News

APEM: Your one-stop source for comprehensive HMI solutions

In the dynamic realm of Human-Machine Interface (HMI) technology, APEM stands out as a beacon of innovation and diversity. With a vast portfolio that covers every aspect of HMI requirements, APEM provides an unparalleled range of products, making it a unique player in the industry. Let’s dig into APEM’s capacity to deliver complete, customized HMI solutions, highlighting our unmatched product diversity.

What is the difference between the level of sealing and the type of sealing?

When considering a sealing for your solution it is not just the level of sealing that is relevant but also the type of sealing. The IP rating tells you the level of protection, and the type of sealing tells you which part of the component it stands for. These terms help you determine the suitability of the component for your application and environment.

Humans and Machines

In the last quarter of 2023, APEM had the opportunity to present its products and solutions to a trade fair audience. Our teams were able to demonstrate the highlights of APEM components, joysticks and panel solutions in Sweden, at the Elmia Subcontractor trade fair.

The Role of APEM Human-Machine Interfaces in New Mobility and Public Transport

e-Transportation: enhancing the user experience with APEM Human-Machine solutions.

How to protect your HMI against salt?

When your application is used outside near the coast, for example at a port, or during winter when the roads need cleaning, it will be exposed to salt. See the video or read below for more information on what kind of damage salt can do to HMIs and how to prevent it.

Indicate status with just the right color in daylight and extreme conditions

Dynamic illumination with rgb lighting A clear status read makes operating the application more efficient, and the right color or a light sequence can transfer a lot of info in the blink of an eye. RGB lighting especially, with its customizable color spectrum, allows for dynamic illumination improving safety and operational awareness. However, with the new version of the slightly larger Q25 & Q30 indicators that now includes RGB illumination, you don’t just get a clear status read in just the right color, you also get the “high” in high-grade indication. Standard single color or RGB – these Ø25 and Ø30 mm indicators are designed to look good and work hard. The flush stainless-steel look with a reinforced internal construction allows the indicators to withstand extreme conditions, such as freezing temperatures, chemicals, sunlight, and transient spikes. Contact Us MAIN APPLICATIONS Transportation (rail and telematics) Generators and inverters Oil and gas industry Vehicles Food and beverage industry BENEFITS Visual feedback with just the right color for the function Highly durable with front and rear sealing Easily readable from long distance and in daylight TECHNICAL FEATURES Ø25 mm or Ø30 mm RGB illumination with 6 SMT LED chips Mega bright LEDs viewed through a Fresnel lens for daylight viewing Stainless steel 316L marine grade chamfered bezel IP67 & IP69K above panel sealed with potted back end Hard-wearing 20AWG wires UL1061 Voltage options 12V to 24VAC/DC with reverse voltage protection EXPERT’S ADVICE In an era where safety and efficiency are paramount, APEM’s RGB versions of Q25 & Q30 indicators are designed to meet the needs of a dynamic market. Whether in manufacturing facilities, control rooms, or automotive systems, its purpose in the market is crystal clear: to provide real-time, multi-color status indication, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and control. Do not hesitate to contact us for a custom solution. Matthew Davies, Product Manager

Nice to see you!

On September 26, 27 and 28, APEM and IDEC brought together most of their distributors from EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) in Montauban, not far from the group’s headquarters.

The influence of additive manufacturing in the HMI market

Traditional manufacturing techniques have been with us for decades. Machining, molding, stamping and plating have all played a huge role in how modern manufacturers deliver their products.

Joysticks For the Modern Vehicle Cabin

Modern industrial vehicles and machinery must be controlled with great precision. The vehicle driver needs controls that allow them to operate equipment safely and efficiently. Despite advances in other digital technologies, the joystick remains an unparalleled solution for the modern operator.

Ensuring Long Service Life in the Defense Industry

The introduction of new defense equipment is a long and complex process. In the mid-20th Century, when military technology was evolving rapidly, new defense platforms such as armored vehicles and aircraft were introduced quickly. As a result, they often stayed in service for just a few years before the latest innovations made them obsolete.

Collective strength

The Rugby World Cup is in full swing. The essence of this sport, what makes it so popular, is team spirit. We’re all in it together. Victory is always within reach when a group is united and everyone plays their role. You might say that collective intelligence is the winning ticket.

The Versatile I Series Pushbuttons

“I” for Integrated robustness in harsh conditions In addition to an array of features, the I-series is manufactured to deliver superior performance in tough conditions. With a long mechanical life, sealing to IP67 and the option to order the actuator with custom markings for specific applications, the I-series is a truly capable family of solutions for today’s industries. APEM’s “I” family has just been extended with the arrival of the IV and IG series . IV Series provides excellent tactile feedback and enhanced safety thanks to its Namur contacts. As for the IG, its ability to be customized at the last minute makes it without doubt the most flexible of the range! The integration of new technology into industry equipment, vehicles and machinery means that customers need more functionality than ever before. Drivers and operators need complex control options whilst remaining comfortable for long periods of time. To cater for the latest needs, modern joysticks and control panels must be equipped with a range of features that can be used in confined spaces. I SERIES PUSHBUTTONS KEY FEATURES The I range of products is a robust range of pushbutton switches designed for challenging industrial and harsh environments . The pushbuttons of the I series have different sizes to suit every need. Key features include high-level sealing (most rated at IP67 or higher), ensuring protection against dust and water. This makes them reliable under extreme conditions like freezing temperatures, sand, and hydrocarbons. Many models boast long operational lifespans, up to 5 million cycles. This makes them durable and ideal for repetitive tasks. Contact Us Ergonomics are prioritized , with designs allowing easy use even with gloves and providing tactile feedback. The range includes both latching and momentary versions: a latching push button switch maintains its position once activated (ideal for on/off control), while momentary switches return to their original position after use (suitable for temporary engagement). Customization options abound, including illuminated/non-illuminated versions, various actuator styles, and multiple color choices for custom HMI solutions. Mounting options are versatile, featuring threaded and snap-in types, with compact designs for easy integration into space-limited equipment. “I” for Ideal for mounting on compact applications To provide a solution for the latest compact joystick designs , the compact tactile of the APEM I-Series offer one of the most comprehensive and adaptable ranges on the market today . Available in both round and square bezels, the I-series provides tactile feedback for the operator in critical situations. Combined with its small size and low behind-the-panel depth, the I-series is ideal for mounting to the latest compact joystick applications . The I-Series is a family of switches with many members, with a complete range of features for compact push-button applications. With options including latching and non-latching , sealed and illuminated switches , the I series is a truly versatile family. The common panel mounting dimensions means that it is easy for operators to change their specifications, allowing easy customization of their control systems, and with a choice of termination methods , assembly is easy. In addition, when working in harsh environments and with potentially dangerous machinery, operators need to be sure when switches are operating correctly. Controls must deliver positive feedback with both tactile feel and audible confirmation. More of the I Series IP – latching IZ – plastic – momentary IA series IC series IV series IB series IZ – metal IS series IHS series IL series IF series IC series IQ – momentary IM series IHL series IQ – latching IG series IP – momentary IZ – metal – latching IR – latching IR series IX series “I” for Intuitive industrial controllers The shape and material of the pushbutton obviously influence ergonomics for the end user. APEM’s “I” series have all been designed to offer maximum technical performance and operator comfort: Vision : lighting and logos will help the user understand that a function is on/off and what it’s for. Tactile sensation : a hard or soft touch can help avoid user fatigue, depending on where and how it’s placed. The height of the profile (low or high) can help the user find the button in the case of a blind application, for example when the user is looking at something else while pressing the button. Hearing : a click lets the user know that the action has been considered without having to look at it. Which of these “I” series is right for you? Here’s a selection, far from exhaustive, to give you an idea of the range’s features. Click on them to discover their advantages and request a quote.