This guide provides a clear and easy-to-understand explanation of essential knowledge regarding control panels.

Control panels are essential for achieving complex automation in factory production lines, robots, and other systems. This article clearly explains what control panels are, what they are used for, and how they are utilized, covering everything from basic knowledge to required standards.

What is a control panel?

  • A control panel is the "brain" of industrial machinery and equipment, ensuring their safe and efficient operation. It incorporates power supply equipment, control equipment, protective equipment, wiring equipment, and more.
    In terms of functionality, it allows for the precise execution and management of machine operations by software-controlled PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), including power supply and distribution, operation and display, monitoring of machine status, and output to external devices.
    Furthermore, the most important thing is to ensure safety, such as protecting equipment and facilities in the event of a malfunction to prevent fire accidents by reporting the malfunction, and protecting workers from personal injury such as electric shock or injury. To prevent these accidents and ensure safety, there are international standards and national standards, and it is necessary to comply with the applicable standards depending on the purpose of the machinery and equipment and the region to which it will be delivered.
    In recent years, smart factories have been advancing, enabling efficient operation of the entire factory equipment through network communication, as well as remote monitoring and control via IoT, by coordinating with peripheral equipment such as robots and higher-level SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems) and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems).

What is required of a control panel?

Control panels require a wide range of functions, including optimal control, protection, safety, and compliance with standards. Let me briefly explain.

  • control

    The control methods vary depending on the machinery and systems used, and the required control also changes accordingly.
    Each requires appropriate control.

    Steps to follow
    With switches, touch panel displays, etc., it is easy for the operator to operate.
    Determine and arrange the functions to ensure safe and reliable operation.
    display
    The operating status and abnormal conditions are indicated by indicator lights, touch panels, etc.
    The functions are determined and arranged in a way that makes them easily visible to workers.
    Monitoring
    The status of machinery and equipment is monitored through internal control panel monitoring and external devices such as sensors.
    It captures (normal/abnormal) information and performs optimal control such as display processing and error handling.
    Provide feedback.
    control
    Based on the operation details and external input signals, internal processing and external devices
    It outputs a signal to (motors, pumps, etc.).
    programming
    In PLCs and touch panel displays, etc.,
    Design the basic structure to be easy to maintain.
    Furthermore, after clarifying the specifications of each function,
    Perform programming and debugging to ensure that the external specifications are reliably met.

  • protection

    Control panels and equipment are susceptible to various external factors, requiring protection to ensure stable operation and a long lifespan. Appropriate protective measures are implemented according to each environment and condition.

    Overcurrent/Overvoltage
    It protects equipment from abnormal currents and voltages, ensuring stable operation.
    dust
    It prevents dust from entering, thus preventing malfunctions and reduced lifespan of internal equipment.
    temperature
    It protects the equipment by preventing overheating and maintaining an optimal temperature environment.
    noise
    It blocks electrical noise, preventing malfunctions and signal disturbances.
    waterproof
    To protect equipment from water and moisture, ensuring safe operation even in harsh environments.

  • Safe

    Safety is paramount in the design and operation of machinery and control panels. To protect both workers and equipment, we implement comprehensive safety measures, from pre-operation assessments to emergency response.

    risk
    assessment
    Risk factors are evaluated in advance, and safety is ensured from the design stage.
    emergency stop device
    A system is in place to immediately shut down equipment in emergencies, protecting both workers and equipment.
    interlock
    Features
    To prevent accidents by preventing unsafe operation or operation under unsafe conditions.
    Abnormal notification
    We will establish a system that immediately notifies users of any abnormalities, enabling a swift response.

  • Standards compliant

    Control panels and mechanical equipment must conform to individual national and regional standards based on international standards. We will ensure appropriate compliance with standards according to the delivery destination and operating environment.

    ISO
    We ensure compliance with international quality and safety standards, resulting in a globally competitive design.
    IEC
    It complies with international standards for electrical and electronic equipment, ensuring safety and compatibility.
    UL
    We design and certify products to meet electrical safety standards for the North American market.
    CE
    For the European market, we will meet mechanical and electrical safety standards and issue a declaration of conformity.