Mitsubishi Electric launches an HMI for extreme environments

HMIs have been widely used to facilitate operator control within the factory environment for many years now; however the growing application of automation outside the factory means that HMIs are expected to operate in much harsher, more demanding applications than standard products are used to. To address these needs Mitsubishi Electric has added a new ruggedized variant to their already comprehensive HMI product range.

The GOT2507T-WTSD is a 7″ HMI with an extended operating temperature range of -20°C to +65°C, and as it has protection ratings to IP67F/IP66F it can be cleaned with high a pressure washers without the need for additional protective measures. As a result, it is a perfect fit for industries such as consumer, food & beverage and utilities.

Whilst standard HMIs typically feature an operating temperature range from 0-55°C, the expanded temperature range of the GOT2507T-WTSD means it can be used in harsher environments without the need for heaters in the lowest temperatures or fans and coolers in the highest. This can significantly reduce operating expenses for the likes of food and beverage manufacturers and in power industry applications, as well as offering more flexibility for deployment where extreme temperatures are encountered.

Mitsubishi Electric’s HMIs are now being used in many outdoor applications such as car washes and EV charge points, consequently there is a need for brighter displays and tolerance to long-term exposure to UV light. The GT2507T-WTSD display offers an impressive 1000 cd/m2 which is over twice the brightness of standard HMIs as well as carefully chosen coating materials that reduce glare and won’t degrade when exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, since the structure of the front panel has been reinforced with a metal housing, this rugged model can be used in environments that are subject to shock or vibration.

Along with the increased strength and durability, users benefit from all the high performance features and functions of the existing GOT2000 models. These include multiple communication interfaces, comprising of 2 Ethernet ports, wireless LAN interface, USB, RS232 and RS422/485. In addition to this, a programmable text-to-speech audio output reinforces the information displayed on the screen and Mitsubishi Electric’s web server provides real-time machine visualisation using remote devices such as tablets, smartphones and PCs. All of these functions help improve productivity and reduce the total cost of ownership for machinery.

Mitsubishi HMIs are already widely used in the food & beverage and other traditional manufacturing industries, but we should expect to see further applications for the GOT2507T-WTSD in heavy machinery applications, parking systems, power conditioners, EV charging stands and other utility industries.