Avalue OTC modular HMI system

Avalue’s OTC is a customisable and integrable HMI control system designed for the manufacturing industry. Designed to provide continuous upgrades for smart factories, improving stability and optimising allocation and monitoring, the product is suitable for applications such as digital central control systems for CNC machines and HMI for production automation. It features a simple and intuitive operating interface and expandable functions, resulting in an automated factory control system with flexible production structure.

The HMI panel may be used according to the visual presentation of the main screen, viewed in landscape or portrait orientation depending on the user’s preference. To achieve space efficiency and effective layout, the interface is divided into five modular areas for flexible allocation according to usage scenario. Area A is the main touchscreen area, area B/D is the secondary screen (either LCD or E-ink) or control buttons, area C is the expansion ports and area D is the physical buttons (emergency stop button, manual pulse generator and MPG handwheel).

The main touchscreen is compatible with high-performance PCs and touchscreens. The touchscreen panel is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and customisable. This means it can accommodate coating technology, sunlight visibility and specific touchscreen operation (switching between different touchscreen profiles, such as glove and water droplet) according to changes in environmental conditions.

The modular HMI system integrates hardware, software and firmware requirements to speed up the implementation of automated production. Object-oriented visualisation HMI package software iFace-Designer connects elements in the program with multiple devices, such as PLC, inverter, thermostat and motor driver, to monitor and control the manufacturing process. Avalue’s remote monitoring software Renity Sentinel 2 monitors system health at all times, meaning that data is secure at any time and there is no disruption to system operation. Through customised expansion, it supports fieldbus communications systems such as EtherCAT, Profinet and Profibus, achieving high-speed and high-performance industrial automation applications.