Industrial Monitor

Connection Ports
One of the first things to consider when selecting a new industrial monitor is whether it has ports that will enable it to connect to the rest of your equipment. There are many styles of video connection port, each with their own characteristics and advantages. In an industrial setting, the most commonly used ports include VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI, though there are many other options available on the market.
It is also important to keep in mind that different ports have different capabilities. For example, a VGA port is capable of displaying at a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (1080p), with display quality dropping off rapidly at higher resolutions. If a higher resolution is required, say for a large screen viewed from a distance, then HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI would all be better choices.

Size and Resolution
The display size and resolution of an industrial monitor are crucial factors that depend on your project's requirements and the available space at the installation site. Larger screens are needed for detailed visual tasks, but they require higher resolutions to maintain clarity. It's important to balance the screen size with adequate resolution to ensure clear and crisp display quality, especially in industrial settings where precision is key.
Screen Size: The physical dimensions of the screen are an important consideration when selecting an industrial monitor. Smaller screens are more cost-effective, and may be perfect for situations where you need to display limited information at once or when space is at a premium.
For applications requiring the display of large amounts of complex information on a single screen or for visibility from greater distances, larger screens are more suitable. However, to prevent blurring, these larger screens must display at a higher resolution. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the device connecting to the monitor can send high resolution output.
Resolution: Display resolution is a measurement of the number of pixels present on a screen and is a major component of the overall picture quality that a screen can display. In general, screens with higher resolutions display images with finer detail and clarity compared to lower resolution counterparts, making them well-suited for larger screens.
However, not all applications require high resolution output. If a project requires that the display only shows a few simple objects, a lower resolution display may suffice. Evaluating the project's scope and determining the monitor's specific use is essential before deciding on the required resolution. If unsure, it may be better to error on the side of higher resolution, as this will allow for future growth.

Operating Temperature
When choosing a new industrial monitor, consider the ambient temperature at the intended location of use as a critical factor. Monitors are designed to operate within specific temperature ranges. Therefore, it is important to select a model capable of sustained operation under the existing conditions in the area where it will be used.
For example, manufacturers typically rate a standard consumer model for operation in temperatures ranging from 0º to 50º C (32º to 122º F), whereas a "wide temp" model can often sustain use in temperatures ranging from -20º to 60º C (-4º to 140º F). Operating monitors in temperatures outside their specified range may cause display errors or other failures. Therefore, it is best practice to thoroughly evaluate the on-site conditions and select a monitor rated for that specific environment.

Touch Input
Monitors with touch input are a popular choice in many industrial facilities, as they allow operators to quickly interact with controls without the need for a separate input device such as a mouse or keyboard. Monitors with touch capabilities combine user input and data visualization into a single interface, allowing users to view feedback data and take action without looking away from the screen. While there are several different methods of touch input detection, resistive and capacitive touch are the most common styles used in industrial facilities.
Resistive: Resistive touch input was the first widely adopted form of touch detection. This input method is a pressure sensitive system that consists of two transparent layers of electrode film overlaid on top of each other with a gap between them. When an operator presses down on the screen, the compression of the soft top layer of electrodes contacts the bottom layer, allowing the HMI to detect the location of that point. Screens using resistive touch technology typically cost less than capacitive screens and enable operators to interact with the HMI while wearing gloves or using an object like a stylus to touch points on the screen.
Capacitive: Unlike resistive touchscreens, capacitive input does not require pressure to activate. Instead, the screen will detect input when it contacts a conductive surface such as bare skin. When the user touches a point, the screen will detect a change of capacitance at that location and register it as input. While capacitive screens are typically more accurate and responsive than a resistive screen, they can be more expensive, and the user must touch the screen with a conductive surface, which may not be practical for some work environments.
Projected Capacitive (PCAP): Commonly used in modern mobile devices such as phones and tablets, projected capacitive screens use a similar approach to detect input as regular capacitive screens do, but with some critical differences. PCAP screens will still read changes in capacitance to detect touch input, but they are more sensitive, have greater display clarity, and can detect multiple points of input at once, allowing for multi-touch control.
Compared to standard capacitive touch, PCAP screens are generally better at detecting touches when the operator is wearing gloves, though thicker gloves may prevent the screen from detecting input. If there is a need to use a stylus, be aware that it will need to have a conductive material on the tip for a PCAP screen to be able to detect it.

Mounting Options
Industrial monitors come with various mounting options to cater to different industrial environments. VESA and RAM mounts offer versatility for different setups while providing a standardized mounting system. Panel and rack mounts are specific to certain industrial settings and are essential for ensuring that the monitors are securely and ergonomically placed in the work environment.
VESA Mount: The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) established one of the most popular standardized mounting systems in use today. VESA mounts are widely used because they support a range of movements such as tilting, swiveling, and height adjustment. This versatility makes them ideal for environments requiring frequent adjustment of the viewing angle. Their universal design allows VESA mounts to accommodate a variety of monitor sizes and weights, making them suitable for diverse industrial applications.
RAM Mount: RAM (Round-A-Mount) mounts offer robust and flexible mounting solutions with their typical ball and socket system, allowing for almost infinite adjustability. This feature makes them particularly suitable for environments where frequent repositioning of monitors is necessary or where vibration is a concern, such as in vehicles or on heavy machinery. Their popularity also stems from their durability, making RAM mounts a good choice for harsh industrial settings.
Panel Mount: Panel mounting involves integrating the monitor into a flat surface, such as a control panel or a wall. This type of mount is common in control rooms, manufacturing floors, and other areas where space is at a premium. Panel mounts offer a sleek and space-saving solution, as the monitor sits flush with the surface, reducing its footprint. They are also less prone to accidental impacts, which is crucial in busy industrial environments.
Rack Mount: Designers create rack-mounted monitors for integration into standard equipment racks, commonly found in server rooms, data centers, and communication hubs. These monitors, typically used in network monitoring and server management, are tailored to fit standard 19-inch racks and often feature a foldable design to conserve space. This configuration suits environments where space optimization and centralized control are crucial priorities.

Optical Bonding
Screen glare can negatively impact an operator's ability to read and understand what is shown on the display, which can lead to increased time-to-decision and user errors. Optical bonding addresses this issue by adding an additional layer of glass to the screen and completely filling any air gap that may exist with optically clear adhesive or resin. Screens with optical bonding have multiple advantages over standard touch screens.
Reduced Glare and Reflection: In industrial settings, monitors are often used in brightly lit environments or outdoors, where glare from sunlight or artificial lighting can severely hinder screen visibility. Optical bonding effectively reduces glare and reflections by eliminating the air gap between the glass cover and the display panel. This results in a clearer and more readable display, crucial for operators who rely on these screens for critical information.
Enhanced Durability and Shock Resistance: The process of optical bonding adds an extra layer of strength to the monitor's display. By filling the gap between the screen and the glass with a resin or adhesive, the screen becomes more resistant to shocks and vibrations. This is particularly beneficial in industrial environments where equipment may be exposed to rough handling or mechanical stress.
Decreased Condensation and Fogging: In environments with fluctuating temperatures or high humidity, condensation and fogging can occur within the air gap of non-optically bonded screens, obscuring the display. Optical bonding eliminates this air gap, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of condensation and ensuring that the screen remains clear under varying environmental conditions.
Improved Contrast and Image Quality: The elimination of the air gap also helps in enhancing the contrast and color vibrancy of the display. This is because less light is lost through reflection within the monitor, allowing for a brighter and more vivid image. Better contrast is essential in industrial applications where clarity of display can impact decision-making and operational efficiency.
Touch Screen Functionality: For industrial monitors with touch screen capabilities, optical bonding can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the touch interface. Since there is no air gap, the touch experience is more direct and responsive, which is critical for applications where precision is key.
Longevity and Maintenance: Monitors with optical bonding are generally more durable and have a longer lifespan. They are less prone to damage from dust and moisture infiltration, common issues in industrial environments. Additionally, the reduced glare and improved contrast mean less eye strain for users, contributing to a more ergonomic work environment.