Similar to the evolution of personal computers, our aim has been to develop a multi-level, architecture, modular system, with the objective of separating the hardware (injection-moulding) and the software (control) and permitting low-cost standard components (PLCs) to be used. This software was developed at all levels in accordance with the specified standards, which will permit the experimental evaluation of its worth.
At the same time, we will offer the aforementioned software as a step in the development of new programmes by independent software companies that wish to take advantage of the established standards to introduce their products within the market of plastics injection machinery, pushing their effort just where they are really expert, but without the need of know how the others parts of the machine run. In this way they could use their knowledge to develop PLC programmes, graphics, user interfaces, Internet communications, production control, commercial management, etc. The software will be exploited, as the first result, by the joint ownership, the new enterprise made up, in principle, of the six SMEs, partners in the project except the two end-users. In mid term, it is planned to expand the use of this new software throughout different European industry sectors