Reviving a Biesse Techno 7 Boring Machine from Auction

We recently took on the challenge of restoring a 1997 Biesse Techno 7 Boring machine that had seen better days. The machine was purchased from an auction, where unfortunately, the on-site engineers had severely damaged the control system. Wiring connections were cut, inverters removed, and critical components like PLC input/output cards were tampered with or missing.

Upon delivery, we were called in to assess the damage. It was clear from the start that this was no simple fix. We agreed with the client that a thorough assessment was needed, testing each motor, controller, switch, and all field wiring before attempting any repairs. Fortunately, the machine came with electrical drawings, allowing us to perform end-to-end dead testing on all field wiring.

After ensuring that the motors and controllers were safe, we initially attempted to rewire and fit the existing PLC. However, we quickly discovered that the PLC drive controller had failed. Given the client’s needs, we decided to install a new control system centered around an Allen Bradley LC50-48QBB PLC. This modern controller, combined with a 24VDC system for safety and reliability, allowed us to streamline the wiring and minimise changes to the original panel setup.

With new components including relays, power supplies, and wiring, we integrated the PLC, wrote a custom program, and commissioned the machine. We stayed on-site during the first day of production to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Total Time: 5 days, including wiring and commissioning.