The PLC HMI Trainer by APT Manufacturing Solutions is a comprehensive educational system designed to build foundational and advanced skills in industrial automation. It serves as a bridge between classroom theory and real-world application, preparing students for the technical demands of modern manufacturing. This trainer allows learners to progress from basic ladder logic principles to complex programming and system integration tasks. The hands-on platform is ideal for vocational schools, community colleges, and technical training centers. It effectively solves the challenge of teaching abstract programming concepts by providing tangible, interactive hardware. Students can physically wire components, write programs, and see the immediate results of their work, solidifying their understanding and boosting their confidence for careers in industrial controls and automation.
Students using the PLC HMI Trainer will develop a robust skill set centered on modern industrial control systems. The curriculum facilitates a deep understanding of sequence-based programming, which is fundamental to automating manufacturing processes. Learners will gain practical experience in integrating various sensors and devices, a critical task for any controls technician. A key application is mastering PLC to robot integration, allowing the trainer to communicate directly with a FANUC robot. The system also covers essential networking communications, including Ethernet I/P, discrete, and wireless protocols. This comprehensive approach ensures students are not just learning to program a PLC, but how to make it the central controller of a larger, interconnected automation cell, preparing them for roles like Controls Technician and Industrial Controls Integrator.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product dimensions | Contact Aidex for details |
| Product weight | Contact Aidex for details |
| Applicable education levels | High School, Career & Technical Education, Post-Secondary |
| Enclosure | NEMA 12 enclosure |
| Power | 120VAC power cord, 10ft with 24VDC power supply |
| PLC | Compact Logix 5000 |
| HMI | Panelview 5000, 10.4” color touch display |
| Networking | 5 port ethernet switch and wireless ethernet bolt |
| Inputs | Pushbuttons and a selector switch |
| Assembly Option | Available as a kit for students to mount and wire components using industrial schematics. |
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Replenishment Kit | Includes all supplies to rebuild the trainer: ferrules, terminals, wire wraps, ties, screws, tubing, and wires. |
| Sensor Kit | Includes Proximity, Optic, Hall Effect, Retro-reflective, and Smart Color sensors for detection exercises. |
| Pneumatic Cylinder Kit | Includes various actuators, a vacuum ejector, and vacuum cups for learning fluid power automation. |
| Free Standing Conveyor | A 4-1/2”W X 36”L variable speed conveyor with an adjustable height floorstand. |
| Tabletop Conveyor | A compact 4-1/2”W X 36”L variable speed conveyor for placement on flat surfaces. |
| Electrical I/O Module | Provides 16 configurable I/O points using industry standard M12 ports. |
| Wireless Adapter | Anybus wireless bolt adds network communication to a FANUC robot. |
| Pneumatic I/O Module | Includes 4 individually controllable single and double solenoid valves. |
Training with this system helps prepare students for careers as a FANUC Robot Operator, Maintenance Technician, PLC/Controls Operator, PLC/Controls Technician, and Industrial Controls Integrator.
The trainer includes the Rockwell Automation EDU Toolkit Bundle with Studio 5000 Logix Designer®, Studio 5000 View Designer®, and over 100 other software titles. Curriculum and labs are available through Industry Training Academy and Learning+ course content is available through your local Rockwell distributor.
Aidex is proud to supply the PLC HMI Trainer to learning institutions across the Midwest. We are committed to equipping educators and students in the region with the industry-leading tools they need to succeed.
The curriculum covers a wide range of essential industrial automation topics, including PLC and HMI Programming, Sequence Based Programming, PLC to Robot Integration, integration of various sensors and devices, and networking communication protocols like Ethernet I/P and wireless.
The trainer is designed for students in high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, community colleges, vocational schools, and post-secondary technical training centers who are preparing for careers in automation, manufacturing, and industrial maintenance.
Yes, it is specifically designed for integration. It can be connected via its ethernet switch or wireless hub to communicate with other products, most notably a FANUC robot, creating a comprehensive automation training cell.
Yes, a kit version is available for purchase. This option allows students to gain hands-on experience by mounting and wiring all the components themselves, following provided industrial schematics for a deeper learning experience.
The trainer comes with the Rockwell Automation EDU Toolkit Bundle. This comprehensive package includes Studio 5000 Logix Designer®, Studio 5000 View Designer®, and over 100 other pieces of Rockwell software, providing a complete programming environment.
For more information or to contact Aidex, your Authorized Reseller, call 800-251-9935 or email info@aidex.com.
If your wish list isn’t clear, your dreams won’t be either. When you model thoughtful planning for your CTE program, you’re teaching students how to turn their own dreams into reality.
