Programmable logic control (PLC)

Practical Training

PLC practical training is structured into two distinct levels to cater to participants with different levels of knowledge and experience. The introductory level is designed for those new to PLC systems, providing foundational skills and understanding, while the advanced level is tailored for individuals with prior experience, focusing on more complex concepts and applications. This approach ensures that each participant receives training that is appropriately challenging and relevant to their current expertise.

Practical Basic PLC Training: 3-Day Intensive Course

Join our 3-day intensive PLC training course designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). This hands-on course is perfect for professionals and enthusiasts looking to gain practical experience and foundational knowledge in PLC programming and industrial automation.

Learning Outcomes

Course Contents

DAY 1: Introduction and Fundamentals

Section 1: Introduction to PLCs

What is a PLC?
PLC vs Relay Logic
PLC Hardware Overview
PLC Wiring and Connections

Section 2: PLC Programming Basics

Introduction to Programming Languages
Ladder Logic (LD), Functions Block Diagram (FBD) and Structured Text (ST)
Ladder Logic Fundamentals
Creating and understanding simple ladder diagrams

Section 3: Hands-On Lab

Basic PLC Setup and Programming
Setting up the PLC hardware
Writing and testing a basic ladder logic program
Simple control exercises

DAY 2: Developing and Tesing PLC Programs

Section 4: Developing PLC Programs

Timers and Counters
ON/OFF timers, retentive timers and counters
Data Handling and Analog Processing
Data registers, analog input/output and scaling

Section 5: Simulation and Testing

Introduction to PLC Simulation Software
Using simulation tools for program testing
Running and Monitoring PLC Programs
Online vs Offline modes
Troubleshooting and debugging

Section 6: Hands-On Lab

Intermediate PLC Programming
Creating a timer-based control system
Developing a motor control system with start/stop and direction control
Testing and troubleshooting programs using simulation tools

DAY 3: Advanced Concepts and Practical Projects

Section 7: Advanced PLC Programming Concepts

Subroutines and functions
Modular programming and code reuse
Interfacing with other systems
Communication protocols
Connecting PLC to HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces)

Section 8: Practical Projects

Project 1: Basic Light Control System
Design, program, and test a light control system
Project 2: Timer-Based Automation System
Develop and implement a time-based control system for an automated process
Wrap-up and final assessment
Project Presentation
Review and Q&A

Course Details

Duration: 3 Days

Format: Classroom instruction with hands-on labs

Prerequisites: No prior PLC experience is required; basic knowledge of electrical systems is helpful

Practical Advanced PLC Training Course Content

Our Practical Advanced PLC Training course is designed for professionals who have a foundational understanding of PLCs and seek to deepen their expertise. This advanced course focuses on complex programming techniques, system integration, and troubleshooting for high-level industrial automation projects.

Learning Outcomes

Course Contents

DAY 1: Advanced Programming Techniques

Section 1: Advanced Ladder Logic

Complex Instructions and Functions
Advanced use of timers, counters and data handling
Arithmetic and comparison operations
Using arithmetic instructions and comparison block for complex calculations
Data Manipulation and Conversion
Handling different data types, scaling and conversions.

Section 2: Structured Text and Function Block Diagram

Structured Text Programming
Advanced constructs: IF statements, loop and functions
Function Block Diagram (FBD)
Creating and using custom function blocks
Integrating FBD with Ladder Logic

Section 3: Hands-On Lab

Advanced Programming Projects
Creating complex ladder logic programs
Implementing structured text for data handling
Developing function block diagrams for complex tasks

DAY 2: System Integration and Communication

Section 4: PLC and HMI Integration

Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Basics
Design principles and communication setup
Creating HMI screens and controls
Developing user interfaces for PLC control
Data exchange between PLC and HMI
Mapping PLC tags to HMI elements

Section 5: PLC Networking and Communication Protocols

Introduction to Networking Protocols
Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, Profibus
Configuring PLC Communication
Setting up and troubleshooting communication networks
Interfacing with SCADA Systems
Basics of SCADA integration and data exchange

Section 6: Hands-On Lab

System Integration Projects
Designing and implementing an HMI interface
Configuring PLC communication protocols
Integration PLC with SCADA systems for real-time monitoring

DAY 3: Advanced Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Section 7: Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

Diagnosing Common PLC Issues
Identifying hardware and software faults
Using diagnostic tools
Analyzing error codes, logs, and system diagnostics
Best practices for troubleshooting
Systematic approaches to problem-solving

Section 8: Maintenance and Optimization

Maintaining PLC Systems
Preventative maintenance routines and best practices
Optimizing PLC Programs
Techniques for improving program efficiency and performance
Backup and recovery

Section 9: Hands-On Lab

Troubleshooting and Optimization Projects
Diagnosing and resolving common PLC issues
Optimizing existing PLC programs for performance
Performance maintenance tasks and implementing best practices.

Course Details

Duration: 3 Days

Format: Classroom instruction with hands-on labs

Prerequisites: Basic PLC knowledge and experience; familiarity with fundamental programming concepts