• • • PANEL BUILDING • • •


Advantages of modular support arms and HMI enclosures for machine builders


Machine tools and manufacturing systems are evolving rapidly to respond to the needs of the IIOT and Industry 4.0. Production equipment has to be faster, more reliable, very flexible, be able to be installed in widely differing environments and have the ability to be re-purposed as production requirements evolve


T


here is no longer a “one size fits all” solution to machine control systems and centralised control equipment is rapidly being replaced


by decentralised power, programming and control – the HMI (the human/machine interface). Local control is no longer a simple matter of


fixing a dedicated control cabinet to the structure of a machine. Manufacturing equipment is becoming more compact, factory environments are evolving, and machines now need local intelligence and the ability to be controlled, programmed, commissioned, monitored, maintained and updated at point of use and be part of a smart, connected infrastructure. These new requirements call for a diverse range


of control options and HMI cabinet locations, on and off the machine. Creating bespoke HMI and mounting systems for every individual machine design can be time consuming and costly. A modular approach offering fully integrated HMI cabinets, support arms and mounting pillars, provides a cost effective and fast turnaround alternative. The main benefit of a modular approach is to


find flexible solutions for mounting HMI cabinets in locations which might be difficult to reach.


Mounting considerations include: • Where should the support arm be mounted?; • Will the profile diameter of the mounting arm be sufficient?;


• If the support arm has to change from a large dimensioned square form to a smaller size in order to mount an enclosure, a smaller dimensioned standard pipe component can be introduced;


• In the case of a large and/or heavy control panel a mix of standard support arm components may be used to transition from a large and strong support arm and joints fixed to the machine, to smaller components allowing final connection to the enclosure; and


• For very difficult locations or for HMI systems not provided by the machine manufacturer freestanding coupling towers can be used in any manufacturing situation or production line, enabling HMI to be located separate from the machine,


A modular range of HMI enclosures offers the


flexibility to meet both the space available and the control equipment required. Modular solutions allow standard components


to be mixed and matched to find the best fit for any requirement without engineering time or the cost of special tooling and offers fast delivery.


40 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • MAY 2022


Every HMI will require different components to


be mounted on its control panel. With a modular system standard panel sizes can be factory machined to accommodate switches, control buttons, displays, keyboards and monitors, and laser engraved with legends, company names and logos for complete customisation. If a monitor is required without a control panel,


a standard modular support arm can simply be fitted with a VESA joint allowing the direct mounting of a range of different sized monitors. Applications which can benefit from modular


support arms and HMI enclosures include machine control, robotic controls, materials handling equipment, automation networks, electrical and oil and gas industry switchgear. Foremost Electronics, the engineering-led


Essex based importer and specialist distributor of electromechanical components is now an authorised distributor for TEKNOKOL, a supplier to world-leading integrators of control panels, control systems, support arms and coupling towers. Alan Vincent, sales director at Foremost


Electronics, said: “As a family business, it values


personal relationships, ensuring flexibility, fast decision making and responsiveness to individual customer needs. TEKNOKOL is continually improving its product range and quality standards. “TEKNOKOL’s trademarks, patents, and design


registrations are recognized around the globe, and their products are certified by international testing laboratories.” The modular product range offers high quality


and cost-effective machine building and control solutions at lower cost and on shorter lead-times than other manufacturers in this market. And can provide form, fit and function replacements for products from major OEMs.


Products include; • Support arm systems including height adjustable versions, adapters and accessories;


• Operator control panel and HMI enclosure systems;


• Kiosk and stand systems; • Keyboard systems; • Monitor mounts; • Coupling towers; and • Cooling systems.


electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48