COMMENT
Tough new HMI enclosures to meet rising demand for 7“ and 10“ touch screens
As construction vehicles, tractors and combine harvesters become increasingly digitised, the in-cab display has evolved into a highly sophisticated control interface, delivering guidance, control, safety information and connectivity. This shift is creating sustained demand for rugged HMI enclosures for seven and ten inch screens.
W
hile display sizes vary across applications, seven and ten inch screens have emerged as industry standards. The seven inch format is widely used where space is limited or where the display serves a focused control function; ten inches is increasingly specified as the primary operator interface, supporting richer graphical content such as GNSS guidance maps, cut-and-fill views, multiple data panes and combined camera feeds. For operators working long shifts, the bigger screen significantly improves usability and reduces cognitive load.
Specifying the right enclosure is critical: agricultural and construction environments can expose screens to dust, moisture, impacts, vibration, temperature extremes and Electromagnetic/Radio Frequency Interference (EMI/RFI), often over service lives exceeding 10 years.
Mobile machinery presents a punishing mechanical environment. Displays are subjected to continuous low-frequency vibration from engines, punctuated by high- shock events caused by uneven terrain, implement impacts or tool engagement. Screens must also withstand operator- induced loads and knocks. In confined cabs, HMIs are often used as handholds or can be accidentally struck by arms, tools or equipment. Larger ten inch screens are particularly vulnerable because the increased glass area raises the risk of flexing and cracking if the housing lacks sufficient stiffness.
Temperature is often underestimated. Sealed HMIs installed in vehicle cabs can face wide temperature ranges, from sub- zero winter starts to intense summer heat amplified by solar loading through cab glazing. As displays become brighter and incorporate more powerful processors, heat dissipation becomes an important design consideration.
ROLEC’s robust new profiCASE (IP 65, IP 66, IP 67) diecast aluminium enclosures are at home in challenging conditions like these, providing an elegant but cost-
effective solution for industrial and outdoor applications ranging from mechanical engineering and plant machinery to underground mining.
This broad spectrum of possible applications makes versatility essential so profiCASE offers plenty of mounting options. It can be fitted to a wall or machine, attached to a suspension arm (such as profiPLUS 50 or taraSMART) or bolted to a VESA 100 bracket. Two versions are available at launch: PCD features rear screw mounting (so the screws are not visible from the front). PCV has front screw mounting for fitting the enclosure to a flat surface; Torx screws deter tampering. Handle strips enable easy adjustment, making the housing suitable for mobile applications.
Smart design features also include an integrated hinge solution and captive lid (maximum opening angle 95°). Hooking the cover in place and securing it with locking screws makes profiCASE a compact cabinet. Integrated hinges prevent the cover from becoming detached. But if necessary, the cover can be removed quickly by undoing the two mounting screws. Good ingress protection is vital for
enclosures such as these. IP 66 is often cited as the starting point for industrial applications, though IP 65 may suffice in less harsh locations. An IP 6X rating confirms complete protection against dust ingress, while the second digit indicates the level of water resistance: IP 65 (low pressure 30 kPa water jets); IP 66 (temporary flooding 100 kPa); IP 67 (immersion for up to 30 minutes in depths of 150 mm to 1,000 mm). Like other ROLEC enclosures, profiCASE has been designed with easy customisation in mind. This includes machining of apertures for displays, controls and interfaces; custom colours (powder coating or wet painting) and printing of legends, logos and photo- quality graphics. The aim is for the customer to receive the enclosures ‘production line ready’ for the installation of the electronics. This can include pre-fitting of accessories such as cable grommets or pressure compensation elements.
For more information about profiCASE, view the ROLEC website:
https://rolec-enclosures.co.uk/en/ enclosures-accessories/proficase#top
FEBRUARY 2026 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
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