What is a field logic controller?
Upholding our commitment to flexible, customizable solutions, Turck has developed another significant control element: the Field Logic Controller (FLC) . Turck's FLC solution is implemented through ARGEE , a particularly powerful engineering environment—a revolutionary web -based programming environment that allows users to directly set conditions and actions at the field level. Utilizing HTML5 technology, Turck provides a complete engineering environment that helps users write, run, simulate, debug, and monitor code—all without the need for a PLC .
Through Field Logic Controllers (FLCs) , Turck's multi-protocol Block IO products function as simple I/O devices or independent logic controllers. While ARGEE programming was not designed to completely replace PLCs , it changes our usual understanding of control methods, enabling FLC devices to achieve the following functions:
• Can be used in standalone applications without a PLC
• Perform computational functions, using timers, counters, and even trigger bits.
• Share data with the PLC through specified I/O variables.
ARGEE employs a simple " condition " and " action " principle integrated into the flowchart user interface , helping users with little or no programming experience easily configure and program Turck FLC devices. The environment created by ARGEE lies between simple Block I/O and more advanced PLCs , maximizing the functionality of I/O devices. This ultimately led to the creation of the Turck FLC .
Cloud solutions for industrial applications
Turck launched its Turck Cloud Solution service at the Hannover Messe. Data will be transferred directly from Turck's controllers and I/O components to the industrial cloud. To this end, Turck uses the Kolibri protocol, recently acquired from Beck IPC , which ensures encrypted communication with the industrial cloud. Therefore, users can store and evaluate production data in the Turck Cloud – whether for monitoring tasks or optimizing production processes and the plant.
Compared to other systems, Turck Cloud's advantage lies in its ability to easily select relevant data with a click of the mouse within the controller. Subsequently, the cloud user interface can directly arrange the data within the cluster and logically organize it in chart form, requiring no additional configuration.
Customers can choose to have their data centrally hosted by Turck at cost-effectiveness, or opt for an on-premises system where Turck Cloud software is installed on the customer's own server. Centrally hosted systems can also be registered by users as custom clouds. In this way, the cloud user interface can be adapted to the customer's brand and corporate design. This version is particularly popular with OEMs looking to offer cloud services as an option for their machines and factories.
Turck is developing additional features and versions of its cloud solutions. For example, industrial servers for control cabinet installations ( IP20 ) and field installations ( IP67 ) are also in the works. Milheim experts plan to make their cloud software more valuable through self-learning algorithms. This will enable machines to detect problems early (predictive maintenance), propose solutions, and automatically resolve issues using accurate information provided by relevant maintenance technicians when necessary.
