Engel has redefined the human-machine interface with its CC300. The control unit makes it even more efficient, user-friendly and safe to use injection moulding machines and integrated system solutions. For its fifth anniversary, the Engel control unit will be showcased along with an upgraded control concept and new features at the Fakuma 2018 trade fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from 16th to 20th October. Tutorials, which play directly on the display, keep the machine operator up-to-date and highlight areas of potential for optimisation.The increasing complexity of the production process poses increasingly tough challenges for control technology. The clearer and more intuitive the control unit, the more safely and efficiently the machines and production cells can be operated. For this reason, when it comes to the CC300 control unit's ongoing improvement, 'keep it simple' is a key guiding principle for injection moulding machine manufacturer and system solutions provider Engel. The design and operating philosophy are the essential elements for truly intuitive operation without restricting the scope of the machine or system solution.
Development influenced by customer preferences
Many of the improvements and innovations are the result of specific customer requests, such as for an overview of all components and tasks to be presented on the home screen. Components like the injection unit and tasks like mould set-up are used particularly frequently as a starting point with the control unit. Thanks to the new arrangement on a shared page, the machine operator can now switch between tasks and components even faster. In the style of the CC200, the production and system settings pages can be opened from any page by swiping from the left or right edge of the screen, helping to smooth users' transition from CC200 to CC300.From the outset, smartphones have served as models for the development of the CC300's user interface. This is clear to see once again from the latest improvements. For instance, favourites can be created and edited incredibly easily and quickly in the new release. They are shown at the top of the screen and are therefore always visible to the user.
In addition, breadcrumb navigation ensures even better orientation. Breadcrumb trails map out the entire navigation path, enabling the user to see at any time which level they have reached and to move in a targeted way to any other level. In addition, the Home and Back buttons are available as fixed page elements.
