Abstract
In this article, we present the design and implementation of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) control platform based on a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a personal computer (PC)-based visual man-machine interface (MMI) and data acquisition (DAS) unit. The key aspect of an FMS is its flexibility to adapt to changes in a demanding process operation. The PLC provides feasible solutions to FMS applications, using PC-based MMI/DAS, whereby PLCs are optimized for executing rapid sequential control strategies. PCs running MMI/DAS front-ends make intuitive operation interfaces, full of powerful graphics and reporting tools. Information from the PC can be distributed through a company's local area network or web using client-server technologies. Currently, with the convergence of underlying microprocessor technology and software programming techniques, many users find that PLCs provide a cost-effective solution to real-time control in small- to medium-sized process plants, especially when combined with supervisory PCs using hybrid systems. The major work of this article demonstrates that PLCs are responsive to rapid and repetitious control tasks, using PCs that present the flow of information automation and accept operator instructions, thereby providing the user a tool to modify and monitor the process as the requirements change.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Browne, J., Dubois, D., Rathmill, K., Sethi, S.P., and Stecke, K.E., “Classification of Flexible Manufacturing Systems,” The FMS Magazine (April 1984).
Bryan, L.A. and Bryan, E.A., Programmable Controllers, Industrial Text Co., Chicago, IL, pp. 1-10 (1988).
Buzacott, J.A., “The Fundamental Principles of Flexibility in Manufacturing Systems,” First International Conference on FMS, Brighton, U.K. (1982).
Groover, M.P. and Zimmers, E.W., Jr., CAD/CAM Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, pp. 227-228 (1984).
Maleki, R.A., Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, pp. 90-100 (1991).
McDermott, K., “An Expert System Based Flexible Manufacturing Cell,” IBM Manufacturing Technology Digest, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 71-75 (1987).
McDermott, K. and Kamisetty, K.V., “Development of an Industrial Engineering Based Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS),” Industrial Engineering (1991).
Studebaker, P., “PLC or PC?” Control Magzine, Vol. 9, No. 11, pp. 24-30 (November 1996).
Yao, W.L., “Development of a Flexible Control and Automated Data Acquisition System for Wear Testing,” thesis, New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ (1990).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
McDermott, K.J., Yao, W.A. Developing a Hybrid Programmable Logic Controller Platform for a Flexible Manufacturing System. International Journal of Flexible Manufacturing Systems 9, 367–374 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007921129376
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007921129376