I have a bit of a weird question. I'm finishing my degree in mechanical engineering, and as part of my capstone project we're working with a company to design and build a machine that will need a PLC. I have about a year of experience with PLCs, but mostly just programming them. Sometimes installing new sensors to existing PLCs.
The machine is relatively small rinser / dryer for brass cartridge casings for ammunition. We really haven't done much designing yet, but we have access to 480 and 240VAC. I assume we'll need 480 for a motor and heater as part of the drying mechanism. The question isn't about the design, but really about installation regulations, especially since I've never installed a PLC before. The company is small with only a couple engineers, none of which have experience with PLCs. One of the engineers suggested programming the machine with an arduino, but I feel like thats not reliable longterm. Not to mention its more difficult to program compared to ladder logic. This company doesn't even have a licensed version of Logix 5000 to edit their current machines. I can probably setup a new PLC following manuals from rockwell, but I personally don't want to mess with high voltage. Are there any other regulations I should be aware of? I figure we'd need to hire a professional electrician for the motors at least. I guess I should mention that the machine will be built and used in Kentucky. Any insight would be appreciated.
The machine is relatively small rinser / dryer for brass cartridge casings for ammunition. We really haven't done much designing yet, but we have access to 480 and 240VAC. I assume we'll need 480 for a motor and heater as part of the drying mechanism. The question isn't about the design, but really about installation regulations, especially since I've never installed a PLC before. The company is small with only a couple engineers, none of which have experience with PLCs. One of the engineers suggested programming the machine with an arduino, but I feel like thats not reliable longterm. Not to mention its more difficult to program compared to ladder logic. This company doesn't even have a licensed version of Logix 5000 to edit their current machines. I can probably setup a new PLC following manuals from rockwell, but I personally don't want to mess with high voltage. Are there any other regulations I should be aware of? I figure we'd need to hire a professional electrician for the motors at least. I guess I should mention that the machine will be built and used in Kentucky. Any insight would be appreciated.