I'm using Siemens PLC and I wanna control the conveyor belt. The items on the conveyor will be checked by a camera using a special software. So, the output of the sensor will be the input in conveyor belt. The software for Camera Inspection has already existed. So, how can I integrate the PLC with the Camear Software. I'm new to the PLC and could you help me with it. Next qestion is, how to control the speed of conveyor belt by PLC. The conveyor belt I am testing is MiNiCON test conveyor belt. Could you plese provide me with the internet links or resourses that is related to Siemens PLC or Integration of PLC with other softwares or learning PLC. Your help will much be appreciated.

 

I did just this about ten years ago, I updated the machine recently to use the newer s7-216 cpu. If you're interested, the machine sales blurb is here http://www.aluminiumcapping.com/capsure.htm Starting and stopping the conveyor is all done using the inverter - what else can your conveyor do? The conveyor speed is controlled via a pulse train, analogue voltage or USS - depending on the inverter manufacturer (the customers tend to have a favourite!). Connection to the camera was either using digital IO or RS232. The cameras i used had image processing and inspection software built in, so the inspections were stored and selected for each container. So to select inspection number three, I turn on the digital outputs which correspond to binary three (011) and turn on the output for 'GO' and then for each container give an 'INSPECT' pulse, derived from a sensor on the conveyor. (on earlier models with slower PLCs i used to connect the sensor directly to the camera). Then wait for a 'PASS' or 'FAIL' signal this would initiate a 'mexican wave' of rejection fingers to push the rejected container onto a second conveyor where is was transported to a locked bin.

On some models i used a touch screen to select the inspection type and to display help and statistics. I think though, the hardest part of all these systems is getting the lighting right!!! If you would like more specific help then please ask via the list or contact me directly. http://www.germainesystems.co.uk/contact.html

marc sinclair

 

It will depend on number of things,
1. What Siemsn PLc you are using.
2. Details of the software of the camera and how it is linked with the PC. If you can download data from your S/W to Excel/Access then the same can be transmitted to PLC and speed control can be achieved.

Most likely solution could be S7 300 Compact series with PTP connection
or

WinCC thro' DDE

Regards,

S Datta

[email protected]