New-Tech Europe Magazine | Dec 2017

Motion Control Special Edition

Soamassiverangeofapplications for industrial usage... Ischen: ...but these are only a few of the options. According to the Machine Operation market study, mechanical engineers are no longer using operating elements only for normal operation and to deal with issues such as visualization and operations, but also for more complex tasks such as diagnosis and maintenance, in start- up, set-up and tooling as well as commissioning. Hot topics such as condition monitoring and predictive maintenance are also included here. The operating levels can be used to differentiate functionalities for versions of a machine type and distribute role- based tasks. HMIs literally act as interfaces between different worlds. An HMI/PLC - a programmable logic controller with an operating panel - can also integrate existing machines via a retrofit. The process involves an appropriate operating concept, comprising the type of device and its technology, as well as the visualization and integration in context and the whole system. Why are standards so important when integrating operating concepts? Ischen: Operating devices have to comply with numerous statutory requirements before their market launch. Europe has standards for designing an operating concept to minimize operating errors and unintentional actions. DIN EN 60204-1 governs security and electrical fittings on machines, as well as operating concepts: general requirements for the arrangement, assembly and protection types, e.g. for push buttons as well as which color is used for what purpose. EN 60072 and EN 60047, which are also called operating principles, are about labeling rules. Outside the IEC other rules apply if the manufacturer or their customer operates internationally.

Image 1 : Augmented reality will give machine controls and operations of the future new possibilities

A lot of regulations instead of creative design? Ischen: For mechanical engineers, it is not just about meeting standards. The issue of what information they need to provide customers and operators - and how to do so - is important. Machine operating teams are frequently international. The operating concept focuses on reducing the complexity of country-specific variants for example. Universally understandable symbols are better than plain text. Touch panels and multi-touch displays open plenty of opportunities. However, colors, shapes, and terms are not interpreted the same way in all countries. In North America, pictograms are problematic for example. Those bypassing market practices and local requirements risk significant additional costs and delayed launches - this also applies to visualization concepts. What items are still missing on the list of engineering criteria? Ischen: The usability issue remains - with durable characteristics for raw industrial environments and a completely different set of

requirements for hygienic design in the food industry. Professional and trade associations and chambers of commerce also create special requirements. A good example of how added value can also be created with a coherent operating concept is when operating units have technical release certificates exceeding standards as Eaton’s many components do. Such approaches create engineering opportunities and provide flexibility. So value-added can be created with the human machine interface? Ischen: Yes, all the considerations involved in a coherent operating concept are also the starting points for adding value. Design, feel and materials, for example, also convey an impression of value and the mechanical engineer can use them to create a competitive advantage in the eyes of the customer. The system concept also plays a role. Concepts geared to current and future requirements reflect the entire value chain, facilitating planning

New-Tech Magazine Europe l 55