Bacon Is Better (Customer) asked a question.
Will you start making a PLC with integrated HMI?
I wanted to comment that I would like that. but I couldn't save the survey without choosing which PLC brands are the best.
I have no idea. I never worked with most of the PLC brands listed, but for some projects, a PLC with integrated HMI makes a lot of sense
Don't know your time frame when you would need the HMI with PLC combo unit, but I am familiar with (2) companies that offer the combo unit: Maple Systems and EZ Automation. A combo unit would not have worked in our projects, but I can imagine it could make sense in some projects. I have not used EZ Automation for a long time (not since the EZ Touch by Automation Direct (PLC Direct). I have used the Maple Systems HMIs on a few projects. I found the programming required many steps to program one function, with multiple files to manage. The objects and events were much more difficult to program compared to the C-more HMIs.
Consider that all inputs and outputs will probably need to be wired out to the door in many cases. Also, if the PLC part or HMI part fails, it requires replacement of the whole device,
ProFace also makes and HMI with control but I much prefer using a C-More and Productivity 1000.
https://www.proface.com/en-us/product/hmi_control/lt4000m/top
Horner automation also make a HMI PLC combination. Wiring all the wires to the lid is sometimes not neat.
"If" AD decides to go this route, my wish is they make it so it has a removable terminal block (like those used on P1K or P2K), so one could go with a ZIPLink cable connecting to a ZL-RTB20, ZL-RTB20-1, ZL-RTB40, etc. feed through module for 24VDC power for the unit and I/O wiring. The feed through module could be installed to the DIN rail that you'd already have on your back panel for terminal blocks, power supply, drives, etc.
Todd you have a future as a hardware designer.
I'm retiring in 2-years, finishing a 53-year career in packaging machinery design, electrical design, and PLC/HMI/servo coding for said equipment. Thanks for the referral, but I'm exhausted. 😆
They offer CODESYS on Productivity PLCs which has the HMI integrated, any device with a web browser can display it.
Wiring I/O to the front of a panel is less desirable.