New Product Release: IDEC FT1J Controller with Operator Interface
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.
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°C 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.
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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.
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 WindO/I-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.
Which PLC + HMI to choose? A comparison of the FT1J and FT2J
FT1J:
FT2J:
Compare the IDEC FT1J and FT2J on your regional 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.