Top 6 free PLC Programming software

What is the use of the PLC programming tool?

• PLC programming tool is used to develop control strategies.
• PLC programming tool can be used to download the PLC application program to the PLC controller.
• PLC Programming software can be used to perform Preventive maintenance
• Hardware configuration can be set up using PLC programming software
• Backup of PLC application can be taken using PLC software, this backup can be restored if the PLC program is corrupt or lost.
• By using a PLC programming tool we can monitor the loaded program online

By using a PLC programming tool, we could learn how to create a PLC program to control certain processes or a machine. Most of the industrial process is carried out with the help of PLC, there is a programmable memory in the PLC in which we would store the program or the instructions that we have created for a particular process, we can create a PLC program with the help of this programming tool according to our need.

Free PLC programming software list

1. WinProLadder PLC software
2. I-TriLoGi
3. WPLSoft
4. Micro Ladder
5. Open PLC editor
6. Do- more Designer

1 WinProLadder PLC software

This type of PLC programming software can be used with the Fatek PLC.  Winproladder is a beginner-friendly PLC programming software. We can do many projects by using this software. In this software there is an option for simulation, so we can create the program and run it without using the PLC. This software can be operated in windows and we can use the ladder programming language to create the program. This software is capable to edit the program online. By using this software we would be able to monitor the status of multiple pages.

2 I-TriLoGi

This is a free PLC simulator software for windows, by using this software we can simulate the PLC program in real-time. With this software, we can determine if the created program works properly or not. This software would help us to learn and create a ladder logic program. By clicking the rung we would get a pair of ladder logic instructions. This software is capable to run a program without connecting to a PLC. This software is composed of simple addressing modes and so it is user-friendly. We can use the paid version of this PLC program software with the FMD and EZ wire PLCs.

3 WPLSoft

This PLC programming software was developed by delta electronics and it can be installed and operated in windows. This type of software can only be used with the delta PLC’s, with the help of this software we can do many industrial automation processes. The ladder programming language is used to create PLC programs in this software. The major feature of this software is that it has a built-in PLC simulator and by using this we can check our PLC program in real-time. This software also has a program comparison feature. We can create PLC programs in this software by using three PLC programming languages such as STL, ladder logic, and sequential text.

4 Micro Ladder

Microladder is another free PLC software for windows and this PLC programming software is used with the Siera PLC’s. So we won’t able to use this software with other PLCs except for the Siera, we can create a ladder logic program by using this software. The major feature of this software is that it consists of many digital and analog I/O instructions. We can create programs by using two programming languages and they are ladder logic and C. This software utilizes Modbus communication and also we can load and save programs in this software.

5. Open PLC editor

This is another free PLC programming software for windows. The major feature of this software is that we can create a program by using any of the five PLC programming languages such as ladder logic, functional block diagram, sequential function chart, instruction list, and structured text. This PLC programming software consists of all the programming functions, and this software has a built-in simulator too.

6. Do- more Designer

This is a free PLC programming software with a friendly user interface we can only use ladder logic programming software for this software. This software consists of a built-in simulator and by using this we can test our program. We can utilize any web browser to determine the PLC status. We can use this software with windows, the major feature of this software is that it has many supporting tools while we install this on our PC. These supporting tools will be useful to create programs and also for better communication.

Top 5 PLC Programming Software

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) play an important role in automating electrochemical processes, making them essential in modern manufacturing. As the most extensively used automation technology, PLC programming software is praised for its scalability, flexibility, adaptability, dependability, and applicability for a wide range of industrial applications. PLCs automate processes such as factory assembly, amusement rides, and lighting systems at the machine level or across entire production lines.

PLCs are built to last and can tolerate extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electrical noise. PLCs use battery-backed memory for program storage and produce real-time outputs based on input signals. Timely output creation is critical; any delay can result in machine failures. 

Leading PLC Software Brands

Siemens, Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), ABB, Mitsubishi, Schneider Electric, Omron, and Hitachi dominate the automation business with their PLC software. Together, these businesses contribute the following market shares, which make up almost 80% of PLC sales worldwide:

• Siemens: 30.7%
• Rockwell Automation: 21.6%
• Mitsubishi: 13.9%
• Schneider Electric: 8.9%
• Omron: 6.6%

Here’s an overview of the leading PLC programming software brands and their capabilities.

1. Siemens PLC

Siemens is the global leader in automation, accounting for 30.7% of the market. Its SIMATIC controllers (short for “Siemens Automatic”) have robust features such as Ethernet TCP/IP, Profinet, and Profibus communication.

Petrochemicals, offshore plants, and building management systems are three key industries that use Siemens PLCs. Siemens offers scalable and flexible solutions for production, manufacturing, engineering, communication, and diagnostics. SIMATIC software is popular among consumers due to its user-friendly interface, which combines simplicity with powerful programming capabilities.

2. Allen-Bradley PLC (Rockwell Automation)

Allen-Bradley PLCs from Rockwell Automation are well-known in the United States market. They are known as Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) and can handle applications of any size.

Their software suite includes:

• ControlLogix controllers
• GuardPLC
• SoftLogix

Allen-Bradley provides systems for smaller applications, including MicroLogix, SLC500, and CompactLogix. These controllers are intended to manage entire plants precisely and reliably.

3. Mitsubishi PLC

Mitsubishi PLCs dominate the Japanese and Asian markets, accounting for 13.9% of the total, and are gradually expanding abroad. Their GX Developer PLC Programming Software is known for its dependability and strong troubleshooting capabilities.

Mitsubishi PLCs are widely used in household and industrial applications, including:

• Air conditioners
• Refrigerators
• Traffic control
• Home automation systems

4. Schneider Electric PLC

Schneider Electric provides a variety of PLC software solutions, including:

• TwidoSuite
• EcoStruxure Machine Expert
• Zelio Soft
• ProWORX 32
• EcoStruxure Control Expert
• Modicon M168 Programming Software

Schneider Electric purchased Triconex in 2014, which was the first TÜV-certified Programmable Electronic System (PES) for Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and nuclear operations. Schneider Electric’s unique solutions cater to a wide range of sectors.

5. Omron PLC

Omron offers a diverse portfolio of PLC software for applications ranging from small-scale machines to full production lines. Notably, Omron’s software includes an online AutoUpdate system, which allows customers to download and install updates for free. This unique feature improves the software’s usability and functionality.

Other Prominent PLC Brands Software

• ABB PLC: Known for its AC500 family, ABB PLCs are flexible and adaptable to a variety of applications. Its unique “any module in any CPU” capability offers unparalleled flexibility.
• Hitachi PLC:Hitachi PLCs are widely regarded for their dependability, small design, and comprehensive communication capabilities.

Additional Notable PLC Brands Software

1. Moore Process Automation: Moore Process Automation provides structured programming software for the chemical, offshore, and FPSO industries, however it lacks resilience in essential safety operations.
2. Siemens AG: Siemens AG provides PLC solutions for industries such as petrochemicals, chemicals, building management systems (BMS), floating production storage and offloading (FPSO), and offshore operations. These PLCs are known for their fast input processing and response times, making them highly efficient and reliable. However, a drawback is that if one component fails to function properly, it can render the entire system inoperable, potentially causing machine downtime and leading to further operational issues.
3. HIMA: HIMA: Offers cost-effective, adaptable PLC systems, with a strong foothold in the petrochemical and offshore industries. However, the corporation relies on partnerships with larger firms to fund huge projects.

PLC programming software is the backbone of industrial automation. Brands like Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, Schneider Electric, and Omron lead the market by offering scalable, reliable, and efficient solutions tailored to various industries. As technology continues to evolve, PLC software remains a cornerstone of industrial innovation.