Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
(OP)
Hello,
I am new to the forum (not a engineer) and trying to get some advice from those that are more experienced.
I am trying to automate a process on a limited budget. I have a wheel that has 8 molds attached (equally spaced) with a lead pot above that pours lead into the molds when they pass under the pot. The wheel rotation is motorize by an indexing arm so I have a fixed amount of time to pour the lead into each mold before the arm indexes. I would like to purchase a trigger sensor that acknowledges when a mold is under the pot. At that point it would activate a timer to wait approximately 0.5 seconds (needs to be adjustable) before allowing an electric solenoid to pour for 2 seconds (needs to be adjustable). Once the arm indexes the trigger sensor would release restarting the cycle. The idea is that the pot would not be able to pour lead into a mold unless a mold is present.
Now to the question. Since this is such a simple cycle does it make sense to purchase a PLC or is there an easier/less expensive way to automate the process? I like to tinker but do not even know where to begin with which PLC to purchase if that is correct route or what type of timers, senors, solenoid I would need.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am new to the forum (not a engineer) and trying to get some advice from those that are more experienced.
I am trying to automate a process on a limited budget. I have a wheel that has 8 molds attached (equally spaced) with a lead pot above that pours lead into the molds when they pass under the pot. The wheel rotation is motorize by an indexing arm so I have a fixed amount of time to pour the lead into each mold before the arm indexes. I would like to purchase a trigger sensor that acknowledges when a mold is under the pot. At that point it would activate a timer to wait approximately 0.5 seconds (needs to be adjustable) before allowing an electric solenoid to pour for 2 seconds (needs to be adjustable). Once the arm indexes the trigger sensor would release restarting the cycle. The idea is that the pot would not be able to pour lead into a mold unless a mold is present.
Now to the question. Since this is such a simple cycle does it make sense to purchase a PLC or is there an easier/less expensive way to automate the process? I like to tinker but do not even know where to begin with which PLC to purchase if that is correct route or what type of timers, senors, solenoid I would need.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.





RE: Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
TTFN

FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers
RE: Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
You make no mention of how much cost is too much, and the magnitude of cost is always relative to one's perception. But it seems to me this could be a very simple, inexpensive solution.
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
This is an example of what's often referred to as a "Smart Relay" or a nano-PLC, something like this would be a good candidate for your application. PC programming software is free from the various vendors and if you later want to expand the capabilities, the program is exportable into more capable versions (at least in this version). Plus typically now the software also programs a set of small HMIs that can be added later if you want to make changes to time values without the software. These things typically start at around $100 each, depending on I/O configuration and voltage.
"Will work for (the memory of) salami"
RE: Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
Thanks again all and I will let you know how it goes once I get all the parts.
Still would like to play with a PLC but will wait until the need arises I guess.
RE: Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
Here is an example: what if the sensor signal disappears instantaneously when the pouring is in process?
If all the logic (hardware or software) is two cascade timers driven by the sensor, timing will restart, and the entire pouring will be redone and added to the terminated one.
And here comes the advantage of a programmable controller:
you can add, delete, or modify the logic, in order to correct own mistakes and omissions.
The mentioned timer costs comparable with entry-level PLC, not to mention programmable relays (smart relays).
I would strongly suggest using a programmable controller.
RE: Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
RE: Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
Oh well, to each his or her own I guess.
"Will work for (the memory of) salami"
RE: Automation - Is PLC Best Option?
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter