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From the 1980s to the mid-1990s, PLC was the fastest growing period, with an annual growth rate of 30-40%. Due to the advancement of PLC machine communication processing simulation capabilities and network functions, it has squeezed a portion of the DCS market (process control) and gradually monopolized industries such as sewage treatment. However, due to the emergence of industrial PCs (IPC), especially the development of fieldbus technology, IPC and FCS have also squeezed a portion of the PLC market. Therefore, the growth rate of PLC is generally slowing down. There are over 200 manufacturers worldwide producing over 300 varieties of PLC products, mainly used in industries such as automobiles (23%), grain processing (16.4%), chemicals/pharmaceuticals (14.6%), metals/mines (11.5%), and pulp/paper (11.3%).

Market situation of PLC

There are about 30 domestic PLC production factories, but they have not formed a considerable scale of production capacity and branded products. Some of them are produced through imitation, incoming assembly, or “OEM” methods. Therefore, it can be said that PLC has not formed a manufacturing industry in China. As a product with no cutting-edge technological difficulties in terms of principles, technology, and processes, as long as efforts are made, a manufacturing industry can be formed.

In terms of PLC applications, China is very active, with approximately 100000 new sets of PLC products invested annually, with an annual sales revenue of 3 billion yuan. The industry is also widely used. However, compared to other countries, there is still a need to increase investment in the application of mechanical processing and production lines.

The market potential of PLC is enormous, not only in China, but also in industrialized Japan. Surveys have shown that the proportion of electromechanical integrated products matched with PLC accounts for 42%, and 24% are controlled by relays and contactors. So, there are still many occasions where PLC needs to be applied, especially in China.

From the perspective of technological innovation, China’s large and medium-sized enterprises still need to vigorously develop CIMS (Computer Integrated Manufacturing System), and form FMS flexible manufacturing systems in mechanical manufacturing plants. PLC is the foundation, so the PLC market is broad.