Mechanics and Mechatronics Lab Applied to Industry

Lab Objectives

The lab aims to introduce and consolidate skills in advanced industrial automation using the Siemens S7-1500 platform, with an S7-1516-3 PN/DP CPU, in the TIA Portal environment. The main objectives are:

• Learn about and use the hardware and software components of the S7-1516 automation system, including the TP700 HMI panel, digital and analogue inputs/outputs, and Profinet and Profibus interfaces.
• Develop, test and monitor PLC programs in TIA Portal, with applications on real transfer and handling systems.
• Simulate complex industrial environments with the help of graphical interfaces, HMIs and multi-protocol communication systems.
• Integrate and manage interconnected automation systems, thanks to the 5-port Profinet switch and the modular flexibility of the system.

Learning Aims

The training package is aimed at technical students, university students and professionals in training, with the goal of providing complete preparation that can be applied in modern automated production settings. 1. Hardware and software skills

• Acquisition of operational skills on the S7-1516 PLC and the SIMATIC STEP 7 and WinCC TIA Portal development environment
• Ability to configure hardware, assign IP addresses, set program tags, create interfaces and manage memory 2. PLC programming and HMI management
• Development of control logic for two- or three-position transfer and handling systems
• Creation of HMI graphical interfaces for supervising and monitoring operations
• Design and implementation of human-machine interfaces with the TP700 Comfort 3. Communication and interoperability
• Management of PROFIBUS and PROFINET communication interfaces for configuring and commissioning industrial networks
• Integration of multiple stations via industrial Ethernet protocols, simulating distributed production settings 4. Hands-on teaching and problem solving
• Active experimentation through progressive practical tests
• Solving problems related to automation sequences, tag management, communication and wiring
• Strengthening the ability to analyse, verify and optimise automated systems

Conclusion

The S7-1500 automation technology lab with S7-1516 CPU is a high-level training environment that gives students both the theoretical foundations and the practical skills required in modern industrial automation. Thanks to a complete teaching infrastructure (modules, panels, HMIs, software, technical teaching materials), the package makes it possible to:

• Simulate real processes of production, transport and handling
• Learn the complete configuration of an automated system
• Develop complete applications with HMI integration and industrial communication. The training pathway is highly relevant to the job market, particularly in areas such as industrial automation, advanced maintenance, process engineering and professional PLC programming.