Proface

[Jimsparky]

Evening

Just wondered if anyone's had any experience with proface HMI's ? As a company we are all AB but i am looking for a more cost effective solution to providing a HMI for some of our smaller customers.

Any information would be handy also any other ideas?

Cheers, Jim.

 

[Robotstar5]

I've only worked on one machine with a Proface, mainly use Siemens HMI's (expensive) but have built a few small machines using Cutouch HMI/PLC and they're very good (and cost effective)

 

[SheffSimon]

I've used AB HMI's quite a few times, and used Siemens HMI's much more...AB always seemed way more expensive for a similar spec compared to Siemens.

Used Proface once, connected to an SLC 500 and it was easy to get working, it seemed aimed at AB market.

Just finishing a job with a Siemens KP600 display, which is easy to use/program. Sure that you can use a variety of drivers to communicate to different manufacturers PLC's

 

[silva.foxx]

Have a look at Red Lion G3's. The software 'Crimson 3' is free (very good to boot) and downloadable from the Red Lion website with a built-in sim. I can provide a sample I composed and used on a G310 screen on a real machine, if you like. No costly special leads to program... just standard USB 'A' to USB 'B'.

Screens can come with built-in USB and Ethernet plus flashcard port, with all the optional comms boards available. They are as robust as you can expect. Red Lion support is good too and frequent the plcs.net Q&A forum for feedback, notifications, ideas and support.

I've used the Rockwell, Siemens, Beijer (Mitsubishi), Proface and Lauer screens... but prefer the simplistic Red Lion stuff.

They also have other lines of products that I would love to get to use.

Hope this helps. At least you can try before you buy. :: RED LION CONTROLS ::

Distributors: United Kingdom and Ireland :: RED LION CONTROLS ::

 

[Jimsparky]

Thanks very much for your input all of you.
Sf I have ordered a red lion 4" screen to have a play about with. I have also downloaded the software, hopefully it will all work out well.
Thanks again, Jim.

 

[silva.foxx]

... Sf I have ordered a red lion 4" screen to have a play about with. I have also downloaded the software, hopefully it will all work out well.
Thanks again, Jim.

Any joy?

 

[Jimsparky]

Good evening, yeah all has gone well. I've even had a small application come up of which I will be using it for.
Also ordered 3 red lion led displays for a job to. Found there is a distributor very local to me.

Thanks, Jim.

 

[i4Automation]

We trend to use the Vision range from Unitronics they have a range of combined PLC + HMI's all-in-one with free software. Its a low cost solution that works well. Lets face it you can save a lot of time by programming the PLC and HMI all at the same time. Plus the I/O doesn't have to be on the back of the HMI it can also be DIN rail mounted or distributed on CANBus