Displays
OPTIMISING HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE PROTOTYPES
To improve the quality of human machine interface (HMI) prototypes, UK provider of Stratasys 3D printing solutions, Tri-Tech 3D, recently supplied APEM Components with a Stratasys PolyJet multi-material additive manufacturing (AM) system. At its Winchester site, the company is now using the Stratasys J35 Pro to create high-quality prototypes, shorten design cycles and reduce costs by minimising its reliance on bureaus.
emergency stop switches. To showcase its capabilities to customers at trade shows and site visits, the company wanted to produce high-quality prototypes with elaborate designs in multiple materials. Tri-Tech 3D supplied APEM Components with the Stratasys J35 Pro, a multi-material PolyJet printer suitable for office environments. Users can create models with rubber-like characteristics, as well as high-impact, rigid, translucent and biocompatible components. Manufacturers can use up to three materials during one build, which reduces overall production time by avoiding the need for multiple printing shifts. “When we started our 3D printing journey a few years back, we invested in an FDM system,” explains Howard Spink, senior design engineer at APEM. “For a while, we were leading the pack in our in-house printing capability, but there was always room to improve. Not only did these parts often contain visible lines, but we also wanted to create flexible, more extravagant prototypes, such as joystick gaiters, that better demonstrated our capabilities. “Although we had an FDM printer on site, we still used bureaus to create the occasional gasket or gaiter, which extended lead times and increased overall costs,” continued Spink. “Tri-Tech 3D recommended the J35 Pro because it’s simple to use and has minimal maintenance requirements. With the system now in place, we can print a wider range of
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PEM Components specialises in the design and manufacture of HMI parts, including panel switches, joysticks, LED indicators and industrial controls such as
ENCLOSURES FOR CONTROL ELECTRONICS AND HMI
systems, panel PCs and HMI electronics. They are specifically designed for mounting on standard VESA brackets/ arms, walls, machines and round poles. TECHNOMET-CONTROL is ideal for indoor applications such as industrial machine control, factory processing, security systems, test and measurement, point-of-sale, IIoT and detection equipment. It is suitable specifically for Siemens TP displays (sizes KTP400 to TP1200) but can also house touchscreens and displays by other manufacturers, including Beckhoff and B&R.
M
ETCASE has launched elegant new TECHNOMET-
CONTROL aluminium enclosures for electronic control
prototypes from the comfort of our facility and create high-quality parts with shorter design cycles than ever before.” “The value of multi-material prototyping for APEM cannot be overstated,” adds Dave Moore, 3D print consultant at Tri-Tech 3D. “APEM is now using Vero DraftGrey, Vero UltraClear, Vero UltraBlack and Vero UltraWhite on the J35 Pro to produce component housing and, as a result, it can show customers how the switches and cables inside interact with one another. Not only can this boost customer engagement, but it also ensures confidence in the final product.
Tri-Tech 3D
www.tritech3d.co.uk
Slim, attractive TECHNOMET-CONTROL features a modern cohesive design. Diecast front and rear bezels fit flush with the main case body. Snap-on trims hide all the assembly screws. The enclosures are easy and cost-effective to customise in any size, with plenty of space for connectors. The front panel is recessed in the bezel to protect displays and membrane keypads. At the rear VESA MIS-D 100 mounting points are provided for fitting an off-the-shelf VESA control arm or wall bracket. The base panel on the underside is removable with space for cable entry. Inside, the assembly extrusions have M3 holes and guide rails to hold internal plates, and the rear panel has M3 PCB pillars. All the case panels are fitted with M4 threaded pillars for earth connections. Some studs can also be used with retaining straps to secure the front and rear panels during maintenance.
METCASE Enclosures
www.metcase.co.uk
March 2024 Instrumentation Monthly
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