Printing over ethernet with Guardlogix 5380? - PLCS.net

plc1 · February 2nd, 2023, 11:54 AM

Looking to Print over ethernet with a 5069-L320ERMS3 Compact GuardLogix 5380 Safety Controller.

Printer model yet to be provided. But a few questions before I get started

Can A PLC print a .PDF file ?
Would it be able to populate fields in that file ?
Would it be able to just spit out data csv or otherwise to a blank sheet of paper

Desired end result: Print a pass fail forum with serial and lot number of part tested. Part number entered by HMI, Test result via peripheral/modbus adapter

Great, thanks in advance !

drbitboy · February 2nd, 2023, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plc1

Can A PLC print a .PDF file ?

Short direct answer: yes.

Long correct answer: no; you do not want to even try.

JeremyM · February 4th, 2023, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drbitboy

Short direct answer: yes.

Long correct answer: no; you do not want to even try.

Well now you've got my curiosity.

TheWaterboy · February 4th, 2023, 05:35 PM

Excel can pull the data through RSLinx (FTLinx) if you want to go that way.

Export a PDF ?? ... wow I can't even imagine how much effort it would take to pull that off from within the PLC.

If you used a serial receipt printer you could do a simple pass fail sheet as you describe pretty easily with the 5069-serial module.

Steve Bailey · February 4th, 2023, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Desired end result: Print a pass fail forum with serial and lot number of part tested. Part number entered by HMI, Test result via peripheral/modbus adapter

In my opinion this is a task better suited to the HMI. I've done it using a GE Quick Panel HMI using a "Page Print" command in a VB Script. Script execution triggered by an operator action.

DaDaDadeo · February 4th, 2023, 10:40 PM

All of it is possible.

Since all ABs no longer have serial ports by default, TCP Socket communication is standard with later model PLCs and PACs (CompactLogix & ControlLogix). Rockwell has a sample code to transmit text using Raw Telnet protocol. Customizing the code requires a little time and effort. Standard office printers work fine with these controllers. If kiosk serial printers are required, a standard off the shelf device server will work fine to convert the telnet to serial. These are much less expensive than an expansion serial card.

A PC, imbedded computer, or server can capture the TCP Socket data, store the text in a file, and print it to PDF using Libharu. The key is to set it up.

Check out these well used and tested applications: https://github.com/DaDaDadeo/Cycle-Print-To-PDF

February 2nd, 2023, 11:54 AM	#1
plc1 Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: MI Posts: 1	Printing over ethernet with Guardlogix 5380? Looking to Print over ethernet with a 5069-L320ERMS3 Compact GuardLogix 5380 Safety Controller. Printer model yet to be provided. But a few questions before I get started Can A PLC print a .PDF file ? Would it be able to populate fields in that file ? Would it be able to just spit out data csv or otherwise to a blank sheet of paper Desired end result: Print a pass fail forum with serial and lot number of part tested. Part number entered by HMI, Test result via peripheral/modbus adapter Great, thanks in advance !

February 4th, 2023, 05:35 PM	#4
TheWaterboy Lifetime Supporting Member + Moderator Join Date: May 2006 Location: State of Denial Posts: 1,594	Excel can pull the data through RSLinx (FTLinx) if you want to go that way. Export a PDF ?? ... wow I can't even imagine how much effort it would take to pull that off from within the PLC. If you used a serial receipt printer you could do a simple pass fail sheet as you describe pretty easily with the 5069-serial module. __________________ . . . Things are getting weird, and they're getting weird fast . . .

February 4th, 2023, 10:40 PM	#6
DaDaDadeo Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: New York State Posts: 72	Ethernet Printing to PDF All of it is possible. Since all ABs no longer have serial ports by default, TCP Socket communication is standard with later model PLCs and PACs (CompactLogix & ControlLogix). Rockwell has a sample code to transmit text using Raw Telnet protocol. Customizing the code requires a little time and effort. Standard office printers work fine with these controllers. If kiosk serial printers are required, a standard off the shelf device server will work fine to convert the telnet to serial. These are much less expensive than an expansion serial card. A PC, imbedded computer, or server can capture the TCP Socket data, store the text in a file, and print it to PDF using Libharu. The key is to set it up. Check out these well used and tested applications: https://github.com/DaDaDadeo/Cycle-Print-To-PDF

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