IDEC Blog

New product release: IDEC FT1J controller with operator interface

Which PLC + HMI to choose? A comparison of the FT1J and FT2J FT1J : Compact 4.3-inch display Approx. 1/2 the depth of a separate PLC and HMI (53.5mm) Up to 22 I/O points (analog and digital) TFT color LCD (16.77 million colors) 32 levels of brightness adjustment Weight: approx. 300g FT2J : Immersive 7.0-inch display Approx. 1/3 the depth of a separate PLC and HMI (35.3mm) Up to 30 I/O points (analog and digital) TFT color LCD (65,536 colors) 48 levels of brightness adjustment Weight: approx. 600g Sleek design that minimizes installation space and maximizes the display area Are industrial control panels shrinking? Some reports suggest this 'downsizing' trend is a noticeable outcome of Industry 4.0. More accurately, modern control panels are being engineered to save space. Optimized and intuitive layouts not only enhance operational efficiency, but also future-proof systems. The first step in creating a space-efficient control panel is streamlined device installation. The FT1J’s depth is nearly half that of a separate PLC and HMI, making it much easier to fit into tight spaces. Additionally, the detachable push-in terminal blocks simplify and accelerate wiring. Wherever the operator interface is placed on the panel, it must display information clearly without obstructing access to other controls. The FT2J, with its already compact 7.0-inch width, set the standard. The 4.3-inch FT1J display features 16 million colors and 32 levels of brightness adjustment, delivering vibrant visuals and customizable clarity for any environment. Both units provide ample display space to give operators a complete view of their data. The slim bezel maximizes the panel's surface area, allowing as much information as possible to be displayed on screen. Tempered glass for clarity, durability, and environmental protection Both the FT1J and FT2J models feature a projected capacitive (PCAP) reinforced glass touchscreen, offering a robust and modern alternative to traditional analog resistive touchscreens. PCAP glass panels remain relatively uncommon in operator interfaces, making this design choice a significant advantage for the FT1J and FT2J in terms of both physical and environmental durability. These units are designed to operate reliably across a wide temperature range of -20 to +55°C. In harsh environments, where the interface may be exposed to constant UV light, the reinforced glass prevents clouding, ensuring long-lasting clarity. Additionally, the glass top has an IP66F/IP67F rating, providing superior protection against water, oil, dirt, and dust – making both models ideal for use in challenging, messy, or wet environments. With no moving parts, the touch panel avoids mechanical wear over time, delivering consistent performance regardless of how hard it is pressed. In fact, the FT2J’s screen, equipped with a protective film, successfully passed a drop test involving a 1kg steel ball dropped from a height of 60 cm, demonstrating its toughness. This high level of external protection ensures the device's internal components continue to perform optimally, maximizing the overall reliability of the FT1J and FT2J in demanding applications. As Industry 4.0 continues to drive innovations in manufacturing, PLCs and HMIs in industrial settings must adapt to meet diverse user demands. Control is just one aspect. Interfaces must also save space, reduce energy consumption and costs, perform reliably in harsh environments, and provide the necessary connectivity for remote operation, monitoring, and maintenance. IDEC introduced the FT2J controller with an operator interface to help customers address these challenges. Now, the product line is expanding with the release of the FT1J PLC + HMI, offering an all-in-one automation solution in an even more compact design. IoT connectivity, seamless integration and communication The FT1J’s compact design delivers powerful functionality with advanced IoT connectivity. At its core is a dual-CPU configuration, unlike similar products that rely on a single CPU for both HMI and control functions. By dedicating one CPU to HMI operations and the other to control tasks, the FT1J and FT2J achieve high-speed processing and rapid response times. The unit comes with up to 14 onboard I/O points, expandable to 22 I/O points to suit various application needs. Built-in analog inputs and outputs allow for seamless integration with complex control systems. Designed to handle advanced control functions, the FT1J includes PID control, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), high-speed inputs, and script programming – offering the flexibility to address a wide range of automation challenges. For data logging, recipes, and program transfers, two USB-A ports support flash drives, and additional dongles enable features like speakers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The embedded Ethernet port allows easy access for remote maintenance and communication, while the unit supports multiple protocols – Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet IP, EtherNet/IP, and MQTT – for connectivity with other intelligent devices. Additionally, built-in RS232C and RS422/485 serial ports support Modbus RTU, enabling communication with serial PLCs or devices such as barcode readers and temperature controllers. All configuration for both the PLC and HMI is managed through IDEC’s intuitive WindOI-NV4 software, which offers a drag-and-drop interface and a comprehensive image library. Projects can be converted across different HMI sizes within seconds. Features such as script programming, PID loop control, PWM control, multilingual support, security settings, trend charts, data and alarm logs are fully integrated for both the PLC and HMI. With a unified program file that supports both, users can efficiently manage their automation projects. Compare the IDEC FT1J and FT2J on the IDEC website To discover how the FT1J and FT2J controllers with operator interface could meet your specific needs, please get in touch with your local IDEC team.

Simplifying control panel wiring: how push-in terminals enhance efficiency in industrial applications

Three common types of terminal block Screw terminal : the traditional option. Spring clamp terminal : an evolution. Push-in terminal : the game-changer. Push-in terminals in their current form are a relatively new invention, but their popularity has rapidly grown. S3 (Safe, Simple, Smart) push-in connection technology enhances the appeal of many IDEC products, from automation devices to industrial components: FC6A PLC HG2J operator interface FT2J integrated PLC+HMI KW2D RFID reader HR2S safety relay module SJ/SU relay sockets HW switches and pilot lights CW flush switches and pilot lights The number and variety of IDEC products with push-in terminals reflects the widespread appeal, ease of use, and revolutionary nature of push-in wiring technology. Watch our timelapse wiring comparison video for control panel switches: The more devices and switches that are installed on your control panel, the more wires you need to connect. The more wires you have, the more likely you are to need (and use) terminal blocks to keep them secure and organized. Terminal blocks act as ‘junctions’ for the wiring system, routing tens or hundreds of wires between input and output devices. They can be found behind control panels in many industrial applications (manufacturing, automotive, etc.) where complex electrical systems need to be installed quickly and safely. A step-by-step guide to push-in terminal wiring Step 1 : push the wire to the back of the wiring port. Step 2 : give the wire a light pull to confirm it’s connected properly. That’s all you need to do. Using this quick and simple process, time spent on wiring work could be shortened by as much as 55% (compared to wiring a screw terminal). You can see the difference in this socket wiring video: For industrial users, push-in terminals offer practical solutions Push-in terminal wiring efficiency makes a real difference during control panel wiring. Add on the safety, convenience, and space-saving benefits that push-in terminals provide, and the choice is clear. You can continue to expect frequent product innovations and functional safety developments from IDEC. The rise of push-in terminals for quick, efficient and tool-free wiring When wiring a terminal block with push-in technology, you might feel like you’re missing something: a screwdriver. With screw terminals, you need to loosen the screw, insert the wire, and retighten the screw. With spring clamp terminals, you need a tool to hold the clamp open until the wire is inserted. The extra work time needed to secure each wire soon adds up. With push-in terminals and wires with a crimped ferrule (or solid wires), you don’t need to use a screwdriver at all. Keeping at least one hand free during the wiring process can improve concentration and reduce reaction time if there is an issue. The risk of injury is low, thanks to the IP20 finger-safe protection rating IDEC push-in terminals hold. A step-by-step guide to removing wires from a push-in terminal Step 1 : press and hold the pusher with a flat blade screwdriver. Step 2 : while holding down the pusher, pull out the wire. Again, it’s simple, and takes less time than loosening screws. On IDEC products with push-in terminals, the release tabs are yellow or orange to make them easier to find. They are essential for removal – pulling on a secured wire in a push-in terminal will add to the amount of force keeping it in place. How to install products with push-in terminals in your control panel Important safety note : make sure that electric power to all control panel devices is off before starting installation, wiring, inspection, maintenance and removal. Failure to do so may create a fire hazard or cause electrical shocks. All terminals need to be mounted securely on a suitable surface. That could be the back of a control panel switch, or on a DIN rail. For contact block mounting : IDEC contact blocks snap onto the back of compatible pushbuttons and indicator lights. Make sure that the locking ring is fastened before attaching the contact block. For DIN rail mounting : The DIN rail should always be horizontal. IDEC products designed to attached to DIN rails clamp or snap into place. IDEC products for control panels are designed to be compact, reducing the panel area and the amount of installation space needed behind it. They give you more room to create the optimum arrangement of terminals and wires.

Assist Wheel Drive: the electric wheel that helps workers safely transport heavy payloads

Improved ergonomics reduce musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace ISO 11228-2 is an international standard for ergonomics. It contains guidelines and requirements for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Manual handling puts workers at repeated risk of MSDs. As the body’s musculoskeletal system includes the bones, joints and muscles, MSDs include: muscle sprains and strains back injuries bone and joint injuries nerve damage chronic pain conditions Assist Wheel Drive is engineered to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace, by reducing manual efforts and repetitive strain. The potential positive impact of the system goes beyond individual employees’ health. Lower risk of injury reduces the number of working days lost to sick leave. Overall, workplace productivity could rise by as much as 50%. The ez-Wheel EW1A Assist Wheel Drive series is designed to improve productivity and efficiency, and to reduce physical stress on workers when transporting heavy loads. A high load capacity makes Assist Wheel Drive electric wheels suitable for transporting heavy parts and equipment. The EW1A-150 wheels can effortlessly move a maximum transferable load of 1,000kg. To help you imagine it, here’s what 1,000kg looks like in various industries: Automotive: between 3 and 7 petrol engines Food and packaging: between 5,000 and 6,000 average-sized apples Logistics: approx. 8,000 square meters of bubble wrap Construction: between 43 and 59 standard concrete blocks Manufacturing: almost 17 meters of rubber conveyor belt (if 1m wide, and 20mm thick) Assist Wheel Drive is fully compliant with ISO 11228-2 (ergonomics – manual handling part 2 – pushing and pulling). The system makes a real difference in work environments where heavy loads need to be transported safely and reliably. Humans can focus on pushing the payload, not their physical limits When pushing, pulling, lifting or carrying items, the weight of the load is a key consideration. W orkplace health and safety standards in different countries vary. They agree on one thing – setting a fixed weight limit for manual handling is difficult. This is because the amount of weight that a person can safely lift, carry, push or pull depends on: their heights and weight their overall strength and frequency of their efforts their position, stance and posture the amount of friction on the floor how far away from the load they are how far the load needs to be transported, and how long it takes to move As a result, workplace load limits are often based on the amount of force needed to set a load in motion and keep it moving. ISO 11228-2 also defines acceptable force limits for manually handling loads. Electric power assistance via the wheels means less human force is needed to move a payload. Assist Wheel Drive helps workers by cutting the amount of physical effort required by as much as four fifths. Improve workplace safety and employee well-being with Assist Wheel Drive Incorporating motorized equipment into manual handling processes can enhance health and safety for workers and reduce work-related injuries. The Assist Wheel Drive all-in-one system is compatible with the trolleys and carts that workers already use. The simple, integrated structure has universal compatibility and is simple to retrofit. Quick and easy access to trolleys powered by electric wheels could transform manual handling processes in your workplace. Set things in motion by learning more about Assist Wheel Drive now. Workers stay safer when using carts with electric powered wheels to transport heavy loads In many countries and industries, pushing and pulling are common causes of workplace injuries – especially back strain, sprains, and other MSDs. Pulling and pushing heavy payloads can result in other accidents, such as trips, slips and falls. Workers are at risk of injuring their fingers and hands – for example, if their hand is trapped between the trolley and a surface. Trolleys in motion can bump into a worker’s legs or run over their foot. A motorized trolley (with an electric wheel) that is easier to move and control can mitigate all of these risks. The Assist Wheel Drive controller has forward and reverse controls, and a stop button. The trolley’s speed, braking, and other settings can be easily adjusted using the dedicated ez-Config PC software.