AEC Engineering recently completed fabrication of two PLC Control Panels for a large global customer, supporting a high throughput packaging and material handling application. These large, floor standing control panels were built to customer specifications and were designed to integrate into an existing production line.
Panel Overview & Key Features
Each panel is housed in a three-door Rittal modular enclosure system with a flange mounted main disconnect and bayed double door configuration providing the space for power distribution, control hardware, and future service access. Thermal management is handled by an integrated Rittal heat exchanger to support reliable operation in a demanding industrial environment.
The control system is centered around Allen Bradley ControlLogix and GuardLogix hardware, combining standard PLC control with integrated safety functions. Key components include ControlLogix processors, distributed POINT I/O, Ethernet/IP communications, and an operator interface featuring pushbuttons, selector switches, pilot lights, and emergency stop devices mounted on the enclosure doors. Internal LED cabinet lighting was also installed to support safe maintenance and troubleshooting.
AEC Engineering’s Scope of Work
AEC Engineering was responsible for the complete fabrication and wiring of both control panels. This included receiving and verifying all customer supplied components, supplying standard bulk materials, and assembling the enclosures and internal layouts per the approved drawings. All wiring was neatly routed, clearly labeled, and terminated with ferrules to deliver a professional and easily serviceable result. AEC’s panel technician Jonas D took the lead on this project, which required more than 500 hours.
As per our standards, AEC performed point to point testing of all internal wiring, applied UL 508A listing and labeling, and red lined the customer’s drawings to reflect any as built changes. Space and support were provided for inspection and testing at AEC’s Freeport, Maine facility prior to shipment.
This project is another example of AEC Engineering’s ability to deliver high quality, complex industrial control panels, built to exacting standards and ready for seamless integration into customer systems.
For over 40 years AEC Engineering has been New England’s premiere provider of custom designed-and-built UL listed control panels, PLC programming, SCADA software design and programming services, and reliable service & support for all your automation and integration needs. Our fabrication shop is certified UL 508A, 698, and NNNY. Contact us today to learn how AEC Engineering can help you with your next project.
