Flopro98
Member
What is the most popular PLC in the U.S. IS it AB? If not then what Semiens GE?
I guess the one most used in the U.S. I worked at GM and they had over 400 Semiens, over 100 GE's different vintages, over 100 Indramats and over 400 Flopro devices, then a handful of different formats in lesser quantities.
I guess the one most used in the U.S. I worked at GM and they had over 400 Semiens, over 100 GE's different vintages, over 100 Indramats and over 400 Flopro devices, then a handful of different formats in lesser quantities.
Flopro98 said:I guess the one most used in the U.S. I worked at GM and they had over 400 Semiens, over 100 GE's different vintages, over 100 Indramats and over 400 Flopro devices, then a handful of different formats in lesser quantities.
Paul T said:Wow. I never would have guessed that a GM plant would be using other than AB. But to answer the original question, I'd think that for general purpose machine automation it would be AB. Sometimes, you might find that specific industries have other "common" platforms, but I thought that AB had the largest installed base in the US.
Each GM plant (and Ford & Chrysler) have their own preferences. The GM Defiance casting plant I'm doing a machine for specifies ControlLogix, DeviceNet, IEC components with the exception of Nema rated contactors and only Ross Pneumatic valves & air prep. The GM Toledo Transmission plant specifies Modicon & Parker. The GM Willow Run Transmission plant specifies AB but only SLC family & Numatics. All within a hours drive of each other.
Here is another example, there are 3 Chrysler Transmission plants in Kokomo Indiana almost within walking distance of each other. One specs ControlLogix or PLC5, another Siemens only, the last SLCs or Siemens.
A general statement saying that each of the big 3 only specs a certain brand of PLC is just not true.
The Ford/AAI (Auto Alliance International) plant in Flatrock, Michigan is half Mitsubishi and half AB, all in the same plant.
Mazdas on Mitsu, Mustang on ABs? lol, just kidding