E.HMI Connect –
User interface for the processing of particle foams
›E.HMI Connect‹ is a Human Machine Interface for the industrial machines of Erlenbach GmbH, an internationally active manufacturer of processing plants for particle foams. The portfolio includes moulding machines, block moulding and pre-expanders as well as complex special solutions.
Based on the moulding machines, a modular and scalable UI system was developed that can be adapted to all types of Erlenbach systems. Existing software concepts were simplified and combined into a holistic human machine interface. The graphic design extends the existing corporate design with a new, brand-appropriate ›dark mode‹. The clear and functional Responsive Design allows content to be applied flexibly to a wide range of screen sizes and devices.
The user-centred concept was developed through detailed context analyses in the form of user and expert surveys and validated and subsequently optimised by means of prototypes and user tests.
Fast and clear process monitoring is at the heart of the concept. The density of information and the possibilities for intervention in the process expand according to the user's experience or level. Through visualisations of the most important key figures and the machine status, users are well informed about the status of the machine and the production progress. Complex processes are made intuitively tangible through interactive illustrations.
The user interface of ›E.HMI Connect‹ intuitively adapts to the needs of the user. Frequently used functions can be saved as favourites, and the process flow can be effectively adapted for new productions by drag & drop. Machine learning and AI-supported features also help users with analysis and production optimisation.
Project presentation
Erlenbach Website
Screencast Video
Tasks
Tooling
Features
Responsive design for a wide range of devices
Easy-to-understand dashboards and screensavers
Interactive illustration system for plant graphics
More complex representations depending on user level and permissions
Expert controls supported by reduced visualisations and animations
Drag & drop editor for intuitive compilation of the process chain navigation
Clearly structured and understandable reporting system
Simple and quick to understand infographics
Particle Foam
Particle foams are a composite of foam beads made of thermoplastics (such as EPS, EPE and EPP). They are characterised by very good mechanical properties, high thermal insulation capacity and very good lightweight construction potential. The foam beads are produced from plastic granulate in so-called pre-foam plants. The foam beads are then processed into moulded parts in so-called moulding machines with the help of steam. However, particle foam can also be produced as large blanks by block moulding machines and then processed further. The main areas of application for particle foam parts are packaging, thermal insulation and technical parts in the automotive sector.
Remote process monitoring during production
Moulding machine from the Erlenbach GmbH portfolio
Materials and product examples