Key panels for use in tough and safety-related industrial applications

The Simatic HMI KP8 and KP8F key panels are designed with IP65 protection at the front for tough industrial applications and are assembled ready for use, equipped with 2-port Profinet interface and integral switch and are easy to use with tactile feedback on operation of the keys.

Simatic HMI KP8F is suitable for use in safety-related applications and also has two safety-related inputs for this purpose. In single-channel use, the safety integrity level SIL 2 is achieved, while in dual-channel use SIL 3 is attained. Depending on the safety level, one or two emergency-off switches can be connected. Through the support of Profinet Shared Device, two controllers can be addressed simultaneously.

The new Simatic HMI KP8 and KP8F key panels are particularly suitable as a supplement to the Siemens HMI (Human Machine Interface) devices with all-round IP65 degree of protection, where they fit precisely into the expansion units and supplement the HMI devices with additional operating elements. The intensity of the LED backlighting of the new key panels can be adjusted individually to the ambient conditions, for example in difficult lighting conditions such as extreme brightness. The background colors are configurable in red, yellow, green, white or blue in order, for example, to signal different machine states. The user can even configure the individual keys, for example to alert the operator by flashing that interaction is required. All keys can be individually designated and adapted to the application by means of two labeling strips.

A typical application for key panels is the direct, deterministic transmission of operating commands. The new Siemens key panel is assembled ready for use, thereby eliminating the time-consuming individual assembly and wiring of conventional operator panels. Additional operating elements, such as pushbuttons, can be connected by means of eight programmable inputs/outputs mounted at the rear.

The Siemens Industry Sector(Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry posted sales of about EUR35 billion in fiscal year 2009. http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Automation Division(Nuremberg, Germany) is a global leader in the fields of automation systems, industrial controls and industrial software. Its portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industries to solutions for whole industrial sectors that encompass the automation of entire automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value added chain of manufacturers – from product design and development to production, sales and a wide range of maintenance services. With around 39,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Automation achieved sales of €7.0 billion in fiscal year 2009. www.siemens.com/industryautomation

Reference Number: IIA2010112502e