How to Choose the Right PLC Training Kit for Your School

Selecting the right PLC training equipment is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your automation program. The right kit can transform your students' learning experience—and the wrong one can lead to frustration and wasted budget.

1. Consider Your Curriculum Goals

Before purchasing any PLC training kit, ask yourself:

• What level of students are you teaching? (Beginner, intermediate, or advanced)
• What specific skills do you want them to learn?
• Will they need to work with specific PLC brands used in your region's industry?
• Do you need communication protocols like Ethernet/IP, Profibus, or CC-Link?

2. Choose the Right PLC Brand

The two most popular brands for education are Siemens and Mitsubishi:

Siemens S7-1200

• Industry-standard in Europe, Americas, and globally
• Excellent TIA Portal software integration
• Great for students planning to work in manufacturing automation
• Price range: $580 - $1,880 for training kits

Mitsubishi FX5U

• Popular in Asia and growing globally
• More affordable entry point
• Compact design with excellent features
• Price range: $550 - $1,750 for training kits

3. Essential Features to Look For

• Complete documentation - Wiring diagrams, user manuals, and curriculum guides
• Training videos - Step-by-step video tutorials save teaching time
• Expandability - Can you add more modules later?
• Warranty - At least 1 year is standard
• Technical support - Access to engineers for help when needed

4. Budget Considerations

PLC training kits range from $95 for basic motor control panels to $2,100 for advanced motion control systems. Here's a typical breakdown:

• Entry-level (PID, basic I/O): $500 - $700
• Intermediate (Communication, VFD): $700 - $1,200
• Advanced (Motion control, complex systems): $1,200 - $2,100

5. Don't Forget About Long-Term Costs

• Software licenses (some require annual fees)
• Replacement parts and spare modules
• Shipping costs for international orders
• Training for your instructors