The MMI or Man/Machine Interface

The MMI is like the Operator's Push Button Station

This photo shows an OMRON Unit

The MMI, or to be politically correct the HMI (Human/Machine Interface), is the modern equivalent of the operator's push button station.  It consists of a monitor, that can display many touch screens.

The unit should be mounted, in a position, convenient to the operator. In some applications, it is mounted in a pendant enclosure, that can be moved out of the operator's area, when not required. (Probably the most expensive mounting). If the unit can be mounted, in the door of the main control cabinet, then this must be the least expensive mounting option.

Up to 256, different, colour screens are available. These screens can be used to:

1. Control the System.
   Push buttons and selector switches, can be designed in, to give the operator, complete control of the machine.
    
2. Monitor the System.
   Every Input and Output can be displayed, showing it's status, in real time.
    
3. Record System performance.
   The System cycle time can be displayed and recorded, as well as the number of machine cycles to date. The number of rejects manufactured is also possible to display-but memory limits, on recorded data, must be taken into account.

We find it very useful, that ACAD dwg files can be incorporated, into a touch screen, thus allowing a complete system to be displayed. Digital photos can also be downloaded, so many types of messages can be displayed to the operator or maintenance personnel.

To sum up - if the cost can be justified, the HMI can be so much more useful, both to the operator and to maintenance personnel. For the larger and more complex projects, it is the only way to go.

To return from the MMI, page to the PLC page, click here.
 

---

Please note that the above listed companies are by no means the only manufacturers, nor the only ones we have used, over the years, but they do make an excellent product, THAT IN THE CORRECT APPLICATION, should give years of trouble free service.

---

To find out more about what you can do with a MMI, please feel free to contact us.

Return to home page