Modernising a production line often means replacing an older control system with a newer generation of PLCs, HMIs, drives or other automation components. Once the project is finished, however, a question remains in the company: what to do with the old PLCs and the other components you no longer need in the new configuration?
Why is a PLC replaced when a production line is modernised?
One of the main reasons for modernisation is technology becoming obsolete. With older systems it can gradually become harder to obtain spare parts, service or qualified staff. At the same time, modernisation can bring higher reliability, greater efficiency and better readiness of the system for future requirements.
Modernisation need not mean, however, that all the old components are unusable. In practice, part of the original system may still be functional. The decision whether to keep, reuse, sell or environmentally dispose of a component should therefore be based on its technical condition, the availability of support and the real needs of the company.
An old PLC as a spare part
The first option is to keep a functional PLC as a backup component for other existing technology.
This approach can make sense particularly in plants that still run older production equipment on the same or a compatible platform. Before putting it into storage, remember to identify the component precisely and record its condition. With older PLCs it can also matter whether compatible spare parts are still manufactured and whether service support is available for that system.
Use the PLC on another machine
If an older PLC system is still functional, it can also find a use in another device or project. Whether it can be reused depends on the particular type of PLC, its compatibility, its technical condition and the requirements of the application.
Sell the old PLC
If you know you will no longer need the old PLC, one option is to use a PLC buyback. A functional component can be of interest to another company that operates an older system. We will gladly help you with both the assessment and the purchase itself through any of our contacts. We assess every enquiry according to technical condition, type of equipment and current market value.
How to find out whether an old PLC still has value?
For a basic assessment it is good to prepare as much information about the device as possible.
The following are particularly useful:
- the manufacturer,
- the exact model designation,
- the order number,
- the serial number,
- the number of units,
- the technical condition,
- photographs,
- information on which production line or machine it comes from.
What if the PLC is non-functional?
Even a non-functional PLC module need not automatically be worthless. It may contain components that can be used further, repaired, refurbished or used as a source of spare parts. When deciding what happens to the device next, it therefore depends on the particular type, the damage and the condition of the individual parts.
What to do with components you no longer want to store?
Storing decommissioned components long term takes up space and ties up company resources for nothing. During modernisation it can therefore be a good idea to divide the decommissioned equipment into several groups:
Keep – functional components that can serve as spare parts.
Hand over for buyback – equipment you no longer need but which may have further use.
Dispose of environmentally – components that can no longer be used.
This approach corresponds to the principles of end-of-life management for automation equipment, which works with the options of resale, reuse and recycling.