In the modern manufacturing landscape, a roll forming machine is only as good as the "brain" that controls it. That brain is the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Whether you are producing solar brackets or corrugated sheets, the PLC dictates the precision, speed, and reliability of your entire production line.
At Haixing Industry Group, we offer a variety of control options. But which brand should you choose? In this guide, we compare the "Big Three"—Siemens, Mitsubishi, and Schneider—to help you make an informed decision.
A PLC is an industrial computer ruggedized for the factory floor. In a roll forming context, the PLC manages:
Without a high-quality roll forming machine control system, you risk "length deviation." Even a 2mm error can render a batch of floor decks or roofing sheets useless for high-end construction. High-end PLCs process signals at microsecond speeds, allowing for "flying cut-off" systems where the machine never stops, significantly increasing output without sacrificing accuracy.
For a broader understanding of the mechanics behind the control, see how roll forming machines work.
Siemens (Germany) is often requested for high-end projects in Europe and the Americas.
Mitsubishi (Japan) is our most popular choice at Haixing, especially for Asia markets.
Schneider Electric (France) is a powerhouse in automation and energy management.
| Feature | Siemens (S7 Series) | Mitsubishi (FX Series) | Schneider (Modicon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Germany | Japan | France |
| Reliability | Excellent | Exceptional | Excellent |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (Pro-level) | Very High | High |
| Global Parts | Best | Very Good | Good |
| Price | Premium | Competitive | Mid-to-High |
| Best For | High-speed, High-data | General Industrial | Energy Efficiency |
A powerful PLC is useless if your operators cannot understand it. Haixing provides customized HMI (Human Machine Interface) screens in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and French. We ensure that the terminology used on the screen matches the local industry standards for leveling and slitting lines and forming stations.
While the PLC brand is important, the integration is what matters most. Haixing's electrical engineers customize the software for every machine. Whether you need an Omega roll forming machine with 10 different punching programs or a simple Double Layer machine, our systems are pre-tested before shipping.
1. Can I upgrade my PLC later? Yes, but it is costly. It involves rewiring and re-programming. It is better to choose a high-quality brand like Mitsubishi or Siemens from the start.
2. Does the PLC handle the hydraulic system too? Yes, the PLC sends signals to the solenoid valves of the hydraulic station to control the cutting and punching actions.
3. What happens if the PLC battery dies? Modern PLCs use non-volatile memory, but older ones require a battery to hold the program. We use modern systems that do not lose data during power outages.
4. Is a touch screen necessary? Yes. Modern roll forming requires an HMI (Touch Screen) to input lengths and quantities easily. Traditional button-only systems are outdated and less precise.
The "best" PLC is the one that you can get serviced locally. If you are in South America, Schneider might be excellent. If you are in Southeast Asia, Mitsubishi is hard to beat. If you are looking for the absolute peak of technology, Siemens is the way to go.
Maximize your machine's precision with Haixing.
