Engineering expertise that connects the whole machine
When production stops, the fault displayed on the screen is the starting point for an investigation.
A machine may be waiting for a PLC input. A servo alarm may involve motor feedback or mechanical loading. A communication fault may interrupt the exchange of information between the controller, drives and remote I/O.
Understanding those relationships is central to PMI’s approach.
We work through the machinery, electrical equipment, control software and operating sequence together. That allows us to investigate where the problem begins, how it affects the machine and what needs to happen next.
For your business, this means:
- A focused investigation: following the symptoms through the systems involved and using the findings to guide the repair.
- Informed component decisions: considering the installed application when identifying a replacement drive, motor, controller or other part.
- Practical options for existing machinery: understanding what can be repaired, what needs attention and where an upgrade deserves consideration.
- Clear engineering advice: explaining the findings and proposed work so you can plan around your production priorities.
Industrial automation and motion control are at the heart of PMI
PMI specialises in the controls, software, communications and motion equipment that make industrial machinery operate.
We bring practical machinery knowledge to automation work, connecting what the controller expects with what is happening on the machine.
PLC and HMI fault finding
A PLC can be running while the machine remains stationary or fails to complete its automatic cycle. The missing condition may involve an input, a drive status, position feedback or a response from another machine.
PMI investigates stalled sequences, missing signals, unexpected machine behaviour and HMI communication problems. We examine PLC logic, inputs and outputs, device status and the conditions required for the next stage of operation.
Our work also includes changes to existing PLC programs and machine interfaces when equipment is added, replaced or removed. For connected machinery, that includes the ready, start, enable and completion signals exchanged between systems.
Servo drives, motors and positioning faults
Servo drives that will not enable, axes that fail to home, encoder alarms and recurring positioning errors all require an understanding of the complete motion system.
PMI investigates the relationship between the controller, drive, motor, feedback, communications and mechanical load.
We use that knowledge to establish whether the reported problem concerns configuration, electrical equipment, feedback, communication or the physical conditions affecting movement. This gives the repair or replacement decision a sound technical basis.
EtherCAT, PROFINET and industrial network diagnostics
Reliable communication is essential to coordinated machine operation. PMI investigates EtherCAT, PROFINET and communication problems between industrial controllers, drives, HMIs and remote I/O.
Typical enquiries include:
- EtherCAT devices remaining in PRE-OP or SAFE-OP.
- Missing devices and intermittent network communication faults.
- PROFINET devices appearing offline after replacement.
- Drive or I/O communication problems following configuration changes.
- Connected machines waiting for signals or status information.
We examine the device diagnostics, configuration, physical connections and machine sequence to understand where communication is breaking down.
Practical experience with the equipment behind your production
PMI combines CNC and machinery experience with knowledge of the control platforms and components used to operate them.
Our experience includes:
- HOMAG machinery: woodworking machinery fault investigation, maintenance and installation requirements.
- Beckhoff and TwinCAT: PLC and machine control systems, EtherCAT communications and component enquiries.
- Bosch Rexroth and IndraDrive: drive and motion control investigations, with experience using IndraWorks and DriveTop.
- Inovance: automation, drive and motor applications.
- CODESYS: PLC control environments and machine software.
- Busch and Becker: industrial vacuum pump servicing, fault finding, repair and overhaul.
We provide independent engineering support, applying this knowledge to the actual machine, its installed controls and your production requirements.
For a manufacturer, this combination is valuable when a problem spans several areas of the equipment or when a machinery change needs both practical installation knowledge and controls expertise.
Support for breakdowns, planned maintenance and machinery improvements
Your engineering needs change throughout a machine’s working life. PMI provides support for immediate faults, routine care, installation projects and decisions about the future of existing equipment.
CNC machine service and repair
A CNC machine that keeps stopping, repeatedly alarms or develops an intermittent movement fault can disrupt production even when it occasionally runs normally.
PMI investigates these problems across the machine’s controls, electrical equipment and mechanical systems. We consider the circumstances in which the fault appears, the operating sequence and any recent changes to guide the work.
Bring us the symptoms, the alarm information and the production impact. We will work through the engineering requirement with you.
Planned machine maintenance
Planned maintenance gives you an opportunity to address wear, servicing requirements and operating concerns around a suitable production window.
PMI plans maintenance around the machine’s condition, workload, manufacturer information and available service history. Recurring alarms, changes in performance and known issues help identify where attention is needed.
The result is a maintenance plan based on your equipment and the way your business uses it.
Machine installation, commissioning and relocation
Installing or relocating machinery brings together the equipment, receiving site, utilities, operating sequence and interfaces with surrounding systems.
PMI supports machinery installation and engineering commissioning, alongside physical decommissioning, dismantling and removal for machine moves.
We help define the machinery work and coordinate the relevant interfaces and specialist responsibilities. Where lifting, haulage or electrical disconnection for a move is required, those activities are arranged through specialist subcontractors.
CNC retrofits and control upgrades
Ageing controls, recurring faults and obsolete components can make it harder to plan the future of otherwise useful machinery.
PMI helps you assess the available routes, from retaining the existing control system through a targeted upgrade to wider modernisation.
We consider the machine’s mechanical condition, controls, drives, motors, feedback and interfaces alongside the outcome you want. That gives you a clearer basis for deciding where an engineering investment makes sense.
Industrial vacuum pump servicing and repair
A reliable vacuum supply is an important part of many production processes.
PMI brings practical Busch and Becker experience to vacuum pump servicing, breakdown investigation, repair and overhaul. We investigate concerns such as reduced vacuum, overheating, unusual noise and vibration, considering both the pump and the application it serves.
Pump servicing can also be discussed alongside your wider machine maintenance requirements.
Component sourcing backed by machinery expertise
The right component needs to work within the machine’s existing electrical, mechanical and control arrangements.
PMI combines automation component sourcing with the engineering knowledge needed to understand that application. Our component enquiries cover servo drives and motors, PLCs, HMIs, I/O, industrial PCs, variable-frequency drives, cables and accessories.
We use the complete manufacturer part number and relevant revision information to identify the requirement. For replacements, we consider the connected equipment, feedback, communications, configuration and physical installation.
Support for obsolete automation parts
An obsolete PLC, drive or I/O module can create an immediate breakdown problem and a longer-term maintenance concern.
PMI investigates original-part sourcing and engineered replacement options. Where an alternative requires changes to the machine, we help establish the implications for its controls, interfaces and commissioning.
This connects the component enquiry with the wider decision about maintaining or modernising the equipment.
Our supplier relationships also include Omega Products and Sistemi Klein.
What PMI brings to your business
Technical depth where the problem is difficult
We understand how machine software, electrical systems, industrial networks and mechanics interact. That depth supports investigations into faults that are intermittent, difficult to reproduce or spread across connected equipment.
Engineering and component knowledge together
Repairs, replacement parts and commissioning often need to be considered as one requirement. PMI brings those areas into the same discussion, helping you understand the work involved in getting the component and machine operating together.
Practical decisions about your machinery
Your immediate production needs and the machine’s future use both matter. We help you consider the findings, available options and implications of repair, replacement or modernisation.
Support shaped around production
We consider the effect on your operation, the equipment involved and the available time for work. Whether the priority is a breakdown, a planned service or a machinery project, the engineering starts with what your business needs to achieve.
Developing PMI CNC Control
PMI CNC Control is our milling control platform in development.
The project brings together our CNC, software and motion control interests in the practical operation of machinery. It forms part of our continuing work with control technology and prospective milling applications.
Explore the development to see the direction of the platform and discuss a potential application with PMI.
Questions about working with PMI
What does Precision Machine Industries specialise in?
Precision Machine Industries specialises in CNC machinery, industrial automation and motion control engineering. Our services include fault finding, repair, planned maintenance, installation, commissioning, control upgrade assessments and automation component sourcing for woodworking and metalworking businesses.
Can PMI investigate a machine that keeps stopping or repeatedly develops the same fault?
Yes. PMI investigates recurring and intermittent machinery faults by examining the operating sequence, electrical signals, control software, industrial communications and mechanical conditions.
The alarm history, circumstances of the stoppage and any recent changes help guide the investigation. This is useful even if the machine has started working again by the time you contact us.
Can PMI help with Beckhoff, TwinCAT or EtherCAT problems?
PMI’s engineering experience includes Beckhoff controls, TwinCAT and EtherCAT systems. We investigate machine behaviour, device communication and configuration issues in the context of the installed equipment.
Send the machine details, controller or device identity and the exact error or symptom. Include the software version if you have it.
Can PMI help with an older machine that needs a replacement control or drive?
Yes. PMI can investigate obsolete component sourcing, assess replacement requirements and help you consider a targeted upgrade or wider CNC retrofit.
The assessment considers the existing controls, drives, motors, feedback, interfaces and mechanical condition so the proposed direction reflects the machine and your intended use.
Where does PMI provide engineering services?
PMI is based in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, and provides engineering support across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Send your site location, equipment details and required timing so attendance and the work can be planned around your requirement.
Put specialist engineering behind your next machinery decision
A stopped CNC machine. A recurring automation fault. A difficult replacement part. A planned installation or control upgrade.
Whatever brings you to PMI, start with the equipment and the result you need.
Send your machine or component details, any relevant alarms or photographs, your site location and a short description of the requirement. We will work through the next step with you and agree the proposed work and timing.