sensor for Glossy, Coarse Surfaces

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Baumer offers their new MESAX laser distance sensor for measuring demanding surfaces.

Baumer offers their new MESAX laser distance sensor for measuring demanding surfaces. The new multi-spot sensor works without external software and is based on the light section method. Up to 600 measured values of an object are recorded and the distance is then calculated. The sensor takes up to 500 distance measurements per second at a resolution of up to 2 µm (0.008 percent of the measuring range). Applications can include glossy objects in quality inspection or optimal positioning of grinding disks with coarse surfaces.
 
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MESAX 70 multi-spot – The unique laser distance sensor for shiny and very rough surfaces. [EN]

Encoders For Medical Imaging

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groupshot-w-trydynaparThanks to advancements in medical imaging technology in recent decades, doctors are now able to capture in seconds what used to take hours for diagnosis.
MRI is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that uses nuclear magnetic resonance to produce cross-sectional images of organs and other internal body structures. Dynapar offers a range of industry duty encoders designed to comply with FDA manufacturing guidelines for MRIs and X-Ray imaging. In x-Ray machines our encoders move water in and out of the machine, while in CT Scan and MRI machines they move patients in and out and measure the rotating speed.
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AI25 Absolute Encoder

Precise positioning and onboard diagnostics make the AI25 absolute encoder an ideal fit for your medical imaging application. Single turn and multi turn capabilities allow for the critical feedback required in medical imaging devices.

Different Types and Applications Of Totalizing Counters

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Totalizers are counters that “total” the number of cycles applied to their inputs. The totalizing function does not provide control outputs or preset limits, although some of our multi-function products have the totalizing capability as well as output and control functions. They may be a mechanical counter, electromechanical counter or an electronic counter, all of which may be resettable or non-resettable.

Mechanical Counters

Mechanical totalizing counters typically use printed wheels or drums to display the count value and are actuated by an external force on a lever or shaft in a reciprocating or rotating action. Mechanical totalizing counters are very robust in their construction and are often found in severe environments which could destroy other types of counters.

Applicationfabric_machine

A mechanical totalizing counter can be used as a yardage counter for sheet goods, fabric, upholstery, etc. in a factory or commercial setting.

Typical Veeder-Root Counter

743415-005 Worm Drive is part of the 7234 series and pairs well with 15537-070  Measuring Wheels.

Electromechanical Counters

Electromechanical totalizing counters generally are operated by an electrical pulse from a switch or relay and increment counts as the pulses are applied. Certain models have counting coils designed as “continuous duty” which means that the voltage applied to the counter may be of extended length or continuous without causing damage to the coil. They are typically panel-mounted or base-mounted and offer a low to mid-range cost solution for numerous applications.

Applicationpinball

An electromechanical totalizing counter can be used to count cycles in a gaming machine.

Typical Veeder-Root Counter

779086-006 is part of the 7790/7791 Series. This series of economical miniature totalizers is available in all popular mounts and operating voltages.

Electronic Counters

Electronic totalizing counters are almost always panel-mounted and generally have a good degree of environmental protection making them suitable for wet, damp, or dusty locations. They may be self-powered by an internal battery or externally powered, and are designed to accept a wide range of count inputs like dry contact closures, voltage pulses, TTL level inputs, and quadrature inputs from incremental encoders. Some models offer scalable inputs, meaning that the number of input pulses can be scaled as they come in to result in a readout of more meaningful units of measurement, often referred to as engineering units.

Application

An electronic totalizing counter can be used as a maintenance or usage counter (for revenue) in a copier machine.

Typical Veeder-Root Counter

C342-0462 is one counter in the C342 Totalizing Counter series. This series provides ultra-compact 1/32 DIN totalizers available with LCD or LED display and AC/DC inputs.
Totalizing counters, in all their various types, is an important component in a myriad of applications. So, choose Veeder-Root totalizing counters for a totally reliable, durable, and accurate solution!

by Phillip Warwick – Eagle Signal / Veeder-Root

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