Customer-specific HMI modules and operator panels

From the first idea to series delivery

Product development of HMI operator panels with plastic housing, electronics and assemblies from concept to series production

From individual components to complete HMI operator panels, we handle the development, procurement, manufacturing, and assembly of customer-specific modules. We ensure that housings , controls , electronics, displays, connection technology , and other components are technically and economically compatible.

Depending on the project, we can get involved as early as the concept phase or take over existing designs and parts lists. We support you from prototypes and sampling to series production and, if desired, also handle final inspection, procurement, warehousing, and logistics.

HMI operator panels from a single source

Depending on the application, we combine different components to create a functional HMI assembly or complete operator panel. These can include, for example , housings , membrane keypads , silicone touch mats , displays , circuit boards , cable assemblies , connectors , and other electromechanical components.

The individual components are coordinated with each other in terms of design, material, interfaces, assembly, and operating conditions. We can source required components from outside our own product portfolio through our long-standing supplier network and integrate them into the overall solution.

For manufacturing, we rely on a long-established network of specialized production partners. The selection is project- and technology-specific, with the aim of optimally combining technical requirements, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Your central point of contact remains N&H Technology – from development to series production.

Services for your HMI assembly

Our customers benefit from a comprehensive, all-inclusive service , as we offer a wide range of services related to HMI operator panels. Furthermore, each project is individually managed by one of our engineers. Our services include:

Development and design of components and assemblies
Design and material selection for manufacturability
Prototypes and functional models, toolmaking and sampling
Procurement of customer-specific and external components

Pre-assembly and complete assembly
Project-specific testing and quality assurance
Serial Production
Warehousing and logistics

All services

Development of an industrial control unit with HMI operating elements and housing integration

Assembly for medical measuring device with silicone switching mat, circuit board and plastic housing

HMI control unit with metal frame and silicone keyboard for industrial applications

Development of a hand switch for medical applications with HMI controls

Hand switch with magnetic mount and integrated electronics for industrial applications

Manual switch for light and emergency call system with silicone switching mat, plastic housing and cable assembly

Development of an HMI operator unit with display and membrane keypad for industrial applications

Development of a portable handheld device with a plastic housing and silicone buttons

From development to the finished assembly

Our services extend beyond the development of individual components. Upon request, we can coordinate the entire project – from technical design and procurement to manufacturing, assembly, and series production. This way, you receive all essential services for your assembly from a single source.

Requirements & Concept
Define technical requirements, operating conditions, quantities and target costs.
Design & Component Selection
Design components, select materials and define interfaces.
Prototypes & Validation
Create functional prototypes and check the design and components.
Procurement & Manufacturing
Manufacture tools and components, and procure external components.
Assembly & Testing
Pre-assemble components or assemble them into a complete module and test them according to the specific project requirements.
Series production & logistics
Organize series production, warehousing and on-demand delivery.

Reference projects: customer-specific HMI assemblies

Development of a pager device with a plastic housing and integrated electronics

Input controllers for automotive applications with integrated controls and electronics

References for automotive input units with membrane keypads and HMI controls for vehicle applications

Industrial measuring device with plastic housing and membrane keypad as a customer-specific HMI operating unit

Mobile medical technology measuring device as a reference for customer-specific development of HMI operating units and electronics

Frequently asked questions about HMI modules

Can existing designs be optimized for mass production?

Yes. We examine existing designs with regard to manufacturability, material selection, assembly, and cost-effective series production. We also consider the interfaces between housings, controls, electronics, and connection technology. The goal is a production-ready assembly where technical requirements and manufacturing costs are taken into account even before series production begins.

What production quantities are economically viable for customer-specific HMI assemblies?

This cannot be answered in general terms, as cost-effectiveness depends on the components used and the manufacturing processes. For example, tool-specific plastic or silicone parts have different economic parameters than membrane keypads, cable assemblies, or standard components. Therefore, we always consider quantity, tooling costs, and target price in the context of the specific assembly.

We already have some components – can you combine them into an HMI assembly?

Yes. Existing components can be integrated into the development and manufacturing of the HMI assembly. We test the mechanical and electrical interfaces and coordinate complementary components such as housings, controls, displays, circuit boards, connectors, and cable assemblies accordingly. Upon request, we can also procure any missing components, as well as assemble and perform project-specific testing of the complete assembly.

What tests can be performed on an HMI assembly?

The testing effort depends on the application, the components used, and the technical requirements. Depending on the project, functional and service life tests, actuation force measurements, leak tests, temperature and climate tests, as well as electrical tests, may be required. Prototypes and assemblies can be specifically validated even during the development phase. For series production, additional project-specific final tests can be defined. We conduct many technical tests and analyses in our own laboratory.

What do you need to test an existing HMI assembly or to calculate the costs of a new project?

For an initial technical evaluation, drawings, CAD data, parts lists, or existing samples are particularly helpful. Information on planned quantities, operating conditions, materials, and relevant technical requirements is also required. For a new development, a preliminary sketch outlining the essential functions and dimensions is sufficient to get started.

How do you ensure the supply of HMI modules throughout the production run?

For assemblies with multiple individual components, we consider procurement and logistics in addition to manufacturing. Depending on the project, we can stock components and finished assemblies and organize deliveries according to demand. Especially with custom-made components, tooling, procurement, and replenishment times are factored into the planning.