PLC-based control tames obsolescence headaches

This manufacturer of thermoformers and trim presses finds multiple benefits in its newly developed PLC-based controls platform.

Precision, reliability. Since a PLC controller (left) became the brains of Lyle's thermoforming systems (above), precision and r
Precision, reliability. Since a PLC controller (left) became the brains of Lyle's thermoforming systems (above), precision and r

A recent switch to a controls platform based on a robust PLC rather than a PC is said to be bringing improved performance and a more reliable electrical control and motion solution to the thermoforming systems made by Lyle Industries. A key driver behind the switch to the Informer2 controls package, says Lyle’s Gary Sowden, is that with a PC-based system there are too many recurring obsolescence issues.

“Whether it’s components or the operating system, obsolescence is a problem with PC-based platforms,” says Sowden. “By contrast, a PLC-based system is all solid state componentry. There are no hard drives or spinning media.”

The PLC vendor in Lyle’s case is Mitsubishi. Its iQ PLC requires no Windows software. Operator interface terminal and servo drive system are also from Mitsubishi. This single-source supply, says Sowden, is another improvement.

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