How to get the best controls upgrades?

June 15, 2011

We do a lot of controls upgrades including panels with a lot of old mechanical relays. Our first response is to simply replace them all via PLCs. Some of the non-variable functions, though, are ideal for relays, and many of the installations are in high-EMI areas where relays do better than PLCs. Customer reaction is mixed. Some want every possible relay eliminated. Others who have had them a long time don't see the need to ban them entirely. Anyone dealt with something similar?

We do a lot of controls upgrades including panels with a lot of old mechanical relays. Our first response is to simply replace them all via PLCs. Some of the non-variable functions, though, are ideal for relays, and many of the installations are in high-EMI areas where relays do better than PLCs. Customer reaction is mixed. Some want every possible relay eliminated. Others who have had them a long time don't see the need to ban them entirely. Anyone dealt with something similar?

Sponsored Recommendations

Minimizing downtime with linear guide wheels in dirty environments

Is debris causing costly downtime and equipment failure? Learn how advanced self-cleaning guide wheel systems with solid lubrication can tackle debris, reduce wear, and keep operations...

2024 State of Technology Report: PLCs and PACs

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and programmable automation controllers (PACs) are the brains of the machine in many regards. They have evolved over the years.This new State...

2024 State of Technology Report: Packaging Equipment

Special considerations and requirements make packaging equipment an interesting vertical market unto itself. This new State of Technology Report from the editors of ...

High Sensitivity Accelerometers to Monitor Traffic and Railroad Vibration for Semiconductor Manufacturing

This paper examines highly sensitive piezoelectric sensors for precise vibration measurement which is critical in semiconductor production to prevent quality and yield issues....