PLC Based Automation of Industry Using Simulation
This course leverages PLC simulation tools to teach participants how to program and control complex manufacturing and process systems without requiring physical hardware.
Overview
This course is only available to those currently in employment and partially funded under the Skills to Advance initiative.
Skills to Advance is a national initiative that provides upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in jobs undergoing change and to those currently employed in vulnerable sectors. Skills to Advance aims to equip employees with the skills they need to progress in their current role or to adapt to the changing job market. Skills to Advance helps employers identify skills needs and invest in their workforce by providing subsidised education and training to staff.
If you would like more information on this initiative, please email our Enterprise Engagement Team at skills@kwetb.ie and they would be delighted to help.
Expression of Interest
We currently don't have this course scheduled. If you are interested in undertaking this course or looking for more information, please complete the form below and a member of our Recruitment Team will be in contact:
Course Content
PLC-based process and manufacturing simulation involves using virtual environments to control and simulate industrial processes, such as assembly lines, conveyors, pumps, motors, and automated machinery, via PLCs. This course leverages PLC simulation tools to teach participants how to program and control complex manufacturing and process systems without requiring physical hardware. The virtual simulations allow learners to design, troubleshoot, and optimize automated systems in a cost-effective and controlled environment. This approach is ideal for industries focused on manufacturing automation, process control, and production systems, where precision, reliability, and system optimisation are critical.
This course is 10% theory and 90% hands-on exercises, delivered over 2 days, ensuring participants learn through practical application in real-world scenarios.
Areas covered include:
-
Introduction to PLC-based simulation for process and manufacturing systems
-
Understanding process control, automated production lines, and motion systems in simulation
-
Using PLC simulators to design and control manufacturing systems, including conveyors, process vessels, and pump systems
-
PLC programming for real-time process control in a virtual environment
-
Troubleshooting virtual process and manufacturing systems and resolving common faults
-
Techniques for optimizing system performance in a simulated environment
-
Real-time diagnostics and fault simulation within PLC simulators for process and manufacturing systems
The course uses Siemens S7-PLCSIM simulator as part of the TIA platform, to simulate industrial process control tasks. Learners will engage with virtual simulations that replicate real-life process and manufacturing scenarios, which can be customized based on their industry.
Learning Outcomes
Learn how to:
-
Develop core competency in using PLC simulators to design and program process and manufacturing systems
-
Set up and deploy automation systems in a simulated environment, integrating virtual components such as conveyors, pumps, and motors
-
Troubleshoot and resolve faults in virtual process and manufacturing systems controlled by PLCs
-
Optimise system performance for process control applications, including production lines and automated assembly systems
-
Program PLCs to control complex process and manufacturing tasks, including material handling, monitoring, and flow control
Understand how:
-
PLC simulators replicate process and manufacturing systems and how virtual components interact within the simulated environment
-
To configure and calibrate virtual sensors, actuators, and controllers for accurate process control in simulations
-
To troubleshoot and resolve common faults and communication errors in simulated manufacturing systems
Know how to:
-
Set up PLC-controlled process and manufacturing systems in a simulator environment and integrate essential components like motors, sensors, and actuators
-
Perform diagnostics and troubleshoot performance issues in virtual systems used in manufacturing and process control
-
Implement strategies to reduce faults and optimize virtual systems for continuous and reliable operation
Suitability
Due to Skills to Advance (STA) funding, this course is only available to those in employment.
Applicants must have prior technical experience or knowledge and/or exposure to an industrial environment.
Delivery
This course is delivered over 5 non-consecutive full days. These are all physical classes at CELTEC, Celbridge, Co. Kildare where learners will gain hands-on experience in working with PLC's.
Learners must be available for all days as this is an intensive course with much content to cover over this period.
Certification
KWETB Certificate of Completion
PLC Learners
