After PLC course It is worth moving straight from theory to practice. This article presents five practical PLC projects that will help you consolidate your programming skills in Ladder logic, SCL and function blocks, configuring Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers, and creating HMI visualisations. The projects are described from a beginner’s perspective — ranging from simple exercises to more advanced integrations. Here you will find ideas for PLC projects for beginners, tips on learning PLC through projects, and answers to questions such as: what projects are worth undertaking after a course, and whether projects help with learning PLC.
Why are practical PLC projects important?
Theory is the foundation, but when it comes to industrial automation, educational projects are most effective when you put theory into practice. The PLC projects undertaken after the course help you understand control logic, diagnostics, programming in Ladder and SCL, and the creation of function blocks. Practical PLC exercises boost your confidence and prepare you for real-world tasks in the field of automation. Many companies require experience with specific controllers — particularly the Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500 PLCs — as well as the ability to create HMI visualisations.
A brief overview of the proposed projects
1. Traffic lights (semaphore) — a project for beginners
Description: A simple project to help you understand the concept of cycles and timers. Design a control system for a sequence of lights (red, amber, green) with an emergency stop button and a timer. Implementation: use ladder logic with timers and bit blocks. Extension: add a night mode or a light sensor.
2. Conveyor belt control with sorting
Description: An exercise involving inductive sensors, encoders and pneumatic components. The task involves controlling the conveyor belt speed, stopping the belt before the sorting station and activating the actuator. Implementation: a programme written in Ladder logic or block functions, using PID blocks for speed control, and integration with an HMI for parameter setting. This is a classic PLC project for beginners, but one that provides practical experience in real-world industrial automation applications.
3. Temperature control with PID regulation — SCL and function blocks
Description: A project teaching the implementation of control algorithms. Implement temperature control using a PT100/NTC sensor, a PID algorithm and a PWM output or valve control. Implementation: use SCL to perform PID calculations or ready-made function blocks; create alarm logic and historical records in the controller. This is an excellent example for learning PLC programming through intermediate-level projects.
4. Dosing system with HMI display
Description: A project integrating a controller with an operator panel. Task: dispensing liquids in a specified cycle, monitoring the tank level and responding to alarms. Implementation: Ladder/FB programme, communication with HMI (e.g. WinCC/TP/Comfort), configuration of screens for control and visualisation of the process status. Useful keywords: HMI visualisation, industrial automation systems.
5. Remote monitoring and communication protocols
Description: A modern project teaching how to integrate a controller with a master system. Use Ethernet/Profinet, OPC UA or Modbus TCP communication to transfer data to a SCADA system or the cloud. Implementation: network configuration in Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers, variable mapping, security and the basics of diagnostics. This project develops skills that are useful in the job market.
How should you plan the implementation of a project?
1) Start with the functional diagram and the I/O list. 2) Select development environment and the controller — the S7-1200 is great for learning, whilst the S7-1500 is suitable for more advanced solutions. 3) Divide the project into modules: safety logic, process control, communication, HMI. 4) Test first in the simulator, then on the hardware. 5) Document: electrical diagrams, descriptions of function blocks, user manuals.
Frequently asked questions
Do projects help with learning PLC?
Yes — practical PLC projects enable you to consolidate your theoretical knowledge quickly, teach you how to debug, and prepare you for real-world tasks in the workplace. Practical PLC exercises are a key part of the learning process.
What PLC projects are suitable for beginners?
Simple signalling, conveyor belt control, basic timing loops and alarm systems. PLC projects for beginners should be small in scale, with clearly defined I/O and no complex communication.
Are PLC projects required in the field of automation?
Many job vacancies require practical experience. Projects completed after the course are an excellent addition to your CV and are often a deciding factor in whether you get the job.
Final tips — how can you develop practical PLC skills?
Take on successive projects of increasing difficulty, learn various programming languages (Ladder, SCL, function block), and explore HMI visualisations and communication protocols. Document your projects and publish them in your portfolio. This will enable your PLC skills to develop rapidly, and your projects will serve as evidence of your practical experience.
Start with a simple project today — a traffic light or a simple conveyor belt is a great place to start. Good luck!
