Modular, robust, future-proof: How Freudenberg Sealing Technologies optimises ease of use and maintenance with the InduSmart® BlackLine Panel PC

Problem: Rigid operating solutions with limited service life and high maintenance costs

In the past, Freudenberg used industrial panel PCs in control boxes that were integrated directly into the front of the control cabinet. This had several disadvantages:

• When switching to a new generation of devices, the front of the control cabinet often had to be laboriously adapted or completely replaced.
• The mechanical buttons were difficult to clean in dusty industrial environments, wore out more quickly and failed over time.
• Standardised control boxes often contained hardware that was not needed at all – unnecessary effort and unnecessary costs.

Action: Flexible and intuitive HMI solution with InduSmart® BlackLine Panel PC

While searching for capacitive buttons that could also be operated with gloves, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies came across GETT. At that point, the BlackLine was not yet officially on the market – and yet the collaboration began immediately with an initial test sample.

What followed was an intensive, collaborative product development process that was tailored precisely to the requirements of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies:

• Individually labelled buttons, including pictograms behind glass – robust, durable and language-independent
• Colour feedback when activated (e.g. green = active, red = confirmed, blue = deactivated)
• Disclosure of the code and adaptation of the button response to specific requirements
• Mounting on a movable arm for ergonomic workplace design
• Slim, compact HMI design, without additional software, but with high protection against dust and splash water
• Modular system with central panel and optional sub-distribution board – networked via simple CAT cabling

"We were taken seriously from the very beginning – it was a collaboration between equals."

Marek Semrau

"We were impressed by the surface of BlackLine: scratch-resistant, easy to clean, functional – ideal for production."

Marek Semrau

Effect: Greater standardisation, improved maintainability – and a system that will prove its worth

The new solution has already improved many processes:

• Uniform standards worldwide thanks to modular design
• Easier fault diagnosis and less downtime, e.g. through assignment by MAC address
• Faster commissioning thanks to preconfigured units tested in the laboratory
• Fewer on-site repairs – instead of replacing individual components, the panel is replaced if necessary
• Strong user guidance through visual feedback and clear symbols

"We haven't had any failures yet – and I think it will stay that way. But if something does happen, we would like a retrofit. It would be a shame if high-quality components had to be disposed of because of a single defect."

Marek Semrau

"GETT products are high-quality and customisable – and the collaboration was professional and cooperative. So why not?"

Marek Semrau