HMI & Operator Interface

HMI & Operator Interface Panels

A human-machine interface (HMI) is the touchscreen operator panel that lets people monitor and control a machine or process on the plant floor - reading live values, acknowledging alarms, changing setpoints, and running diagnostics. Automation Distribution stocks programmable HMIs and combined HMI/PLC controllers from Turck and WAGO, in display sizes from 4.3" to 21.5" and protection ratings up to IP67/IP68 NEMA 4X for washdown, outdoor, and on-machine mounting.

Whether you need a simple panel-mount terminal for operator visualization or an edge controller that runs CODESYS PLC logic and a WebVisu interface in a single device, the panels below cover standard control-cabinet installs through harsh-environment field mounting.

How to choose an HMI

Consideration What to look for
Display + control, or display only? A standard HMI visualizes data from a separate PLC. An HMI/PLC (such as the Turck TX series with CODESYS V3) runs the control logic and the operator interface in one device, reducing hardware and wiring.
Environment / protection rating Panel-mount terminals are typically IP65/NEMA 4X on the front face. For washdown, food & beverage, or on-machine mounting with no enclosure, choose all-around IP67 (Turck TXF) or IP68 (WAGO Visual Panel) ratings.
Display size & readability Match the screen to the operator distance and data density - 4"-7" for simple status and control, 10"-21.5" for dashboards and trends. For outdoor or bright-floor use, look for high-brightness or sunlight-readable / daylight displays (1000-1200 cd/m²).
Touch technology Resistive touch works with gloves and in wet conditions and is common on economy panels; capacitive glass-front touch offers a sharper, smartphone-like response on premium models.
Connectivity Confirm the interfaces your network requires - dual Gigabit Ethernet for segmented networks, serial (RS-232C / RS-422/485) for legacy devices, USB, and Wi-Fi where supported.

HMI brands at Automation Distribution

Turck TX, TXF & TX500 Series HMI/PLCs

Turck's TX product family combines an operator panel with optional CODESYS V3 PLC functionality in a single unit. The TX100 series offers economical plastic-housing panels with resistive touch for straightforward visualization. The TX500 and TX700 series step up to metal housings, capacitive glass fronts, sunlight-readable display options, and CODESYS V3 control with both TargetVisu and WebVisu - so the same project drives the on-panel screen and a remote web browser. The TXF700 series delivers complete all-around IP67 protection for mounting directly on the machine without a separate enclosure, with integrated Wi-Fi on most models. Turck panels can be programmed in CODESYS or in Turck's license-free TX VisuPro environment, which includes a simulation mode for building and testing a visualization with no hardware connected.

WAGO Visual Panel 200 Series

The WAGO Visual Panel 200 line provides rugged web-panel HMIs in 4.3", 7", and 10.1" sizes, with IP65 to IP68 NEMA 4X protection and dual Gigabit Ethernet for demanding network topologies. Daylight-readable variants reach up to 1200 cd/m² for high-ambient and outdoor visibility, and wide-temperature models operate from -30°C to 70°C. Serial RS-422/485 and RS-232C interfaces and VESA mounting support make the Visual Panel 200 a flexible front end for WAGO PFC controllers and third-party systems alike. Browse the WAGO Visual Panel 200 HMIs →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an HMI and an HMI/PLC?

A standard HMI is purely an operator interface - it displays data from, and sends commands to, a separate PLC. An HMI/PLC combines both functions in one device: it runs the control program (for example, CODESYS V3 logic) and the visualization together, which cuts hardware count, wiring, and panel space.

What is CODESYS WebVisu?

WebVisu is a CODESYS feature that serves the HMI screen as a web page from the controller. Operators can view and operate the same interface from a standard web browser on a PC, tablet, or phone - useful for remote monitoring and for letting multiple users access one system.

Which IP rating do I need?

For a panel mounted in a control cabinet, an IP65/NEMA 4X front face is usually sufficient. For washdown areas, food & beverage lines, or mounting directly on a machine with no enclosure, choose an all-around IP67 (Turck TXF) or IP68 (WAGO Visual Panel) rated unit.

Resistive or capacitive touch?

Resistive touch responds to pressure, works with gloves and in wet conditions, and is common on economy panels. Capacitive glass-front touch gives a sharper, multi-touch, smartphone-like response and is found on premium models such as the Turck TX700 and TXF700.

Not sure which HMI fits your application?

Our team can help match display size, protection rating, and control requirements to your machine.

Contact Automation Distribution