Industrial Control

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This module explores the way repetitive tasks are automated in industry. Students will create programmes to control an electro-pneumatic production line system that repeatedly sorts parts based on their dimensions. The ladder logic programming language and the drive system mimics the programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in industry. All the programming that the students complete on the system simulator can be tested on both the simulated production line and the real hardware system.

Topic areas include:

• Introduction to Industrial Control and Manufacturing 
• Industrial Controllers 
• Human Versus Machine 
• Logic (AND, OR, and NOT) 
• Truth Tables and Step Logic 
• Latching Actuators 
• Counting Parts 
• Timing Events 
• Measuring Part Width 
• Problem Solving – Sorting Parts

Activities include:

• Simulate custom manufacturing by building models. 
  Construct ladder logic programs. 
• Investigate the sequence of events for a PLC to activate an actuator. 
• Identify how to read and construct truth tables. 
• Build a latching program to control an actuator. 
• Complete a ladder logic program for an airlock control system. 
• Use a counter in a ladder logic program. 
• Use a timer to delay lighting a lamp after a button is pressed. 
• Adapt a ladder logic program to give indication of the width of a part on a conveyor. 
• Create a program that will automatically sort parts according to their width. 

Performance objectives are included for our ClassAct or ClassCampus management systems to generate a comprehensive portfolio of student reports.

Items supplied with ST290 ETP include: 

• Industrial Control Work-cell 
• 12 Manufacturing Systems (Gearbox) Kits 
• Curriculum CD containing:
  PLC control software with simulation
  On-screen student learning material
  On-screen instructor resources
  Instructor Guide (printable)