HMIs work in rugged, low-temperature outdoor applications

Janelle Morris, Pro-face America; Janelle Morris, Robert Springer, Wicked Edge Automation

Rugged HMIs

Recycling center upgrades to fewer outdoor-sunlight- readable human-machine (HMI) with larger screens.

Upper right: Three Pro-face SP5000X Outdoor HMI, using GP-Pro EX screen development software, were integrated into a cardboard baling machine, replacing six smaller HMIs. Courtesy: Pro-face America

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www.controleng. com/infomanagement/ hmi-oi/ Arecycling center uses a human-machine interface (HMI) in its machines that controls the function of collapsing the boxes and wrapping the cardboard for delivery and distribution to multiple locations. The facility used an older HMI that had process faults, screen damage and poor visibility in direct sunlight. The original screen response was sluggish in cold temperatures, the screen scratched easily and the unit started failing 5 years after installation. The customer also needed an HMI that could work with their current programmable logic controller (PLC), provide flexibility and have a longer life expectancy in a potentially harsh environment.

An outdoor-rated HMI with screen development software has extensive connectivity options that allow for integration with the customer’s existing control system. The sunlight-readable 12-in. display offered improved visibility for easy-to-read screens and its stainless-steel bezel provides outdoor ready specifications for harsh environments.

By redeveloping the screens within the new software using a larger screen size, they reduced the number of screens from six to three, simplifying the process and saving time and money for the customer. Since the display is larger, creating a larger panel cut out is simple and allowed for a quick replacement. Beyond the screen size, having a sunlight readable solution provided better visibility and accessibility for users from a distance. This unit also sustains a wide range of temperatures from -30 to 70 °C, better than the prior unit, and it uses a tempered glass screen. The project distributor was Grant Industrial, and the system integrator was Wicked Edge Automation. ce

Janelle Morris is Pro-face America marketing communication manager. Robert Springer is a system integrator at Wicked Edge Automation.

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