10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
These 10 free AIMS questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the SMC Automation and Manufacturing Skills (AIMS) Certification - Certified Automation Technician Level III blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A machine builder supplies a set of PNP (sourcing) proximity sensors for a new station. For these sensors to operate correctly, each PLC discrete input point must:
Correct answer: B - Sink current from each sensor, requiring sinking input points
A retentive on-delay timer with a 10-second preset has accumulated 6 seconds when its rung condition goes false. Thirty seconds later the rung becomes true again. No reset instruction has executed. The timer's done bit will set after an additional:
Correct answer: C - 4 seconds
A stop pushbutton with a physically normally-closed contact is wired to a PLC input as part of a motor start circuit. In the ladder program, the stop function should be programmed as:
Correct answer: B - A normally-open instruction, since the input is true when unpressed
A momentary pushbutton object on an HMI touchscreen may serve as a machine's emergency stop device, provided the HMI communicates with a safety-rated controller.
Correct answer: B - False
An HMI momentary pushbutton jogs a conveyor. During a network interruption while the operator was holding the button, the conveyor continued to run after the button was released. The MOST appropriate corrective action is to:
Correct answer: C - Add a PLC-side communication watchdog that clears HMI-written bits on loss
A double-acting cylinder has a 63 mm bore and a 20 mm rod, operating at 6 bar. The theoretical RETRACT force is approximately:
Correct answer: B - 1,682 N
An inductive proximity sensor with a nominal sensing distance of 8 mm, rated for a mild steel target, is installed to detect an aluminium target across a 6 mm gap. The MOST likely result is:
Correct answer: A - Intermittent or no detection, as non-ferrous targets reduce sensing range
A double-acting cylinder extends at normal speed but retracts noticeably slowly. Supply pressure is correct at the station, the retract solenoid is confirmed energised, and neither flow control has been adjusted since commissioning. What should be checked NEXT?
Correct answer: C - A restricted exhaust silencer on the directional control valve
A VFD driving a loaded conveyor trips on a DC bus overvoltage fault every time the conveyor is commanded to stop. It runs without fault at constant speed. The MOST appropriate corrective action is to:
Correct answer: D - Extend the deceleration time or fit a dynamic braking resistor
A three-phase motor is supplied from a 480 V wye-connected system. The voltage measured between any one phase conductor and the system neutral is approximately:
Correct answer: A - 277 V
The full bank has 1,020 more AIMS questions with explanations.
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