Smartphones, tablets, ATMs, information terminals - these are the places where we can now often use touchscreens in our daily lives. On top of that, the potential of touchscreens in industrial environments is enormous: not only do they make operating a plant faster and easier, they also increase the number of control options. Eliminating buttons and controllers on PLCs also makes it possible to install larger screens. All the mechanical elements of the control system are always visible at the same time, whereas with touch panels the user can only see the control elements that are necessary or useful for the situation in question or for the currently selected process or dialogue box, which makes operation easier and more intuitive.
However, touch panels face additional requirements in harsh industrial environments. Industrial panels must be particularly robust, scratch-resistant and anti-reflective. It is also important that they can be operated with gloves. Dust, shavings, dirt and lubricants must not impair operability or service life. Finally, the gestures required for operation must provide, as far as possible, all the functions already established in the consumer sector, such as sliding and scrolling with the fingers.
WIWOTOUCH has developed highly efficient touchscreens. Thanks to the new technology, these touch panels are suitable for harsh, dirty industrial environments and can be operated with gloves. Another advantage is that the new touch panels are extremely robust. In addition, the touch panels are compatible with multi-touch.
The following are the advantages of using touch panels in the industrial sector:
Improve operational efficiency: touch panels can simplify the operation process of industrial equipment, making the operation more convenient and intuitive, thus improving operational efficiency. Through the touch screen, the user can easily complete the control and adjustment of the equipment through the finger, without the need for cumbersome operating steps.
In addition to simplify the operation, the touch screen has more advantages. Mouse and keyboard are no longer required. The smart scroll function (swipe up or down with one finger) provides quick and easy access to CNC parameters and subroutines. Multi-touch functionality further speeds up operation: scroll with two fingers to move page by page, or use three fingers to jump directly to the beginning or end of a programme.
Reduced Failure Rate: The touch screen reduces the number of mechanical components such as mechanical switches and buttons, reducing the number of wear parts in the equipment and effectively reducing the failure rate. At the same time, the touch screen also has the characteristics of good durability, can be long-term stable operation, reduce maintenance costs.
Expanded functions: The touch screen can integrate a variety of functions, such as alarms, records, diagnostics, etc., to achieve full monitoring and remote control, bringing greater convenience to production management.
Improve precision: The touch screen optimises the operation process, completes the operation quickly and intuitively, increases the precision of the operation, and avoids the appearance of human error.
Enhanced security: The touch screen can be preset with security levels and operating privileges to ensure the safety of operators and prevent misuse and malicious operations.
Reduced costs: the touch screen enables simple and direct control and monitoring processes, eliminating the need for other control equipment, while reducing the time and cost required to replace and repair various mechanical devices.
