Guide to Industrial Displays and Monitors

One of the very widely used types of industrial monitor is the HMI display. What does HMI stand for? It means human-machine interface. These systems are essential parts of factory automation.

So, what is HMI display? Simply put, the HMI enables the user to engage with and control a machine. A mouse or keyboard is an example of an HMI we’re all familiar with. What is a HMI screen? Industrial HMI monitors are used in manufacturing, oil and gas production, utilities, and building and infrastructure operations to control processes.

How does a human machine interface work? Key capabilities of HMIs include:

• Monitoring processes. Operators can manage a process by monitoring it in real time. The HMI shows data such as information from sensors and production metrics
• Controlling machines. HMI displays allow the engineer or technician to input commands. A typical example might be starting and stopping a production cycle
• Visualising production. The HMI may display graphics, diagrams, or charts. This enables the operator to have insight into the status of the production operation
• Alarm management. The HMI may visually or audibly alert the operator if something is going wrong. This can enable the technician to intervene to prevent damage to machinery or lost production
• Remote access. The HMI may be situated remotely to allow the operator to control the machine on the shopfloor as if they were on site

What is a touch screen and what is a touch screen used for? A touch screen can be operated just by pressing the screen and is a common type of HMI In industrial settings. That’s because, just as consumer PCs and mobile devices sometimes employ touch screens, they are quick and easy to operate in the manufacturing environment.

Unlike the touch screen on a laptop, however, industrial touch screens are standalone equipment that can be connected to a piece of machinery or a computer and have been ruggedised for production environments. Some touch screens have thick or hardened glass. They may also have an ingress protection rating (IP rating) that shows the design is effective in preventing ingress by dust, dirt, or water.

What is a ruggedised display? It’s a monitor that has been specifically designed to operate in a tough environment. Ruggedised displays are used in military and marine applications but also in factories. These types of monitors are designed to operate around the clock and are tested to cope with long production cycles. They may feature scratch-resistant surfaces or thick glass for protection, and they will have a strong IP rating. They may also be designed to cope with extreme temperatures, vibrations, or shocks.

Industrial screens and displays may be housed in cabinets and enclosures designed for the purpose. Computer cabinets may be made from steel or stainless steel, IP-rated to protect against dust and water, or ruggedised to protect the display in a hazardous or otherwise hostile environment.

Some types of industrial monitors come in panel format for ease of mounting. Panel-mount monitors are compact and can easily be ruggedised for industrial use. A range of types and sizes of panel-mount industrial monitors is available.

Open frame monitors can be designed for industrial use, as well as their common applications in point of sale and medical. Open frame monitors include an enclosure covering the rear of the monitor, but the front of the display is unprotected and has mounting brackets attached to the side. Open frame monitors have the advantage of being easy to clean and are a good way of conveying information quickly, while providing simple touch screen technology, too.