Methods to get started with learning PLC

1. First, learn to read electrical ladder diagrams and practice drawing them on your own. 2. Buy a basic textbook for learning PLCs; it’s best if it includes instructional CDs and PLC simulation software – there are many such books available on the market. 3. Get yourself a computer with fairly average specifications, as long as it is capable of installing PLC software. 4. Download some materials related to PLCs from the Internet (such as guides to WINCC or PLC basics). 5. Be humble and learn from colleagues and friends who are familiar with PLCs. 6. It would be great if your workplace has PLC equipment, so you can see them in person; otherwise, buy a used one from a second-hand market. 7. Stay persistent, and you will surely succeed

This doesn’t really fall within the scope of design and integration, but I want to encourage the guy upstairs. If it’s posted on the right forum, I’ll give you extra points for being original. If the original poster can attend relevant automation exhibitions, I suggest they take a look at the products offered by manufacturers and communicate with them directly

1. To learn PLC, one should first understand the working principles of components such as relays and contactors in high-voltage electrical circuits, be able to read ordinary relay control diagrams, and then draw such diagrams on their own. One can start by practicing with simple controls for reversing the rotation of motors. If possible, you can actually get hands-on and build your own circuit for controlling the forward and reverse rotation of a motor. The components of a relay generally include: a coil, main contacts, auxiliary contacts (and of course, an iron core as well). When the coil is powered, it generates a magnetic field that causes the contacts to move (the normally closed contacts open, while the normally open contacts close). There are many articles and diagrams online about relays; if you have time, you can also visit electronics stores that pretend to sell relays in order to see a physical one. Don’t think that relay control is simple; without practice, it’s not certain that you’ll be able to do it correctly or perfectly! 2. Refresh basic knowledge of electronics such as diodes and transistors. If one doesn’t want to delve into the details, they should at least know about the unidirectional conductivity of diodes, as well as the basic working principles of NPN and PNP transistors. They should be able to determine the direction of current flow when looking at diagrams of diodes and transistors. 3. Understand the appearance of the PLC, how the input points are arranged, how the output points are arranged, and what the labeling rules are For example, there are X0, X1, Y0, Y1, and the common terminal COM. You can still go to the store and pretend to make a purchase in order to see the actual product. 4. Understand the internal structure of a PLC’s inputs and outputs. Only by knowing this internal structure can you truly figure out how to connect the PLC to external devices – for example, how to connect a switch to an input and how to wire things up so that an output can control a relay. The instructions come with the PLC in its box. Read this manual carefully, keep it safe, and read it again after you have been studying for some time! 5. Buy a PLC programming manual; if you’re reluctant to spend money, download it from the internet instead. China Industrial Control Network and China Industrial Internet both offer free downloads. When reading the programming manual, it’s a good idea to go through it once first; whether you understand it or not, at least get a general idea of it! 6. Download a programming software; there are many websites offering downloads for FX programming software, including China Industrial Control Network and China Automation Network. 7. Buy a PLC, even if it’s second-hand and all of its output points are damaged (make sure there is at least one functional input point; connect it and see how the PLC responds to external signals). As long as it can accept programs and run them, you can use programming software to monitor the operation of those programs, thereby gaining a practical understanding of how the PLC executes programs. Without this practical experience, you will always feel as if you are in a fog. 8. Find an automation company to train as an apprentice – be confident! When there is work to be done, take it on proactively, then make an effort to find relevant information, and read the programming manuals while having specific questions in mind. *Isn’t it said that when reading a book for the first time it seems thick, upon reading it again it becomes thinner, and after reading it yet again it becomes thicker once more? Don’t be afraid of getting fired if you don’t do well; gaining some experience is still valuable. After all, you’re young, so you can switch companies and keep learning! Summary: To learn * effectively, one must combine theory with practice to reach a higher level! ! !

Learn machine tool control first; then learning PLC will be much easier, and it will also give you a more comprehensive understanding of electrical control.

I suggest you go to the PLC company’s website to download their programming manuals and similar materials; studying those will be sufficient. Also, if you have any questions, ask more and do more research. It would be ideal to have the opportunity to work with these devices in person, but many programming software programs offer simulation functions that work quite well as well. Wish you success