Automation

Industrial Automation Products for Machine Builders and Panel Builders

Industrial automation products from LED Controls Ltd cover the control layer of a machine or process: programmable logic controllers (PLCs), HMI touch panels, all-in-one HMI & PLC units, remote and expansion I/O, programmable logic relays and gateways and network modules. We stock ABB AC500, Unitronics Vision and UniStream, Wago, IMO, Lovato and Finder, with the cables, batteries and expansion modules to complete each installation.

Use the filters to narrow the range by brand, then compare I/O counts, communications and supply voltage side by side. Our technical team can help you match a controller to an existing installation or specify a replacement for a discontinued part.

Industrial Automation Products for Machine Builders and Panel Builders

Industrial automation products from LED Controls Ltd cover the control layer of a machine or process: programmable logic controllers (PLCs), HMI touch panels, all-in-one HMI & PLC units, remote and expansion I/O, programmable logic relays and gateways and network modules. We stock ABB AC500, Unitronics Vision and UniStream, Wago, IMO, Lovato and Finder, with the cables, batteries and expansion modules to complete each installation.

All In One HMI & PLC
215 Products

An all-in-one HMI and PLC combines the controller, touch-screen operator interface and onboard I/O in a single panel-mount unit, cutting wiring, panel space and programming time on smaller machines. LED…

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Automation Accessories
298 Products

Automation accessories are the parts that keep a PLC or HMI installation running: expansion and communication modules, programming and interface cables, backup batteries, terminal bases, demo cases and replacement components…

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Edge Controller
6 Products

Edge controllers sit between the machine and the cloud, running control logic locally while logging data and pushing it to SCADA, MES or IoT platforms. This range is being built…

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HMI - Touch Panels
81 Products

An HMI touch panel gives operators a clear, configurable window onto the machine – alarms, setpoints, recipes and trends – and connects to the PLC over Ethernet or serial. LED…

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I/O Systems
994 Products

I/O systems extend a controller with the digital and analogue inputs and outputs a machine actually needs – thermocouple and RTD inputs, relay and transistor outputs, high-speed counters and fieldbus-coupled…

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Logic Relay
55 Products

A programmable logic relay – often called a smart relay – replaces a handful of timers, counters and control relays with one compact, DIN-rail unit programmed in ladder or function-block…

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Remote & Network
41 Products

Industrial networking products connect control equipment to each other and to the outside world: Ethernet, 4G and Wi-Fi gateways, data loggers, serial-to-Ethernet converters, fieldbus couplers and antennas. We stock Lovato…

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Software
62 Products

Automation software covers the programming tools, runtime licences, supervision packages and support hours that go with the hardware – including Lovato Synergy energy-management licences and ATL controller software support. Licence…

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Choosing the Right Automation Controller

The right controller depends on how much I/O you need, how the operator will interact with the machine and how the system talks to drives, sensors and higher-level systems. Understanding where a PLC, an all-in-one HMI + PLC and a programmable logic relay each fit will help you specify the most cost-effective control layer.

PLC

A programmable logic controller runs the machine program, reads sensors and drives actuators. Modular CPUs scale to hundreds of I/O points with Ethernet, Modbus, PROFINET and EtherCAT.

  • Machine control
  • Process control
  • Packaging lines
  • Material handling
  • Building services
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All-in-One HMI & PLC

An all-in-one HMI + PLC puts the controller and touch screen in one panel-mount unit, cutting wiring, panel space and programming time on compact machines.

  • OEM machinery
  • Small panels
  • Retrofit upgrades
  • Standalone equipment
  • Test rigs
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Logic Relay

A programmable logic relay replaces a handful of timers, counters and relays with a single low-cost unit that is programmed from the front panel or a laptop.

  • Pump control
  • Lighting sequences
  • Door and gate control
  • Simple interlocks
  • HVAC timing
Learn More →
FeaturePLCAll-in-One HMI & PLCLogic Relay
I/O CapacityExpandable to hundredsBuilt-in + expansionTypically 6–24 points
Operator InterfaceSeparate HMIIntegrated touch screenSmall display / none
NetworkingEthernet, PROFINET, EtherCAT, ModbusEthernet, Modbus, CANopenEthernet on some models
ProgrammingIEC 61131-3 softwareSingle integrated softwareFront panel or PC
Typical ApplicationsMachines, process linesCompact OEM machinesPumps, lighting, timers

Automation Products by Application

From a single machine to a whole production line, explore common automation applications and the products we recommend for each.

Machine Building

Control layer for OEM machinery: a PLC or all-in-one HMI + PLC with local I/O and fieldbus links to drives and safety.

Control Panels

Panel builders need controllers, remote I/O, network switches and the accessories that connect them cleanly on the DIN rail.

Operator Interfaces

Give operators clear status, alarms and recipe control with a touch-screen HMI networked to the machine controller.

Remote & Distributed I/O

Put I/O next to the sensors and valves and bring it back on one Ethernet cable to cut wiring and commissioning time.

Recommended Products
Pumping & Water

Level, pressure and duty/standby control with a compact controller or logic relay, with remote monitoring where needed.

Recommended Products
Data & Connectivity

Gateways, switches and modems link machines to SCADA, cloud dashboards and maintenance systems.

Recommended Products

Trusted Automation Manufacturers

We supply automation controllers, HMIs and I/O from manufacturers trusted by machine builders and system integrators across the UK.

Unitronics

Unitronics combines PLC and HMI in one unit with the UniStream and Vision ranges, backed by free programming software and straightforward licensing.

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ABB

ABB AC500 and AC500-eCo PLCs offer a scalable, modular platform with strong integration to ABB drives and motion products.

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Wago

Wago I/O systems and PFC controllers provide compact, fieldbus-independent remote I/O with the reliability of CAGE CLAMP connection technology.

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Lovato Electric

Lovato programmable relays, gateways and data loggers give panel builders a cost-effective route to control and remote monitoring.

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Looking for Another Manufacturer?

In addition to Unitronics, ABB, Wago and Lovato Electric, we supply products from over 40 leading industrial automation manufacturers, helping engineers source everything they need from one trusted supplier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we are asked most often about PLCs, HMIs and I/O. If you need help with a specific application, our technical team is happy to talk it through.

What is the difference between a PLC and a programmable logic relay?
A PLC is a full industrial controller with expandable I/O, fieldbus networking and IEC 61131-3 programming. A logic relay handles a small number of inputs and outputs with built-in timers and counters, and is programmed from the front panel or a simple PC tool. Logic relays suit simple sequences; PLCs suit machines and processes.
When should I choose an all-in-one HMI + PLC?
Choose an all-in-one HMI + PLC when the machine needs an operator screen anyway and the I/O count is modest. One unit, one program and one cable saves panel space, wiring and engineering time.
Which industrial networks do your controllers support?
Depending on the model: Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP and RTU, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherCAT, CANopen and serial RS232/RS485. Check the controller datasheet or ask us to confirm compatibility with your drives and I/O.
Can I add I/O to an existing controller?
Yes. Most PLCs and all-in-one units accept snap-on local expansion modules, and remote I/O can be added over the network. We can help you match expansion modules to your CPU.
Do you supply the programming software?
Unitronics software is free to download. ABB Automation Builder and other platforms have free basic editions with licensed advanced versions, which we can supply along with software and licences.
Which automation brands does LED Controls supply?
We supply Unitronics, ABB, Wago, Lovato Electric, IMO, Finder and other established industrial automation brands.
Do you offer trade accounts?
Yes. We offer trade accounts for OEMs, panel builders, system integrators, electrical contractors and industrial customers, with competitive pricing and dedicated account management.
Do you provide technical support after purchase?
Yes. Our technical team helps with product selection, specifications and general technical enquiries before and after purchase.

Why Businesses Choose LED Controls

From single replacement components to complete automation solutions, businesses across the UK trust LED Controls for expert advice, leading brands and dependable customer service. Our experienced team supports customers throughout every stage of their project, from specification through to delivery.

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Industry Partnerships

As an ABB Value Provider and Danfoss Authorised Partner, we supply genuine products backed by manufacturer expertise and support.

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Technical Expertise

Our knowledgeable team can assist with product selection, application advice and identifying the most suitable automation solution for your project.

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Fast UK Delivery

Thousands of automation products are available for fast dispatch, helping minimise downtime and keep your projects moving.

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Trusted by Industry

We support OEMs, panel builders, machine manufacturers, system integrators and maintenance engineers across a wide range of industrial sectors.

Need Help Specifying Your Automation System?

Whether you are choosing a PLC, an HMI, remote I/O or the network that ties them together, our experienced technical team is here to help you find the right products for your application.

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