Introduction

This document provides instructions for merging multiple Interface (IF) panel files into a single, consolidated configuration.

IF panel files define machine interface functions such as welder controls, Ethernet/IP communication, and other optional system features. In many applications, multiple machine options are required simultaneously, with each option supplied as a separate IF panel file. These files must be combined into a single IF panel configuration that supports all required functions.

Properly merging IF panel files ensures that the resulting configuration retains the functionality of each original file while maintaining compatibility between machine options and supporting reliable system operation.

This guide outlines the process for merging IF panel files, identifies important considerations throughout the procedure, and provides recommendations to help prevent configuration conflicts to ensure successful implementation.

Merging IF Panels

For this example, the Miller UWI IF panel will be used as our base file in blue. The Ethernet/IP Safe IF panel, in red, will be merged into the first unused panel of the Miller UWI panel, creating a single IF panel file that includes the functionality of both configurations. When merging IF panel files, ensure that the imported panel information is assigned to an unused panel number in the base configuration. In this example, the base file already contains existing configurations on IFPANEL 1 and IFPANEL 2, while IFPANEL 3 is available for use.

Because the EtherNet/IP SAFE file being imported begins with its configuration assigned to IFPANEL 1, all panel references must be updated before merging to avoid overwriting the existing panel configuration. Change the imported panel designation from IFPANEL 1 to IFPANEL 3 and update the corresponding panel name from ///NAME EIP-SAFE STS PANEL 1 to ///NAME EIP-SAFE STS PANEL 3.

When the updated file is loaded into the controller, the resulting configuration appears as shown below. As illustrated, the welder functionality occupies IFPANEL 1 and IFPANEL 2, while the EtherNet/IP SAFE configuration has been assigned to IFPANEL 3.