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APEM, your source for custom industrial controls with vertical manufacturing integration

In the competitive world of HMI manufacturing, the ability to adapt and innovate is key to staying ahead. APEM, a global leader specializing in industrial Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), has built its success on two standout qualities: highly customizable HMI solutions and integrated manufacturing processes . Discover how APEM utilizes its extensive global production facilities to enhance flexibility, quality, and reliability, providing customers with some of the best solutions on the market.

Understanding the IP67 protection rating for HMIs

In industrial and outdoor environments, electronic devices must withstand exposure to dust and water. The IP67 rating ensures a high level of protection, making it an ideal choice for Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in rugged applications. This article explores the significance of IP67, its advantages, and its practical applications in various industries.

How to build your custom control panels with MEC tactile switches?

Tired of the same controls? We know you crave something unique, impactful, and perfectly aligned with your wants and needs. That’s where MEC’s customization capabilities come in. Like all other APEM ranges, our high-performing MEC tactile switches are created with customization in mind. This PCB switch range includes hundreds of cap design options to put a personal touch on your application. But with so many possibilities, where do you begin?

Are piezo switches the ideal solution for automatic car wash systems?

For some, a car wash is simply a quick stop to clean a vehicle; for others, it’s an essential service ensuring their car remains in top condition. But one thing matters to all: reliability. Constant exposure to water and detergents means every component must be built to last. For car wash equipment manufacturers, fully sealed , vandal-resistant switches are the key to providing a seamless, durable experience in every wash.

Unstoppable HMIs for heavy-duty vehicles

KEY CHALLENGES IN HARSH ENVIRONMENTS: Sand and mud: fine particles infiltrate cracks, causing wear and blockages. Hardened mud disrupts control panel functionality. Salt and corrosion: saltwater and dust lead to rust, damage, and compromised markings, reducing lifespan. UV exposure: prolonged UV exposure fades colors, deteriorates materials, and weakens seals. Frequent washdowns: high-pressure cleaning risks damaging components and seals without proper protection. Heavy-duty switches for rugged applications Es Series Heavy-duty safety switch Robust metal design with IP69K sealing and customizable options. KR Series Power rocker switches Compact design, IP68 sealing, and optimized assembly for durability. 3500 Series Fully sealed toggle switches IP69K frontal sealing and versatile configurations for outdoor use. KL Series Advanced safety rocker switches Ergonomic design with locked positions and IP69K sealing. Joysticks for heavy equipment XD Series – Handgrip Hall Effect All-metal construction, shallow mounting depth, and SIL2 compatibility for reliable control. XP Series – Ergonomic Palm Joystick Innovative, compact, and durable joystick with IP66 sealing, ergonomic handles, and CAN output support. LET’S BUILD RESILIENT SOLUTIONS TOGETHER! Ready to design a control solution that thrives in sand, mud, salt, and more? APEM’s expertise in ruggedized solutions ensures your special vehicles perform reliably, no matter the environment. Contact us for expert advice or to find the perfect match for your off-road vehicle. OVERCOMING THE TOUGHEST CHALLENGES APEM HMIs – SOLUTIONS FOR EXTREME CONDITIONS APEM’s range of joysticks, switches, and control panels is engineered to deliver exceptional durability, reliability, and performance in the toughest environments. Special vehicles operate in environments where standard HMIs fail. APEM’s solutions are built to meet the unique demands of these conditions, ensuring reliability and performance when it matters most. Ruggedized panels for special vehicle applications KP6 Rubber keypads Sealing options up to IP69K with custom electronics and connection integration (CAN, USB, RS422) Industrial remote controls Plug-and-play solutions with seamless integration and long-term support for evolving standards. APEM’s SOLUTIONS FOR PROTECTION: APEM’s custom HMI solutions are engineered to thrive in harsh conditions: Intuitive controls: optimized for gloved operation in demanding environments. Protective sealings and coatings: ensures IP-rated protection (up to IP69K) against dust, water, and chemicals. Durable materials: stainless steel, aluminum, and advanced elastomeric designs for superior impact resistance. Easy-to-clean interfaces: designed for quick maintenance, even with high-pressure cleaning. Learn more in our video series:

How to choose the right component for your swimming pool parts ?

For some, a swimming pool is a decorative element ; for others, it is a way to relax or cooling off during long, hot afternoons. Whatever its use, one thing remains: its durability. Regular and strict maintenance is important, but if the materials used are unreliable, system failures can occur.

Sound feedback: hear confidence in your HMI

Imagine navigating a machine interface seamlessly, guided solely by auditory cues—a symphony of engineered sounds that confirm every action. This is the transformative power of sound feedback in modern HMIs, emerging as a key element, providing instant auditory confirmation where visual cues may be limited or unavailable.

AV Series: aesthetic anti-vandal push button with robust performance

CONNECT WITH AN APEM SWITCH EXPERT Have questions or ready to start customizing your push button switch? We’re here to help. Whether you need a compact 16 mm pushbutton, a vandal-resistant 22 mm tactile model, or a large 30 mm illuminated actuator, the AV Series delivers unmatched performance and flexibility. KEY FEATURES SUMMARY Feature Specification Bushing sizes 16 mm, 19 mm, 22 mm, 24 mm, 30 mm Sealing Up to IP67/IP69K Impact resistance Up to IK10 Activation Latching, momentary, tactile Illumination Single-color, dual-color or RGB LED options Lifespan 200,000 to 1,000,000 cycles ACCESS THE COMPLETE ANTI VANDAL’s RANGE AV – 16 – momentary AV – 19-22 – tactile – overmolded AV30 AV – 19-22 momentary NO AV – 19-22 – NC/NO – illuminated AV – anti-vandal pushbutton switches AV – 19 – Tactile AV – 19-22 – latching AV – 22 – mushroom head AV – 250VAC Bushing diameter 16, 19 or 22 mm AV – 22-24 – Large actuator AV – 16 – latching APPLICATIONS FOR THE AV SERIES Outdoor terminals : vandal-resistant pushbuttons for public kiosks or call points Public transportation : precision and durable tactile feedback Industrial panels : enhanced sealing for challenging environments Security systems : robust switches with visual feedback options BUILD FOR TOUGH ENVIRONMENTS Operating temperatures : from -30°C to +85°C Mechanical lifespan : up to 1 million cycles Sealing : IP-rated for superior protection against dust and moisture VANDAL RESISTANT PUSHBUTTONS THAT COMBINE STYLE AND STRENGTH The AV Series by APEM offers a wide range of high-performance pushbutton switches designed to meet the demands of harsh environments while maintaining a modern, aesthetic design. Tested for impact resistance (IK ) and sealing (IP levels) , the AV Series guarantees reliability in challenging conditions like rain, frost, UV exposure , and vandalism . From momentary and latching models to illuminated options with customizations, the AV Series is your ideal solution for secure, intuitive, and stylish interfaces. AV SERIES PUSH BUTTONS HIGHLIGHTS AV 22-24 Series – Large actuators and mushroom heads AV 22-24 Series – Large actuators and mushroom heads Large Activation Surface for enhanced usability Momentary NC/NO Options Materials : Nickel-plated, stainless steel, and anodized finishes Panel Sealing : IP65 AV 19-22 – anti-vandal pushbutton switches AV 19-22 – anti-vandal pushbutton switches Options : Latching or Momentary (NO/NC) Tactile Feedback : Overmolded and non-overmolded options available Front Panel Sealing : IP65 to IP69K Materials : Nickel-plated, stainless steel, anodized options Custom Features : Illuminated or non-illuminated, personalized markings AV 30 Series – Large diameter pushbuttons AV 30 Series – Large diameter pushbuttons Bushing Diameter : 30 mm Momentary NC/NO Models Robust Design : IK06, IP67 Illumination : Wide ring with up to 7 colors or RGB Mechanical Life : 1 million cycles APEM’S EXPERTISE The AV Series represents the perfect balance between durability and design. Whether it’s for industrial use or outdoor terminals, these push buttons are engineered to withstand the harshest conditions while maintaining an aesthetic appeal. With customizable options and high impact resistance, the AV Series truly adapts to any environment or application. Christophe Moreau, Product Manager at APEM WHY CHOOSE THE ANTI VANDAL PUSH BUTTONS? TOUGH AND DURABLE Impact-resistant : certified up to IK10 for maximum protection. Water and dust sealing : options include IP65, IP67, and IP69K. Strong materials : from cost-effective nickel-plated brass or durable stainless steel. CUSTOMIZATION Bright illumination : select illuminated rings with single or RGB LEDs. Unique designs : flat, curved, recessed, or mushroom head actuators available. Custom connections : adaptable cables and connectors.

The important role of innovation at APEM

In this interview, Cédric Mora, a Technical and Innovation Expert at APEM with 25 years of experience, shares his insights on developing new products and technologies. He discusses his role in managing both client-specific and innovation projects, his approach to prototyping, and his thoughts on the future of technology.

Reinforced PBAK: new strengthened piezo switch

REINFORCED PBAK TECHNICAL FEATURES Sealing: IP68 and IP69K Mechanical lifetime: 1,5 million cycles tested, up to 50 million cycles Dimensions : 19mm cut-out Impact protection: IK06 ESD protection when grounded (supplied) Operating temperature: -40°C to +75°C Materials: Stainless steel body (316L) + polycarbonate illuminated ring Approvals and compliances: REACH, RoHS Secured with a H22 nut MAIN APPLICATIONS OF THE REINFORCED PBAK Bike sharing stations Parking meters Emergency call boxes Self-service terminals MAIN BENEFITS OF THE REINFORCED PBAK Long mechanical lifecycle (up to 50 million) Anti-vandal design – IK06 with stainless steel and polycarbonate body Halo illumination with an infinite combination of colors thanks to RGB LEDs, suitable for outdoor use. VANDAL RESISTANT PUSHBUTTON FOR OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS APEM expands its range of switches using piezo technology with the new reinforced PBAK . Perfectly sealed and made with a stainless steel (316L) and a polycarbonate ring housing, this anti-vandal pushbutton switch is a reliable solution for outdoor and public spaces applications. It features a bright illumination feedback and guarantees a long-life cycle whatever the conditions! Contact Us EXPERT’S ADVICE If you’re looking for a piezo pushbutton switch that’s both robust and brightly illuminated, we have designed just the switch for you: the reinforced PBAK. With this new addition to the PBAK series, we wanted to create a dedicated vandal proof switch for outdoor and public spaces applications that is able to withstand intensive use, such as bike sharing stations, emergency call boxes or parking meters. Beyond its ability to withstand impacts (up to IK06), the reinforced PBAK is perfectly sealed (IP69K) and delivers a very long-life expectancy (up to 50 million cycles). Furthermore, it is equipped with a halo illumination that offers an infinite combination of colors thanks to RGB LEDs, suitable for outdoor use. The reinforced PBAK is currently available in a diameter of 19 mm! Vivien Rineau, Product Manager Reinforced PBAK: vandal-resistant piezo switch for outdoor applications Discover the new Reinforced PBAK pushbutton switch from APEM, designed for outdoor and public spaces. Featuring IK06 impact resistance, IP69K sealing, RGB halo illumination, and a lifespan of up to 50 million cycles, it's the perfect solution for bike stations, parking meters, and more.

HMIs to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): prioritizing ergonomics for worker well-being

In today’s demanding work environments, ergonomic Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are essential to protect operators from the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Designed with comfort and usability in mind, APEM’s HMIs support healthier, more productive workflows across industries like construction, material handling, and specialized vehicles.

IECQ/CECC certification: ensuring quality in International HMIs

Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are critical in many industrial applications, where the demand for stringent quality standards is paramount.