PLC programming for industrial automation

PLC programming, HMI and SCADA work, and automation support for industrial systems — on-site or remote.

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About

Escape Control was founded to provide focused PLC programming and industrial automation support, backed by more than 20 years of professional experience working with PLC-controlled machines and processes.

I take on focused automation projects with attention to reliability and detail, one project at a time.

My work focuses on PLC programming and industrial automation, with Siemens as my primary current platform. My earlier experience also includes Rockwell (Allen-Bradley), Mitsubishi, and Schneider systems.

I apply established control programming principles to each project, adapting the approach to the equipment, platform, and requirements involved.

Core expertise

  • Custom PLC programming for industrial machines and production lines
  • Development in Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Structured Control Language, and Function Block Diagrams
  • HMI/SCADA work primarily in Siemens environments such as WinCC, with earlier familiarity with other industrial packages including FactoryTalk and Ignition
  • Control software structured for maintainability, with clear documentation as agreed
  • Remote consulting and troubleshooting where suitable access is available

The focus is practical problem-solving: clear logic, maintainable software, and systems that stay understandable after handover.

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Services

PLC Programming & Configuration

When a machine or line needs new behaviour, clearer sequencing, or more maintainable logic, I develop or modify PLC software to match the agreed operating requirements.

  • Modifications to existing controls and defined new control functions
  • Siemens-focused delivery, with earlier multi-platform experience
  • On-site or remote work, as agreed for the project

HMI & SCADA Development

When operators need clearer screens, operating modes, alarms, or status information, I implement or update HMI and related visualisation so day-to-day control matches the PLC behaviour.

  • Operator screens, mode selection, and status messaging
  • Alarm and event presentation where included in scope
  • Changes coordinated with the underlying PLC logic

Automation Consulting

When the control approach is unclear — for example, when assessing retrofit options or planning a change — I help assess the existing automation and recommend a practical way forward.

  • Review of the current PLC/HMI setup and relevant constraints
  • Recommendations on scope and approach before implementation
  • Practical guidance when the next step is not yet clear

Troubleshooting & Support

When a system behaves unexpectedly or a fault is difficult to identify in the control software, I help diagnose the issue and work towards restoring stable operation within the agreed access and safety boundaries.

  • Fault-finding in PLC/HMI behaviour
  • Remote support where suitable remote access is available
  • On-site support where agreed and appropriate

Case Studies

Operator loading area on a lower control arm welding line

Flexible Production Upgrade for Control Arm Welding

A PLC and HMI upgrade on two lower control arm welding lines added a production mode so left-hand, right-hand, or paired parts could be produced independently — addressing inventory imbalance after rejected parts and improving production flexibility.

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The welding lines were originally configured to produce left-hand and right-hand lower control arms as matched pairs. When a fault resulted in a rejected part on one side, an inventory imbalance was created between left-hand and right-hand components. These unmatched parts could not immediately be used to fulfill production requirements and often had to be stored until the inventory balance was restored.

The project included extensive PLC programming modifications and the development of new material-handling routines across robotic cells and fixture stations. Updates were implemented throughout the production process, including input, marking, milling, welding, and exit stations, ensuring reliable single-side production while maintaining existing line functionality.

HMI enhancements included production mode selection, status indication, and operator messaging to support the new operating modes.

Outcomes described for this work

  • Improved management of left/right inventory imbalances
  • Increased manufacturing flexibility
  • Reduced work-in-progress storage requirements
  • Enhanced operator visibility and control
  • Integration with existing automation systems
Robotic nut welding station

Selective Nut Welding Rework Mode Upgrade

A PLC and HMI upgrade introduced a Selective Nut Welding Rework Mode, allowing parts with missing weld nuts to be reintroduced for targeted repair. The system combines vision inspection, operator-guided selection, and robotic welding with full traceability, reducing scrap without adding a new workstation.

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The upgraded system combines vision inspection, operator-guided nut selection, robot-controlled welding, and full traceability tracking through a virtual production code. Automated verification confirms the presence of all required nuts before the part exits the cell, while intelligent mode management supports efficient and reliable production operation.

The work covered PLC/HMI changes together with vision-guided selection, robotic welding integration, and traceability in the rework flow.

HMI panel beside a welding fixture

Welding Cell Upgrade & IO-Link Integration

Rather than purchasing a new workstation, this project extended an existing 4-position rotary table with two additional interchangeable welding jigs. PLC and HMI updates added support for modern IO-Link tooling, improving diagnostics, maintainability, and scalability while reusing existing equipment.

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The project involved PLC and HMI software modifications to accommodate new tooling equipped with modern IO-Link technology, including dynamic tool detection and flexible I/O mapping. The integration of IO-Link-capable industrial sensors and pneumatic valve components improved diagnostics, maintainability, and future scalability.

Contact

If you have a PLC or industrial automation need, email a short description of the request.

Useful details to include:

Based in Hungary, I work with clients internationally, providing remote automation engineering support and travelling worldwide for on-site project work as required.