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Smarter Machine Control with HMI Technology

Modern industrial automation depends on visibility.

Operators need fast access to machine status, alarms and process information to understand what is happening within a system and respond when something changes. While traditional pushbuttons and indicator lights still have their place, they provide limited information about the wider process.

A Human Machine Interface (HMI) brings this information together on a visual touchscreen, giving operators a central point from which to monitor and interact with machinery and automated processes.

The Himel HG Human Machine Interface Range, available from CED South Africa, combines intuitive touchscreen operation with industrial communication capabilities to provide a practical interface between operators and their automation systems.

What Is an HMI?

A Human Machine Interface is the visual interface through which an operator interacts with a machine, PLC or automated process.

Instead of relying solely on individual switches, gauges and indicator lights, an HMI can display important operating information in one place.

Depending on the application and system programming, operators can use an HMI to view machine status, process values and alarms, as well as interact with the control system.

The result is greater visibility into what is happening within the machine or process and easier access to the information required for day-to-day operation.

Introducing the Himel HG HMI Range

The Himel HG range has been designed for industrial control and automation applications requiring a modern touchscreen interface.

CED supplies two models:

HAHG070E – 7-inch HMI
A compact option suited to applications where panel space is limited or a smaller operator interface is required.

HAHG101E – 10.1-inch HMI
A larger interface providing additional screen space for applications requiring greater visualisation.

Both models feature a 1024 × 600 TFT display, providing a clear interface for displaying machine and process information.

Designed for Industrial Automation

An HMI needs to do more than provide an attractive display. It must communicate effectively with the wider automation system.

The Himel HG range incorporates Ethernet and RS485 communication, providing connectivity for industrial automation applications, together with USB Host connectivity.

Powered by an ARM Cortex-A7 processor, the HG range combines responsive touchscreen operation with the processing capability required for industrial machine interfaces.

Key features include:

  • 1024 × 600 TFT display
  • ARM Cortex-A7 processor
  • Ethernet communication
  • RS485 communication
  • USB Host connectivity
  • 24VDC power supply
  • IP65 front protection
  • Industrial panel mounting
  • Operating temperature from 0°C to 50°C

The range can also be integrated with Himel PLCs, helping create a more complete Himel automation solution.

Greater Visibility for Operators

One of the key advantages of introducing an HMI into an automation system is the amount of information that can be presented to the operator.

Rather than interpreting a collection of individual lights and switches, operators can access a visual representation of the machine or process from a central interface.

This can make it easier to monitor operating conditions, identify alarms and understand the current status of equipment.

For OEM machine builders and system integrators, an HMI also provides a flexible way of designing the operator interface around the requirements of the particular machine or process.

HMI Applications Across Industry

The Himel HG HMI range can be incorporated into a wide variety of industrial automation and machine-control applications.

Pump Control and Water Treatment

HMIs can provide operators with a central interface for monitoring pumps and process information in water treatment and water management applications.

Conveyor Systems

For material handling and conveyor applications, an HMI can provide visibility of system status and operating conditions from a single touchscreen.

Packaging Machinery

Packaging equipment often incorporates multiple automated functions. An HMI provides a practical interface through which operators can interact with and monitor the machine.

HVAC Systems

HMIs can form part of automated HVAC control systems, providing an accessible interface for monitoring relevant operating information.

Manufacturing and OEM Machinery

From standalone machines to larger automated manufacturing processes, HMIs provide OEMs and system integrators with a modern alternative to relying solely on traditional operator controls.

Building a Complete Automation Solution

The HMI is one part of the wider automation architecture.

By combining the Himel HG HMI range with Himel PLC technology, panel builders, OEMs and system integrators can develop integrated control solutions with both machine control and operator visualisation.

With Ethernet and RS485 communication, industrial panel mounting and a choice of 7-inch or 10.1-inch displays, the HG range provides flexibility across different machine and process requirements.

Intelligent Machine Control at Your Fingertips

As industrial systems become increasingly automated, giving operators clear and intuitive access to machine information becomes increasingly important.

The Himel HG Human Machine Interface Range provides a modern touchscreen solution for visualising and interacting with industrial machinery and automated processes.

Whether controlling pumps, monitoring a water treatment process, operating conveyor systems or integrating an interface into OEM machinery, the HG range provides the connectivity, display capability and industrial design required for modern automation applications.

Intelligent Machine Control at Your Fingertips.

Contact CED South Africa for pricing, technical support and stock availability across the Himel industrial automation range.