Suspend, position human-machine interfaces: Hoffman

Hoffman Syspend 281-Max provides heavyweight HMI suspension and positioning capabilities, the company says.

December 1, 2009

Hoffman Syspend 281-Max has heavyweight HMI suspension and positioning capabilities.

The Hoffman Syspend 281-Max HMI Suspension System for supporting and/or repositioning human-machine interface (HMI) enclosures and devices up to a maximum load capacity of 281 lb. The newest addition to Hoffman’s rugged Syspend family of HMI products, the 281-Max is designed around a modular platform consisting of aluminum tubes and die-cast aluminum components. This flexible system configuration provides an aesthetically pleasing solution for use in a wide range of process control applications where an enclosure needs to be positioned out of the way for cleaning, storage or safety considerations.

The suspension system includes varying lengths of tubes, elbows, adapters and additional components that can be configured to provide a suspension system for specific applications. It offers ergonomic, fatigue-free operation, Hoffman says. Clean lines and smooth transitions between tubes and system components provide attractive aesthetics and easy cleaning. Tubing provides structural integrity and acts as a conduit for equipment wiring, further enhancing the refined look, the company says. Six-fold positive connections between tubes and components, along with recessed mounting areas, deliver a secure attachment. Tubes attach with set screws that grab into the recesses in the system components for increased safety; no additional safety drilling is required.

Vertical motion tubes provide versatile, height-adjustable solutions for pedestal mounting an HMI enclosure, and the system design facilitates user-friendly re-adjustment at any time, without disassembling the complete system or calibrating off-site. The 281-Max has gasketed components that maintain the NEMA Type 12 enclosure rating.

It has tube set screws coated with Loctite to seal threaded holes and provide secure connections. Heavy-duty bearings in all movable joints deliver convenient, smooth operation and enhanced durability to withstand stresses of repeated use. Variable torque adjustment is available.

Hoffman, based in Anoka, MN, designs and manufactures systems that safely and reliably protect the electronic and electrical controls in industrial, networking and commercial construction applications, the company says. Hoffman is a member of the Pentair Technical Products GBU, which also includes McLean Cooling Technology, Taunus, Aspen Motion Technologies, Pentair Electronic Packaging, Schroff, Calmark and Birtcher. www.hoffmanonline.com

Also read: Control Panel Design: 60% Less Space.

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor in chief, Control Engineering www.controleng.com