Viridian · Case study
Industrial PC Upgrades
Modernising machine computers while preserving their operating configuration.
Experience In Practice
Skills Applied
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Preserve What The Machine Already Knows
A CNC machine's computer is closely tied to its hardware, configuration and production software. Replacing the computer requires preserving that relationship as well as changing the physical hardware.
The central constraint in this upgrade work was continuity of machine configuration and operating state. I led the upgrade of 20 Beckhoff industrial PCs using controlled image transfers.
Work Across Software And Hardware
The work included PC rebuilding and programming at the workshop bench, followed by installation within the machine environment. The supporting photographs document both open computer hardware and installed industrial PCs with their control connections.
The image-transfer approach preserved the existing machine setup during the change. This required treating the computer as one element of the control system, alongside its interfaces and connected equipment.
Part Of A Wider Maintenance Role
Alongside the upgrade programme, I support day-to-day electrical, mechanical and software troubleshooting on automated CNC production lines. The work crosses industrial PCs, PLCs, drives, HMIs, sensors and communications.
That wider context matters when a fault crosses disciplines. Machine drawings, supplier reference material, physical inspection and software configuration all contribute to understanding the system.
The Engineering Journey
Preserve
Carry forward the existing machine configuration and operating state.
Rebuild
Prepare replacement industrial PCs through controlled image transfers.
Install
Reconnect the computer with the production machine and its control hardware.
What This Experience Achieved
The result
20 Beckhoff industrial PCs upgraded, preserving machine configuration through controlled image transfers.
Technical decisions & tools
This was an industrial hardware and software upgrade programme. The computer, its image and its machine connections needed to be considered together.
The accompanying maintenance experience includes electrical-drawing interpretation, component-level investigation and parts procurement, with work coordinated across trades, contractors and suppliers.