Technical article about modern HMI solutions

Control panel for industrial machines, membrane keypads, HMI applications

Functional key design for membrane keypads

Functional Key Design for Membrane Keyboards as a Key to Process Stability Technical Article from PC & Industry 04/2026 / Operation & Visualization Download Technical Article >> The design of user interfaces for industrial devices is often treated as a secondary consideration in the development process. Electronic architecture, protection classes, EMC requirements, or mechanical integration take precedence, while the interface is understood as merely a graphical representation. In reality, key design […]

Hand switch with silicone switching mat and plastic housing as an integrated HMI assembly

Project reference: Silicone switching mat as keyboard and seal

Custom plastic housing with integrated silicone touch mat for modern HMI solutions. For a custom HMI device, we developed a two-part plastic housing that, together with a specially designed silicone touch mat, combines several functions in a single component. The silicone touch mat simultaneously serves as the keypad, seals the two housing halves all around, and mechanically secures the entire assembly. This intelligent functional integration reduces

Standard enclosure or customized enclosure solution?

A case study from medical technology: When developing new devices, the question often arises whether a standard housing can be used for the electronics. The reason for this consideration is obvious: standard housings are readily available, require no additional design effort, and initially incur only low entry costs. For this reason, they appear particularly attractive in...

Technical glass as a user interface for medical and laboratory technology equipment

Technical glass for medical and laboratory technology

Glass components for safe and hygienic device functions – from 100 pieces. Glass as a key material for technical applications. In medical and laboratory technology, the highest precision, hygiene, and reliability are essential. Technical glass is far more than a classic covering material in this field – it performs load-bearing functions: for example, as protection for displays and sensors, as

Mobile analyzer with magnetic plug-in system and HMI control unit

Magnetic connector system for analytical devices – design study

Innovative magnetic connectors with IP67 protection for mobile use. Modern analytical instruments often have to be used under harsh environmental conditions: dirt, moisture, tensile stress, and mechanical strain are commonplace in workshops and during mobile service calls. A reliable magnetic connector system can play a crucial role here. For a project, we developed a design study for a magnetic connection solution that is precisely tailored to

Magnetic connector in a plastic housing for compact and hygienic device integration

Magnetic connectors in plastic housings

Integrating Functionality and Design in Modern Device Concepts: In the development of modern devices for medical and industrial applications, the demand for space-saving, hygienic, and user-friendly connection solutions is growing. Classic connectors are increasingly reaching their limits – particularly regarding installation space, ease of use, and design integration. We rely on magnetic connectors that are seamlessly integrated into customer-specific molded plastic parts. This combination

Magnetic connector with cable and screw-in counterpart for front panel mounting

Screw-in magnetic connector for front panel installation

Compact design, high reliability, and rapid housing integration: In a reference project, we developed a new design solution for magnetic connectors that enables direct integration into front panels. The screw-in magnetic connector allows for quick and secure mounting in plastic and metal housings – similar to a push button. This design not only allows for easy adaptation to individual designs but also

Medical technology assembly with membrane keypad and plastic carrier plate for integration into electronic devices

Multisensory membrane keypads in medical technology

Efficient Device Operation in Medical Technology In medical technology, the selection of individual components is crucial for the safety and efficiency of medical devices. A key component remains the membrane keypad. Thanks to its flexibility and adaptability, it significantly improves human-machine interaction. Membrane keypads consist of a multi-layered composite of several films, precisely tailored to the

Capacitive membrane keypad with touch operation in industrial HMI application

Capacitive membrane keypads

Traditional Design Combined with Touch Technology Technical Article Published in Operating & Visualizing 03/2024 Introduction The development of input devices has made significant progress in recent decades. Capacitive membrane keypads combine the robustness of traditional membrane keypads with the advanced touch sensitivity of capacitive technologies. This offers an impressive combination of sensitivity, precision, and durability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Silicone switch mats and membrane keypads compared for industrial and medical HMI operating solutions

Silicone keypad vs. membrane keypad

A Decision-Making Guide for Keyboard Developers Published in Meditronic 05/2023 In medical technology, keyboards and user interfaces are an indispensable aspect of device design. These components must not only be functional and reliable, but also meet the high standards of hygiene and user-friendliness required in clinical environments. From ultrasound machines to patient monitors and beyond...

Article Membrane keyboards and silicone switch mats

Versatility of small membrane keypads and silicone switch mats

Efficient input in a compact format: The versatility of membrane keypads and silicone keypads. Smart home applications and their control via smartphones offer a multitude of functions and enable the control of various devices via a single platform. This versatility is undoubtedly practical and opens up numerous application possibilities. Nevertheless, smartphones and smart applications reach their limits in certain situations.

Integrated magnetic connector with cable system in medical device for safe power and signal transmission

Integrated magnetic connectors

Custom Magnetic Connectors – Flat, Secure, and Fast Connections. Also published in Meditronic Journal 03/2023. Magnetic connectors with spring contacts meet the high demands of medical technology for safety, reliability, hygiene, and cleanability. They are increasingly used in the development of small medical devices such as hearing aids and wearables because they provide a fast, secure, and user-friendly connection between devices and

Silicone switch mat – a classic with future potential

Article about the future potential of silicone touch mats Published in PC & Industry 05/2023 Tip: Our design guide to silicone touch mats >> Silicone touch mat – a sensible combination of the advantages of both worlds The ongoing trend in HMI solutions towards a more intuitive, personalized and responsive user experience seems to be increasingly displacing tried and tested silicone touch mats as keyboard solutions. However, the combination of

Magnetic connectors with spring contacts and cable for industrial applications

Magnetic plugs and connectors for industrial applications

Design-oriented solution & efficient connection for industry PC & Industry 09-2022 Everyone is familiar with situations where connecting plugs and sockets is inconvenient and difficult. Diffuse lighting conditions and hard-to-reach installation locations have presented many a user with a real challenge. Especially small, delicate connector systems are often difficult to handle. Besides the frustration

Round magnetic connector with 360-degree rotation for flexible and twist-proof cable connection

Magnetic connectors for medical devices

Design-oriented plug-in solutions for HMI operator panels in medical technology. The trend towards more mobile, lighter, and more powerful medical devices presents designers with enormous challenges in developing innovative solutions. The devices must not only offer a wide range of functions and be aesthetically pleasing to the end customer, but also meet the stringent safety requirements of the medical industry.

Industrial keyboards

Industrial Keyboards: Robust, Reliable, and Easy to Use. Published in PC & Industry 09/2021. Controlling the crane while wearing dirty work gloves, and the keyboard in the assembly hall is constantly exposed to vibrations and grinding dust – there's no question that industrial applications demand a lot from input devices. A robust design, ease of use, and reliable functionality are the crucial factors here.

Keyboards in medical technology

Hygiene, functional reliability, and usability – keyboards in medical technology. The demands placed on devices in medical technology have always been extremely high. It's unthinkable if a ventilator were to simply stop working, or if an input error on an infusion pump were to lead to an overdose. The three guiding principles here are hygiene, functional reliability, and usability. Hygienic keyboards are almost obligatory.

Membrane keyboards – the perfect addition to touch

Technical article about membrane keypads. Published in the magazine "Operating + Visualizing" 06/2021. The principle of designing a human-machine interface to be understandable and intuitive often requires a combination of proven electromechanical components and multi-touch displays. Where previously elaborate keyboard layouts were required to operate a machine, today complex menu structures can be implemented through logical and clear designs in a single interface.

Advantages of membrane keypads in the food, laboratory and medical sectors

Membrane keyboards remain relevant. Technical article also in the electronics industry 08/2020: article as .pdf >> In the food, laboratory, and medical sectors, membrane keypads continue to play an important role due to their sealed surface, resistance to chemicals, and imperviousness to liquids and dust. N&H Technology from Willich has been manufacturing membrane keypads for all industries for over 20 years.

Input components Membrane keyboard, silicone switching mat, push button

Does the conventional keyboard have a future?

Article about the future of classic keyboards, membrane keypads, and silicone keypads. Published in PC & Industry 10/2020. One might think that the conventional keyboard as an input device has seen its golden age. In the telecommunications sector, it still ekes out a living in landline phones, while in the mobile sector it has almost completely ceded its place to smart display technologies. This is precisely because...

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