If you run industrial equipment in FNQ, there's a decent chance you've got a Touchwin panel somewhere. They came fitted to a lot of imported machinery - packaging lines, conveyors, pump systems, processing equipment. The panels themselves are workhorses. The problem isn't the hardware. It's what happens when that hardware eventually needs support.
Is Touchwin Actually End of Life?
Technically, no. Xinje (the Chinese company behind Touchwin) is still operating and still sells HMI products. They've even released newer models in their TS3 series with updated software called TouchWin Pro.
But for practical purposes in Australia, Touchwin is effectively end-of-support. Here's why:
- No Australian distributor. You can't walk into a supplier and buy a replacement panel. You're ordering from China with 2-4 weeks shipping.
- No local technical support. If you need help with configuration or troubleshooting, your options are Chinese-language forums or hoping someone answers an email at Xinje.
- The software is showing its age. TouchWin EditTool works, but it has compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows and hasn't had significant updates.
- Documentation is patchy. What exists is often translated from Chinese with mixed results.
- The newer TS3 series uses different software (TouchWin Pro) that's not backward-compatible with older project files.
None of this matters when the panel is running fine. It matters a lot when it fails on a Friday afternoon and your production line is down.
What Happens When a Touchwin Panel Fails
If you have the project file (.tpe) and can source a replacement Touchwin panel from overseas, you can upload the project to the new unit and be running again. But you're waiting weeks for that panel to arrive.
If you don't have the project file, you're in a tougher spot. The screens need to be rebuilt from scratch on whatever replacement panel you choose. This isn't impossible, but it takes longer and costs more.
Your Migration Options
Option 1: Replace with Weintek (Most Common)
This is what we do most often. Weintek panels are physically compatible with many Touchwin cutout sizes, especially at 7 inch where the cutout dimensions are nearly identical. Weintek's EasyBuilder Pro software supports the same Modbus protocols that Touchwin panels use, so it can talk to the same PLC without any changes.
The screens need to be rebuilt in EasyBuilder Pro since Touchwin project files can't be imported directly. But the PLC program stays exactly the same - you're just giving it a new screen to display on.
Weintek panels are available through Australian distributors, the software is free, and you get modern features like remote access through EasyAccess 2.0.
Option 2: Replace with Another Touchwin
If you have the project file and you're happy to wait for shipping from China, you can do a like-for-like swap. This is the quickest path if time isn't critical, but it doesn't solve the underlying problem. You'll face the same situation next time around.
Option 3: Replace with Kinco
Kinco is another Chinese HMI brand with slightly better availability than Touchwin. Similar price point. But the same long-term concerns apply - limited Australian support and uncertain future availability.
Option 4: Go Premium (Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
For critical applications where long-term support and parts availability are paramount, a premium panel might be justified. But you're paying significantly more, and the screens still need to be rebuilt from scratch.
The Migration Process
Whether you migrate before or after the old panel fails, here's roughly what's involved:
- Document the existing system - photograph every screen, record all communication settings, note which PLC registers each display element reads from.
- Select the replacement - match the cutout size, verify protocol compatibility with your PLC.
- Build the new screens - recreate all the display pages, buttons, navigation, alarms, and parameter entry screens in the new HMI software.
- Test it - bench test with the PLC before going live on the machine.
- Commission - install the new panel and verify everything works under real operating conditions.
The Smart Move
If your Touchwin is still working, the cheapest thing you can do right now is get the project file backed up. Even if you plan to migrate eventually, a backup means you're covered in the meantime. If the panel dies tomorrow, having the project file makes recovery or migration much faster and cheaper.
Related Services
- Touchwin HMI Programming & Support - backup, recovery, and migration for Touchwin panels
- Weintek HMI Programming - the most common migration target for Touchwin
- HMI Programming & Reprogramming - all brands, new builds and replacements
We've migrated dozens of Touchwin panels to Weintek across Cairns and Far North Queensland. Get in touch to discuss your options.