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Modular HMI mounts in a standard 22mm hole
Published:  22 August, 2013

The Japanese HMI and communications specialist, Prof-face, has announced a modular controller and operator interface which installs in standard 22mm round holes – the same size used for switches and indicator lights. The LT4000M series combines a 3.5” or 5.7” display with a DIN-rail-mounting controller.

Usually, installing HMIs on control panels requires the use of specialised tools to machine an appropriate aperture, depending on the size of the HMI.

The 22mm holes for the new HMIs can be produced using widely available drills, saving on installation time and costs. The HMIs are also 17% thinner and occupy 43% less volume than Pro-Face’s earlier 5.7” LT3000 series, saving space on the control panel. A dedicated separation cable, up to 5m long, can be used to link the controller to the display, saving further space on the panel, and increasing the choices for installation location.

Pro-face's modular HMI and controller can be mounted using 22mm holes

There are eight models in the new series, including both digital and analogue I/O versions. Detailed operation screens can be created via the 65,536-colour TFT displays with 3D graphics. A multi-link Ethernet function allows users to add HMIs as sub-displays without changing any settings on the control device. An off-line simulation function allows screens, logic programs, and program operation to be verified, without needing to connect to an HMI. Tag information from Step7 project files Siemens PLCs can be imported, reducing the time needed to create screens.