Learn Siemens PLC from Scratch: Effective Methods

Can learning PLC be beneficial? Yes! It can lead to projects and income!

So how can one undertake a project? What skills and knowledge are required? Today, let’s discuss these topics.

Different PLC models carry different project scopes.

Siemens S300/400 PLCs and S1500 PLCs are considered medium to large PLCs, suitable for medium to large projects.

In contrast, small Siemens PLCs such as S7-200 PLC, S7-200 SMART PLC, and S7-1200 PLC are suitable for small projects, which are relatively simple. Many people start with small projects and gradually take on larger projects.

1. Understand the site environment and production process flow.

2. Design the overall control scheme.

3. Create an electrical control mind map.

4. List the required materials and prepare a material detail report.

5. Design the PLC cabinet wiring diagram and build the PLC cabinet.

6. Write the PLC program and configure the monitoring interface.

7. Communicate with the client for improvements and conduct on-site construction.

7. Debug the equipment on-site and finalize the control scheme.

8. Client acceptance.

Last time, we discussed advanced PLC knowledge. To undertake a small project, you just need this final step! Master the application of touch screens and upper computer software.

Siemens PLCs generally do not have displays; various programming algorithm results are stored internally and cannot be displayed, requiring a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) device to show results. PLC controls also need external buttons or HMI devices to form the monitoring system.

HMIs are divided into two types: one is the operation panel, including touch screens. The other is PC-based monitoring systems, such as: WinCC.

The monitoring platform includes Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), etc., while the operation panel connects PLC and the monitoring platform.

There are many types of Siemens operation panels, and it is essential to understand the main features of the software and hardware, how to select them, and their characteristics.

After understanding the hardware composition and setup of the operation panel, the next step is the software issue, which includes WinCC flexible and TIA Portal. Although these two are similar in operation, the specific choice depends on the touch screen model.

Mastering WinCC not only enables practical project execution but is also useful for bidding and selection-related business tasks.

To learn WinCC software, you must first understand its basic system and functions, how to select options and structure, advanced applications, etc., which require some foundational knowledge,

such as programming for Siemens S300/400 PLC, fundamentals of advanced languages (involving C language or VB scripts), industrial communication basics, drawing basics, and database fundamentals. Regularly consult manuals and practice.

The basic system of WinCC is crucial, where you need to master functions such as variable management, communication settings, process displays, data logging, alarms, recipes, and user management. Mastering these lays the groundwork for advanced applications, and from here, you should be able to independently complete small projects.

Advanced applications are relatively more challenging; they are not standalone functions but rather results of combining several functions. For instance, advanced diagnostics involve PLC programming and scripts in WinCC, making it quite comprehensive.

That concludes our discussion on how to learn from scratch to using Siemens PLC for small projects. Some may say: Learning methods are useless. I want to ask: do you know anyone like this? They have been learning PLC for a while, and when you mention high-speed pulses and PID instructions, they can talk about it; but when it comes to programming and debugging a project, they get confused and face issues. The reason for this outcome is: They cannot distinguish the priority of each knowledge point, lacking an overall knowledge framework structure, causing various knowledge points to be scattered and unable to connect, integrate, or harmonize. Thus, when it comes to practical application, they encounter numerous problems.

The summarized learning method: is to help you learn to prioritize and integrate.

It allows you to have a new understanding of the existing Siemens PLC knowledge system, laying the groundwork for new learning, and understanding the past and present is what this means.

I hope the content above can help everyone!