How PLC Controls Improve Aggregate Industry Production

‘PLC’ is a term that you’ll come across often in the manufacturing industry. Programmable logic controllers are an indispensable part of almost every industry, and they enhance production in aggregate industries in several ways, too. 

Are you involved with the mining and or crushing of stone aggregate? Do you need reliable automated controls for your processing plant? Read on to discover how PLC controls improve aggregate industry production.

What Are PLC Controls?

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is an industrial computer that is adapted for the manufacturing industry. 

It is specially designed to receive signals from process parameters. It then processes these signals via a built-in algorithm, translating the output to give commands to other process components in an automated environment.

How PLC Controls Enhance Production In Aggregate Industries

If you are in the aggregate industry, the growing demand for your product is going to accellerate your business. And that means planning for efficient systems and processes applying automation, through PLC controls. 

You more than likely produce several types of aggregate, and they must be crushed and shaped into different sizes and types. The fastest, safest, and most accurate way to achieve these functions is through automation. 

This is where PLC controls can improve your production and delivery. Four main benefits stand out: Motor control components, push button stop/starts, equipment speed regulation, and accuracy of aggregate production.

MCC Panels For Complete Control

A motor control center (MCC) panel assembly will have one or more enclosed sections containing motor control units that have a common power bus. MCC panels will supply the right amount of power, safely,  to the different sections of your site. 

Modern motor control panels take up far less space in your aggregate processing plant trailer than conventional motor control centers. They are also well-shielded to withstand the harsh conditions of a rock-crushing plant. Move from one area of your site to the next with total control.

They’re the ideal central location for controlling your electric motors with the convenience of a central power source. This also reduces the need for additional labor, which saves you money.

Push Button Controls

With the motor control panels, push-button control is another benefit for your aggregate industry plant efficiency. PLCs with push-button controls provide you with quick and easy crusher machinery control. 

Push buttons, switches, and operators enable the smooth operation and regulation of your control stations, including rock-crushing and sorting equipment. Simple and convenient to use, they are also a safety feature you can’t do without.

The reason is that this convenience also extends to a safety stop, in case of machine failure or an accident on site. With customized programming, your PLC can automatically stop rock-crushing machinery, and even generate an alarm if crushing machines malfunction or break down.

With these controls, you can bring the production of all connected machines to a halt simultaneously.

Greater Accuracy 

Human error is always a possibility, in any industry, including the aggregate industry. But with PLCs, there’s no possibility of a forgetful worker not switching on a machine or leaving it running. This means fewer delays and workplace incidents, but especially, greater efficiency and accuracy.

Accuracy is vital in your primary and secondary rock-crushing stages, particularly for the size and shape of your aggregate. With automation controls, you’re guaranteed accurate sizing and shaping of your aggregate or gravel, every time.

Depending on its inputs and outputs, your PLC can monitor and record your most essential run-time data such as machine productivity. This also makes it easier to report on your plant’s efficiency and accuracy to management.

Control Equipment Speeds

You can control the speed of your equipment, and therefore, of your production line, with PLC controls. The PLC controls automatically set points for VFD drives to control the motor speeds of your machinery. 

You can monitor everything from the operator cab of a mobile control center, via a specifically designed trailer. Now you can control the speed of your equipment without having to check every machine on site. It’s all programmed and controlled with your PLC control panel.

This not only regulates a consistent speed for your aggregate production line, and can increase output, but you can adapt it when necessary. With the right programming, your PLC controls can adapt to the growing needs of your industry.

Conclusion

With the right PLC controls and automated equipment, you’ll take your aggregate business to the next level. With almost twenty years of experience in automation controls, we can advise you on the best equipment for your industry. 
We also service all our equipment personally and have the widest range of parts you’ll ever need. Contact us today for a quote on PLC controls for your business.