PLC programming for reliable machine control

NiniX Technologies has many years of experience in PLC programming for automated machines and production lines. A machine control application covers much more than the process itself: machine states, communication with external systems, visualisation, safety and service tools all determine how reliably and efficiently a machine operates.

We develop the complete control application, integrated with the mechanical and electrical design of the machine.

PLC platforms

Beckhoff · Siemens

Communication

EtherCAT, Profinet, CANbus, OPC UA, TCP

Software

Library of proven PLC functions

Scope

Complete control application

Structure of a machine control system: the PLC with higher-level systems, HMI, safety and field level HIGHER-LEVEL SYSTEMS PCs and databasesData exchangeProduction data Service toolsDiagnosticsMaintenance support OPC UA · TCP MACHINE CONTROL Visualisation (HMI)OperationStatus and alarms PLCProcess logicMachine statesFunction libraryBeckhoff · Siemens SafetySafety controllersOperator protection EtherCAT · Profinet · CANbus FIELD LEVEL RobotsHandling and assembly Servo drivesMotion control I/O and sensorsProcess signals
Open control cabinet with PLC, I/O modules, terminals and wiring

Control software built around your process

Each application starts with the implementation of the production process, such as gluing, packaging, assembly or sorting. The control logic is designed to execute each process step accurately and repeatably, within the required cycle time.

Over the years, NiniX has developed an extensive library of proven PLC functions. These building blocks can be applied directly in new applications, resulting in consistent, well-structured and maintainable software.

Machine states and logic

Beyond the process itself, a machine must handle every operating situation correctly. Our control applications cover machine states such as:

  • Start-up
  • Changeover
  • Empty run
  • Soft stop
  • Door access requests

Communication and fieldbus systems

The PLC communicates with the other systems in and around the machine, including robots, servo drives and PCs. We work with modern bus systems and communication standards, such as:

  • EtherCAT
  • Profinet
  • CANbus
  • OPC UA
  • TCP

Visualisation, safety and service tools

A complete machine control application also includes:

  • Visualisation (HMI)Clear operator interfaces for operation, status and alarms.
  • SafetyIntegration of safety controllers for the protection of operators and equipment.
  • Service toolsFunctions that support diagnostics, maintenance and troubleshooting.

Combined with remote access, these tools form the basis for the Industry 4.0 functionality described on our Industry 4.0 page.

PLC platforms

Our function library is available for both platforms, so proven software components can be reused across projects.

Beckhoff
Siemens

Frequently asked questions

Which PLC platforms does NiniX work with?

NiniX works with Beckhoff and Siemens PLC platforms.

What does a machine control application include?

A machine control application includes process implementation, machine states such as start-up, changeover and empty run, communication with external systems, visualisation (HMI), safety controllers and service tools.

Which communication standards does NiniX support?

NiniX works with modern bus systems and communication standards, including EtherCAT, Profinet, CANbus, OPC UA and TCP.

Can NiniX integrate robots and servo drives in the machine control?

Yes. The PLC application communicates with robots, servo drives and PCs, so all components operate as one integrated machine.

Why choose NiniX for machine control?

NiniX combines machine building, PLC programming and system integration within one organisation. Our control software is developed together with the machine itself, based on an extensive library of proven functions.

NiniX Technologies Kleine Monnikenwerve 9
8000 Bruges, Belgium
+32 50 32 89 69
info@ninix-tech.com