The trend towards digitisation of human machine interfaces (HMIs) in the industrial sector is leading OEMs to adopt radically new approaches to machinery design and manufacture. At the same time, digitisation is creating an even more intensive working environment for operators of the equipment. Mindful of these requirements HMI specialist EAO has introduced a new family of capacitive switches that enable new generations of digital machine systems to be intelligently connected via an IO link controller to higher level bus systems or a programmable logic controller (PLC). Targeting new and emerging factory automation applications the new Series 84 IO-Link Touch touch-operated switches are freely configurable, bright and uniquely, jet-wash sealed to IP69K.

EAO offers the new Series 84 IO-Link Touch switches in three HMI variants – standard, stainless steel and hygiene – together with a range of application specific actuators and indicators, rendering the new family of switches ideal for a wide range of mechanical engineering applications.

Four lateral illuminated windows integrated into the front frame of Series 84 IO-Link Touch switches ensure excellent visibility of the entire status display. The static or flashing RGB LED illumination is particularly bright and thanks to the integrated ambient light level sensor, is always illuminates at the right intensity for a particular lighting condition. This feature also optimises the HMI’s power consumption as well as LED lifetime. High contrast, optionally illuminated standard or custom symbols combined with their attractive design means the new IO-Link Touch switches are able to visually integrate into any modern application setting.