Development, training & service
Further develop existing test systems economically, reduce risks and extend the useful life of existing investments - instead of replacing them prematurely.
Many test systems have grown over the years and continue to fulfill an important function in development, quality assurance or production. At the same time, requirements change: products are adapted, measuring devices are discontinued, software is no longer maintainable, interfaces are missing or the system no longer corresponds to the desired state of the art.
MCF supports companies in modernizing existing inspection and test systems. The aim is to further develop existing systems economically, reduce risks and extend the useful life of existing investments.
Initial situation
A retrofit makes sense if an existing test system is still fundamentally usable, but individual areas need to be modernized or expanded. The mechanical basis, test fixture or contacting can often continue to be used while the control, software or measurement technology needs to be brought up to date.
Retrofit areas
Depending on the condition and objectives, different areas of a test system can be modernized - individually or in combination.
Software modernization
The software is often one of the most critical points in older test systems. Many systems run on outdated PCs, operating systems that are no longer supported, or project-specific software that is difficult to expand or maintain.
MCF modernizes existing test software or develops it when needed. Depending on the starting point, an existing LabVIEW application can be expanded or OpenTAP can be integrated together with Tap.X.
The goal is a maintainable, parameterizable and comprehensible software architecture. Test sequences, measuring device control, DUT communication, limit values, test data and reports are clearly structured and designed for later operation.
Measurement technology & electrics
Outdated measuring devices and electrical components often pose a risk to availability, spare parts supply and measurement quality. At the same time, it is not always necessary to replace an entire system.
MCF checks which measuring equipment can continue to be used sensibly and which components should be replaced or supplemented - assessed according to accuracy, resolution, measuring range, speed, calibratability, availability of spare parts and integration into the existing system architecture.
The electrical planning can also be revised as part of a retrofit: circuit diagrams, wiring, safety circuits, interfaces, terminal plans, cable concepts and documentation for service and maintenance.
PLC & automation
Automation components can also be modernized or expanded - PLC controls, IO systems, drives, pneumatics, sensors, safety components, robot or cobot interfaces and higher-level system communication. MCF works with TIA Portal, TwinCAT and CODESYS, among others.
Takes over the machine level.
Takes over the check level.
It is important to make a clear separation between automation and testing software. This architecture makes modernized systems more maintainable and expandable in the long term.
Extension
A retrofit doesn't always just mean replacing old components. It is often about making existing test systems usable for new requirements. MCF checks which parts of the existing system can continue to be used and where targeted modernization is necessary.
Retrofit or new build?
Not every test system should be modernized. Sometimes a new building makes more economic and technical sense in the long term - especially if the mechanics, electrical systems, software and security are very outdated or the original system architecture no longer allows for expansion.
Therefore, a retrofit project ideally begins with a technical assessment of the existing system. We use clear criteria to check whether modernization makes economic sense compared to a new building.
MCF supports customers in this decision in a transparent and practical manner. The aim is not to maintain existing systems at any price, but rather to find the best solution technically and economically.
Rating
When evaluating an existing test system, we consider the following questions with you, among others.
Our approach
MCF views retrofit projects in a structured and systematic way - from analyzing the current status to complete integration into your production or quality processes.
Recording of the existing test system across all levels: mechanics, electrics, measurement technology, control, software, contacting, safety and documentation.
We evaluate which system components should be continued to be used, modernized or replaced - and whether retrofitting, partial modernization or new construction makes sense.
On this basis, a concept is created with clear technical measures, effort and target status.
Engineering, software development, electrical planning, conversion, commissioning, validation and documentation – depending on the scope of the project.
Advantages
A well-thought-out retrofit significantly extends the service life of existing test systems and at the same time improves operational reliability, maintainability and data quality.
Describe your device under test, testing task and boundary conditions – we will develop the right concept.