PLC Training Equipment Selection Guide for Schools

Choose a PLC training system by matching the course software, physical learning task and laboratory requirements. VISTON Education supplies configurable equipment for technical colleges, vocational schools, universities and industrial training teams. Use this guide to prepare a configuration-specific quotation.

Start with the programming software

  • TIA Portal course: choose a Siemens S7-1200 trainer and confirm the CPU, firmware and compatible TIA Portal version.
  • Connected Components Workbench (CCW) course: choose the appropriate Allen-Bradley Micro800 configuration, such as Micro830 or Micro850.
  • Studio 5000 Logix Designer course: choose a CompactLogix configuration. A Micro850 trainer is not a Studio 5000 training platform.

Check software licensing separately from hardware. Third-party licences are included only when expressly listed in the quotation or order. Studio 5000 Logix Designer and its licence are not included with our CompactLogix and PowerFlex 525 trainer.

Compare five practical training applications

Training task Equipment to consider What to confirm before ordering
HMI, VFD motor control, communication and analog-signal exercises in a portable case Portable PLC trainer with HMI, VFD and RS485 Modbus: Siemens S7-1200 or Allen-Bradley Micro850 configurations PLC option; compatible HMI and VFD hardware; software; analog I/O; communication functions; supply voltage and transformer.
Visible conveyor sequencing, workpiece detection and pneumatic actions Three-station desktop PLC conveyor sorting trainer Controller platform; supplied sensor package; I/O map; compressed-air arrangement; local power and required project files.
Rotary indexing, automatic feeding and coordinated pneumatic assembly Four-station rotary assembly PLC trainer: Siemens S7-1200 or Allen-Bradley Micro850 Final PLC and software version; air pressure, flow and fittings; destination power. An external air source is required; an air compressor is not included.
Studio 5000 programming and physical motor control through hardwired signals and EtherNet/IP CompactLogix and PowerFlex 525 motor control trainer Controller firmware and Studio 5000 version; drive and motor ratings; incoming power. Software licence, computer and HMI are not included unless specified; optional fault-simulation features require quotation.
Instrumentation, real process variables, closed-loop control and PID tuning Level, flow, temperature and pressure process control trainer Selected PLC, signal ranges, sensors, control loops, software scope, laboratory space, receiving access and unloading arrangements. Computer and desk are not included by default.

Specify measurable laboratory work

Describe the student task and the evidence an instructor will assess. For a conveyor course, an exercise can progress from an I/O test sheet to a sequence chart and a tested sorting routine. For a rotary assembly course, students can document station interlocks and a recovery sequence. For a process-control course, students can record signal calibration, setpoint changes and response curves using the ordered hardware.

These are suggested learning activities, not a promise that a complete curriculum or every listed experiment is included with each product. Identify the exact diagrams, I/O lists, example programs, manuals and lesson materials required in the quotation.

Questions schools commonly need to resolve

Which trainer should a school with existing software buy?

Start from the school's software and version, then match the controller family, firmware, HMI and drive. Send the existing software details with the RFQ. Confirm the exact hardware and compatible versions before production.

Is the programming software licence included?

Only if expressly included in the quotation or order. The CompactLogix and PowerFlex 525 trainer excludes Studio 5000 Logix Designer and its licence. For other configurations, confirm the software needed for the PLC, HMI and drive separately.

Does a pneumatic trainer include an air compressor?

The four-station rotary trainer requires external compressed air and does not include an air compressor. For the three-station conveyor trainer and other pneumatic products, confirm the supplied air-source scope, pressure, flow and fittings in the quotation.

Can equipment be configured for local voltage and plugs?

Power configuration depends on the product and destination. Provide voltage, frequency and plug type before ordering. Confirm whether the selected system uses direct local input or a transformer, and match the motor and drive to the approved configuration.

Are production time and delivery time the same?

No. Preparation, configuration, testing and packaging take place before dispatch; transit follows dispatch. Many systems are made to order. Request an order-specific production schedule, freight method and estimated transit time rather than assuming an immediate shipment.

Does the delivered price include duties and import taxes?

For supported destinations, prices normally include shipping, applicable customs duties and import taxes unless stated otherwise on the product page, checkout, quotation or invoice. Remote locations and special delivery requirements may require revised terms. Refer to the shipping policy and the written quotation.

Can a configured system be returned like a standard item?

Return eligibility depends on whether equipment is standard or configured to order, the reason for return and the published policy. Obtain written authorization before returning equipment. Refer to the return and refund policy for the applicable conditions.

Prepare a school or training-lab RFQ

  1. Product name, quantity and learning objectives.
  2. Existing PLC software, version and required controller platform.
  3. Required HMI, drive, sensors, communication and optional modules.
  4. Destination voltage, frequency and plug type; compressed-air and space requirements where applicable.
  5. Required wiring diagrams, I/O lists, sample projects, manuals, language and lesson materials.
  6. Delivery country, postal code, receiving and unloading conditions, and target delivery date.

Request a configuration and delivered quotation. Contact support@vistoninc.com or +1 818-687-2546.

Further teaching and purchasing resources

VISTON Education is operated by Viston Inc. Equipment is normally prepared and dispatched from Guangzhou, China. The US registered business address is a registration address, not a showroom or dispatch warehouse. See company registration and dispatch information.