Industrial displays – applications overview
Displays for industrial machines are different from consumer ones by higher durability and adaptation to difficult working conditions. This is primarily due to their wide use – after all, they are installed in control panels, monitoring systems or machine interfaces. These devices must function flawlessly in conditions such as extreme temperatures, humidity, contamination, or intense electromagnetic interference. Most often, they are used in and must meet the needs of:
- industrial automation;
- medical devices;
- military devices;
- parameter meters;
- HMI (Human Machine Interface) control systems;
- coffee machines and other HORECA equipment;
- smart home;
- vending machines;
- electric vehicle chargers (EV chargers).
Specific requirements of the industrial sector
As the above list shows, the demand for industrial displays is very high, and the requirements for their reliability are even more significant. It is about ensuring high image quality, long-term reliability, and resistance to demanding working conditions. Here are the key aspects you should consider when choosing a display.
Industrial norms and regulations
The first step is to ensure that displays meet safety and industry standards to withstand extreme conditions such as intense electromagnetic interference, vibration, contamination, and extreme temperatures. This ensures safe and effective use in any industrial environment.
Prolonged work
Manufacturing facilities often have a two or even three-shift system. This means that the devices used there often have to operate continuously, almost 24/7. This requires high reliability and a long life of the backlight. Therefore, choose technologies that will not require frequent replacements or repairs.
Connectivity options
Nowadays, industrial machines must be adapted to the latest technological solutions available on the market. Only in this way can work be done faster and more efficiently. For this reason, displays should be able to integrate with industrial networks using Ethernet, WiFi, CAN, RS485, and others. Only then will they ensure smooth communication and data exchange between various elements of the system.
Long-term availability of spare parts
For any industrial entrepreneur, downtime caused by the inability to repair or replace a display can have disastrous consequences. To avoid this, choose only manufacturers who provide support for up to 15 years. This is the only way to ensure the continuity of operation of critical machines.
Basic differences between industrial and consumer displays
- Resistance to most demanding working conditions – including extreme temperatures, humidity, and contamination (dust, chemicals).
- Immunity to electromagnetic interference – crucial in industrial environments with many electrical equipment.
- Increased mechanical resistance (impacts, shocks, etc.).
- Touch screen – must withstand accidental impacts from tools or touch operation with thick gloves.
- Longer working hours – 24 hours/7 days a week.
Display technologies – which ones to choose for the industrial sector?
Now that we know where industrial displays are used and what requirements arise from those circumstances, it is time to answer the question: which type of display to choose? After all, not every technology can cope with such difficult conditions. Of the available options, TFT LCD displays are predominant for several reasons.
Versatility, excellent image quality, resistance to high temperatures, durability, and extended operating time – these features make TFT LCD technology the first choice for a wide range of industrial applications. Thanks to continuous technological innovation, LCD TFT displays offer better resolution, faster response times, and better viewing angles, making them even more attractive for advanced applications.
Although OLED technology offers high contrast and accurate color reproduction, its industrial use is limited mainly due to its higher price and smaller sizes. OLED displays are more suitable for specific applications where these features are crucial. Mono LCM LCD displays, on the other hand, are more often used for simple messages and are not currently considered a solution for advanced HMIs.
What next?
Now you know that when choosing a display for industrial devices, you must first consider its reliability, durability, and resistance to harsh conditions. And exactly what parameters should the display meet to operate for years? You will read about it in the next article of the Display 101 series. Click below to order a model that will meet your customers’ expectations.
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