AutomationTechBrian
Lifetime Supporting Member
I'm continuing to think about choices in an upcoming plastic extruder project, and I'd like to talk it through with you folks. So far, the main control components that I'm considering for the machine are:
PLC: CompactLogix (not sure which model yet) This replaces the original SLC 5/05.
Temperature Controllers: Eurotherm Mini 8, probably 4 of them (approx 32 zones), Modbus TCP
Pressure controllers: Eurotherm 3504, 2 of them, Modbus TCP
VFD: Yaskawa GA800, 2 of them, Ethernet I/P (we prefer using Yaskawa VFDs)
HMI: Ignition Edge, possibly using OnLogic fanless NUC (not sure of sizing).
Touchscreen: Possibly Automation Direct, Atlas Industrial Touchscreen. A little worried about supply.
Any thoughts on these choices? At first I was looking for other temperature control options, but I'm leaning toward Eurotherm products to simplify their back-up parts, since they are the same as the last machine I did for them. I wish I knew more about Eurotherm's (Now Schneider Electric) future support for these items. As a tech, I constantly have battles with obsolesce. The cost per zone was a reason why I didn't go with analog input cards on the CompactLogix.
I'm also thinking about having the Eurotherm devices communicate with the PLC instead of the HMI (last time the HMI went directly to all temp and pressure controllers). I haven't tried it yet in my shop, but I suspect it isn't too difficult. Ignition Edge comes standard with 2 controller connections, and charges for additional connections. Going through the PLC for PV, setpoint, and output would seem to make sense to avoid the additional connections. I just can't think of the downside of doing it that way would be. Any thoughts?
(I'll probably copy and paste this post to the Inductive Automation board, as well, just to get more familiar with that resource.)
PLC: CompactLogix (not sure which model yet) This replaces the original SLC 5/05.
Temperature Controllers: Eurotherm Mini 8, probably 4 of them (approx 32 zones), Modbus TCP
Pressure controllers: Eurotherm 3504, 2 of them, Modbus TCP
VFD: Yaskawa GA800, 2 of them, Ethernet I/P (we prefer using Yaskawa VFDs)
HMI: Ignition Edge, possibly using OnLogic fanless NUC (not sure of sizing).
Touchscreen: Possibly Automation Direct, Atlas Industrial Touchscreen. A little worried about supply.
Any thoughts on these choices? At first I was looking for other temperature control options, but I'm leaning toward Eurotherm products to simplify their back-up parts, since they are the same as the last machine I did for them. I wish I knew more about Eurotherm's (Now Schneider Electric) future support for these items. As a tech, I constantly have battles with obsolesce. The cost per zone was a reason why I didn't go with analog input cards on the CompactLogix.
I'm also thinking about having the Eurotherm devices communicate with the PLC instead of the HMI (last time the HMI went directly to all temp and pressure controllers). I haven't tried it yet in my shop, but I suspect it isn't too difficult. Ignition Edge comes standard with 2 controller connections, and charges for additional connections. Going through the PLC for PV, setpoint, and output would seem to make sense to avoid the additional connections. I just can't think of the downside of doing it that way would be. Any thoughts?
(I'll probably copy and paste this post to the Inductive Automation board, as well, just to get more familiar with that resource.)