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www.us-tech.com
October, 2016
Keeping People in Mind: Safe, Reliable and Ergonomic HMI Design
By Joe Torzillo, Vice President Sales, HMI Components, EAO Corp. H
uman Machine Interface (HMI) encompasses all the elements of interaction be -
tween a person and a machine. The task of the HMI designer is to create safe, reliable and ergonomic systems that allow the operator to monitor and control various machines and processes as efficiently as possible. Innovations within SCADA
(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems are pushing industrial companies to improve the quality of the interfaces to reflect today’s styles. Screen-based master controllers have enhanced capabili- ties to visualize and display produc- tion processes, typically in combina- tion with a tactile control panel for primary system start-up, safety and security functions. Despite this migration of features to screens and visualization software, illuminated switches, including pushbuttons, indicators, selectors, and toggle switches, remain essential in what are referred to as “mixed technolo- gies” solutions.
HMI’s Role in Machine Design The industrial machinery sector
is heavily focused on increasing automation. Here, precision, speed, performance, miniaturization, and networking are necessary for suc- cess. However, industrial machinery is becoming ever more complex, lead- ing to greater safety demands in operation.
According to a report from the
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, the large number of employees working with machines or computers indicates a need for prop- er HMI design. Poor design can lead to occupational hazards, including stress or musculoskeletal disorders, as well as an increase in the risk of accidents. The potential cost to an employer due to reduced productivi- ty, damaged reputation, or users’ dis- satisfaction is evident. To meet increasing demands, it’s
been essential to develop specially engineered HMI components and HMI Systems that ensure safe operation even in the most difficult conditions. When it comes to keeping peo-
ple safe, there can be no compromis- es. EAO has years of experience in
developing and manufacturing HMI components and HMI systems for both basic and complex industrial machinery, ensuring safe and error- free operation. The company stresses the
importance of its dedication to pro- viding safety, high performance, and precision to drive progress in the industrial sector. By being modular in assembly, products can be easily
mechanical components that encom- pass not only the type of device, electrical specifications, environ- mental sealing, mounting and termi- nation styles, but also ergonomic considerations such as appearance, configuration, size, illumination and tactile feel. Today’s HMI compo- nents are precisely-crafted devices, made to exacting design specifica- tions and precise tolerances from
comprehensively protect against the ingress of fluids or solids that are found in packaging factories, while still allowing users to perform their tasks. Control systems must be quickly and easily set up and easily adjustable to new production pro - cesses.
The goal is to make this essen-
tial process easier, faster, and more accurate. To be successful, an HMI manufacturer needs expertise in machine integration and functioning logic, project management, appropri- ate documentation for line qualifica- tion, and testing of centralized advi- sory services. For the electronics market, it is
necessary to have a thorough knowl- edge of the manufacturing of semi- conductors and electronic devices, plus a complete understanding of both functional and regulatory requirements. Applications in semiconductor
An operator uses a human machine interface to control packaging equipment for a soft drink manufacturer.
configurable to meet most of the demanding requirements of many applications. However, when those requirements cannot be addressed, the company has developed a system to enhance any of its extensive range of industrial HMI components to meet customer needs, both quickly and cost-effectively. The company develops and
manufactures a large range of indus- trial HMI products such as pushbut- tons (including illuminated), indica- tors, emergency stop switches and more. With decades of experience as a global provider, it has the knowl- edge and products to satisfy cus- tomers’ application needs, quality expectations and the standards of international governing bodies.
Components for Demanding Machinery
Over time, HMI component technol- ogy has adapted to serve the increasingly specialized needs of machinery. Designers today face an eclectic range of choices in electro-
high-grade plastics, metals, and carefully calibrated springs. For example, machine and
process controls in the food and bev- erage industry not only have to work efficiently and safely, but are also subjected frequently to the influences of moisture, dust and cleaning fluids. Considering the great
variety of operating require- ments, it is extremely impor- tant to make the interaction between the operator and the machine safe, intuitive, reliable and repeatable. Tak - ing into account the long service life, it is essential to develop reliable, high-quali- ty operating concepts for machines in accordance with IP, NEMA, IEC, ADA, ANSI and OSHA. Packaging systems, especially
and electronics production require many operator control terminals. These often consist of industrial PCs with touchscreen displays to control production machines, plus a number of discrete electromechanical compo- nents. Emergency-stops, for exam- ple, are considered to be a discrete function in this market. The system design needs to be made in accor- dance with the SEMI S2 guidelines. Intuitive operation, interactivi- ty and full functionality are vital fac-
HMI made up of pushbuttons, switches and dials.
those in food and beverage indus- tries, operate in a clean production environment geared towards high work volumes. HMI systems must
tors. It is critical that the design meets industry-specific needs such as clean-room regulations and preci- sion requirements with flexible,
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