Industrial Touch Panel Selection Guide: How to Choose HMI

Industrial Touch Panel Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right HMI Display

As the degree of smartness in factories grows, as well as the level of interconnectedness of machines, the selection of the right industrial touch panel has never been as important as it is now. The display interface can make or break an efficient operator interface with the machines, whether you are creating a new automation system or upgrading the existing equipment.

• A modern industrial touch screen panel is not a mere display anymore. It serves as an interface between equipment and operators, providing real-time data, machine controls, diagnostics, and process visibility. In the Industry 4.0 world, the correct selection of an industrial HMI touch panel may lead to a better productivity level, less downtime, and safer operations.
• The following Industrial Touch Panel Selection Guide will enable you to learn the key points that you should take into consideration before investing in an industrial touchscreen solution.

What is an Industrial Touch Panel?

An industrial touchscreen display is a robust interface that is specially designed to suit tough environments such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, medical devices, transport systems, and industrial control systems. Unlike consumer-grade displays, industrial displays are built to last:

•          Exposure to dust and moisture.

•          Wide temperature fluctuations

•          Continuous 24/7 operation

•          Vibration and shock

A quality industrial operator panel enables technicians and operators to observe the performance of the machine, diagnostics, settings, and control automated processes by using a touch-sensitive interface.

Use of Industrial Touch Panels in the Automation of Factories

The technology of human-machine interface (HMI) is relevant in factories nowadays. Operators require real-time access to machine data, alarms, and production metrics. An industrial touch interface is reliable and supports:

•          PLC systems integration

•          SCADA systems monitoring

•          Process automation control

•          Smart manufacturing workflows

•          Real-time machine visualization

These displays, along with industrial computing platforms, are the core of a complete industrial visualization system.

Knowledge of the Main Touch Technologies

One of the most important aspects of any industrial touchscreen selection guide is understanding touch technology.

Touchscreen Technology

A resistive touch panel operates based on the pressure between conductive layers. Key advantages include:

•          Works with gloves

•          Works with stylus input.

•          Works well in damp conditions.

•          Cost-effective solution

•          Good compatibility with industrial machines.

Resistive technology can also be used in industries where operators may need to wear gloves frequently.

Indicatively, FACE LCD offers a 5.7-inch Resistive Touch Screen, which is applicable in an industrial environment. This type of display is typically used in machine control systems where accuracy in touch input and reliability are critical. The majority of industrial resistive displays with a 5.7-inch size have a resolution of 320x240 to 640x480 pixels, a brightness of up to 600 cd/m, and operating temperatures of -20C to +70C. These features qualify them to be used in industrial control and monitoring.

Projected Capacitive Touch Screen (PCAP)

Capacitive touch is now being extensively applied in sophisticated automation systems. Benefits include:

•          Multi-touch support

•          Excellent optical clarity

•          Faster response times

•          Enhanced user experience

•          Smooth glass surface

In sophisticated machine interfaces and smart factory applications, multi-touch industrial displays are a common application.

Selection Criteria of Touch Panels in Industries

In assessing an industrial control panel display, the following are the factors to consider.

Screen Size and Resolution

The display size should be similar to the complexity of the application.

Typical industrial screen sizes are:

•          4.3-inch

•          5.7-inch

•          7-inch

•          10.1-inch

•          15-inch

•          21-inch and above

Better resolutions are more readable on:

•          Industrial control dashboards

•          Contact pads on the production lines.

•          Process control interfaces

•          Machine operator terminals

Brightness and Visibility

The factories are highly dissimilar regarding the lighting conditions.

Look for:

•          Industrial display technology of high brightness.

•          Sun-readable touch screen.

•          Anti-glare touch screen coatings

•          Optical bonding technology

High-ambient-light or outdoor displays are typically recommended to have a brightness of more than 800 nits.

Temperature Range

Factories are characterized by extreme temperatures. A wide temperature touch panel should support:

•          Temperatures of work -20C to +70C.

•          Long storage temperatures -30 C to +80 C.

These specifications aid in making sure that the long run is reliable in demanding applications.

EMI Resistance

Motors, drives, and electrical equipment in industrial facilities produce electromagnetic interference. An EMI-resistant touch panel can be used to ensure that the touch panel is stable and capable of detecting touch in the correct manner, even in the presence of electric noise.

Industrial LCD Touch Panel Vs Industrial Panel

The dilemma many consumers face is whether to buy a standalone display or an integrated system.

LCD Touch Panel in Industry

Best for:

•          Existing PLC systems

•          SCADA upgrades

•          Machine retrofits

Monitoring display projects in industries.

Industrial Panel PC

A combination of computing hardware and display is an industrial panel PC.

Ideal for:

•          Embedded systems

•          Intelligent factory display applications.

•          Edge computing environments

•          Touch panel industrial automation implementations at high levels.

Display panel selection tips for the long-term performance of industrial display panels. On paper, a display can be impressive, but the most important thing is its long-term reliability.

Select solutions that provide:

•          Extended product life cycle.

•          Stable component sourcing

•          Industrial-grade TFT panels

•          Durable touch layers

•          Proven industrial certifications

Working with an experienced industrial touch panel manufacturer or industrial touch panel supplier can assist in reducing maintenance and enhancing the success of deployment.

FACE LCD provides a range of industrial TFT LCDs, touch panels, and custom display technologies that are applicable in automation, embedded systems, and industrial control for companies that need a dependable industrial display. Visit their gallery of exhibitions on the homepage of FACE LCD and their touch solutions on the 5.7-inch Resistive Touch Screen page.

Conclusion

Automation of factories is in the future, and this will be founded on the seamless interaction between machines and humans. An industrial HMI is not just a display of information. It gives power to the operators, enhances decision-making, and encourages sustained productivity.

Are you prepared to enhance your industrial display experience or ready to get the Industrial Touch Panel Selection Guide? Choose Select FaceLCD, a well-known producer of custom industrial display technologies, industrial TFT LCD modules, and touch solutions that can be used in the harsh automation environment.