HMI and Operator Panels

HMI and operator panels (HMI screens) are human-machine interface devices connected to a PLC that let the operator monitor machine or process data on a screen, issue commands, and manage information such as alarms and recipes. They replace groups of push buttons, pilot lights and indicators on the panel door and are used in production lines, packaging machines and pump stations. The category includes panels from Schneider Electric, Delta Electronics, GMT and ABB with screen sizes such as 4.3 inch, 7 inch, 10.1 inch and 15 inch and resolutions such as 800 × 480 and 1024 × 600, as well as wired handheld terminals. Choose the screen size and resolution according to the density of the information to be displayed, the number of serial ports and Ethernet ports according to the devices to be connected, the communication driver according to your PLC's brand and protocol, and the panel cut-out dimensions according to the mounting location. Each panel is programmed with its own manufacturer's software; moving a project to a panel of another brand mostly requires redesign. HMI accessories and the HMI controllers without display that output the image to an external screen are listed in separate subcategories.

Products

How to choose HMI and Operator Panels

HMI and operator panels (HMI screens) are human-machine interface devices connected to a PLC that let the operator monitor machine or process data on a screen, issue commands, and manage information such as alarms and recipes. They replace groups of push buttons, pilot lights and indicators on the panel door and are used in production lines, packaging machines and pump stations.

  • Separate sensing, motion control, logic processing and operator interface requirements.
  • Select signal type, supply voltage, communication protocol and I/O count for the machine network.
  • Verify housing size, sensing distance and PNP/NPN output polarity against the PLC input card.

Frequently asked questions

What is HMI and Operator Panels and where is it used?

HMI and operator panels (HMI screens) are human-machine interface devices connected to a PLC that let the operator monitor machine or process data on a screen, issue commands, and manage information such as alarms and recipes. They replace groups of push buttons, pilot lights and indicators on the panel door and are used in production lines, packaging machines and pump stations.

What should I compare when choosing HMI and Operator Panels?

Choose the screen size and resolution according to the density of the information to be displayed, the number of serial ports and Ethernet ports according to the devices to be connected, the communication driver according to your PLC's brand and protocol, and the panel cut-out dimensions according to the mounting location.

Which product groups are available under HMI and Operator Panels?

The current subcategories include HMI Controllers Without Display. Open a subcategory to compare its products and technical details.

What Is an HMI? Operator Panel Selection Guide