Human machine interface is commonly referred to as HMI. It is an interface or dashboard that a human can use to operate machines. HMIs are classified as any form of device or screen that a human uses, for example a computer, tablet, or phone, but for the most part it refers to an interface that is used to operate a range of industrial machines via an interface. The technology used in HMI products can be complex, as it continues to advance, the superior features and capabilities of control products makes it easier for HMI to take over the operation of industrial machinery without hassle.

HMI within industrial settings have been used for displaying data, tracking production times and trends, monitoring the inputs and outputs, and operational components such as turning on and off a machine, just to name a few. HMI helps businesses to enable their employees to perform tasks with the help of automation tools to increase efficiency, reduce cost of labor and reduces the risk of human errors. With the push for optimisation and innovative technology advancements occurring, it has driven an increase in various industries to implement HMI products to increase profitability.

Integrating HMI systems within your business requires careful consideration on how they are designed to ensure success, with each HMI being implemented differently, the components such as switch controls, actuators and indicators, can vary depending on the purpose of the HMI and what it is required to control and monitor.

 
IPD offers the IDEC FT1A Touch HMI + PLC as the solution to your automation needs. This system is a combination of a PLC processing and HMI monitoring and control system, providing you with a reliable, versatile, and smart system. The FT1A has a range of features including but not limited to fast processing speed that allows for basic instructions to be processed at 1850µs per 1000 steps of programming, data logging, easy program file transfer, digital and analog inputs with 10-bit resolution, and high-speed counters.

 
Additionally, up to three FT1A controllers can be configured as remote I/0 slaves for the FT1A touch, expanding the overall potential of the system. The PID controls in the system are easy to configure and can be monitored using a single screen. The FT1A controller with relay outputs is equipped with four 10A relay contacts, and the transistor outputs in the 40 & 48 I/O model offer two 100Khz high-speed outputs for simple positioning controls, whereas the touch model offers a 2 x 4-20mA Analog outputs with PID function.

 

The IDEC FT1A Touch HMI + PLC’s display is a smart LCD screen, with ethernet connectivity, allowing for projects files to be remotely uploaded or downloaded, and critical logging data to be retrieved at a moments notice. The FT1A was construction with the ability to communicate with other PLC’s, allowing for easier installation into current systems.