While this article provided some useful information about the power of Programmable Automation Controllers, the constant criticism of PLCs was abolutely out of place and totally unneeded. In addition, while they are more powerful it is very unlikely that any PAC is easier to program than the PLC devices that I have programmed, AB and Automation Direct.
So describing the capabilities of these packages is fine, and knowing that they can include a VS drive and other programmable motion controls is fine, but it is quite likely that the language will require quite a few hours to learn, if it is that much different from what I have used fr several years. So unless the language comes with a very good functions and applications manual there may be quite a few challenges. One more thing is that in those plants that don't have the budget for full time IT staffing, it was often common for a maintenance person to actually understand enough PLC programming to make those needed adjustments. That would probably be much harder with a new type of device running some "wonderful new language".
I'm amazed at the number of options and variations there are on machine controllers. Plus with all of the advanced communication and data handling needs in addition to the control functions, there is really a need for more sophisticated software solutions.
Mr. Bark, you are to be commended for writing a blog that is not a blatant advertisement for your company's products. You've provided a good description of PACs, compared them to PLCs, and not once mentioned your own company's name or product. Your blog informs without advertising, and that makes the company name under your byline stand out.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
4 
