Oerlikon Metco AG
Provider of surface solutions
Intuitive operation of a highly complex process, integrated into existing overarching systems.
UX/UI Design, Software
Oerlikon Metco offers innovative surface solutions, materials, and coating systems that enhance performance and efficiency in industries such as aerospace, energy, and automotive.
Project description
As part of this project, a modern and powerful HMI (Human-Machine Interface) is being developed, among other things, for the MultiCoat™ 5 machines from Oerlikon. These machines are part of a high-end coating technology based on complex processes and extensive recipes. The goal is to create an intuitive and flexible user interface that simplifies operation while meeting the needs of different customer groups.
The new HMI solution is intended to clearly represent complex recipe structures and support various machine variants. Requirements from different international customers will be considered to maximize both flexibility and user-friendliness.
Tasks of Alphagate
Alphagate brings its extensive expertise and specialized technologies into the project, particularly in the following areas:
- UX/UI Design:
Development of a modern and intuitive operating concept that focuses on the user. Clear representations of complex process parameters and simple navigation are key aspects. - Software Platform A-Sphere:
Provision and integration of the proven software platform A-Sphere, which serves as the technological foundation for the new HMI. A-Sphere enables efficient development and flexible adaptation to different machines and customer requirements. - Experience in HMI Development:
Alphagate has decades of experience in designing and implementing control solutions for complex machinery. This experience directly contributes to the project. - Technical Implementation:
Development of the software for the HMI solution, including backend integration, security features, and recipe management.
Challenges
The machines operate with advanced coating processes that require detailed and flexible recipe structures. These need to be displayed in a way that is clear and intuitive for the user to understand and operate.
The HMI solution must support multiple machine variants with different functions, which places high demands on the modularity and flexibility of the system.
Customers worldwide have different expectations regarding functionality, usability, and design. These requirements must be taken into account during development and project planning, without overloading the basic structure of the software.
Despite the complexity of the processes and the flexibility for various requirements, the HMI should remain user-friendly and allow even less experienced users to operate it safely.
The HMI solution must seamlessly integrate into existing production environments and control systems, which requires close collaboration with the control and mechanical engineering departments of Oerlikon.
–Christoph Häfeli, Principle Engineer
Results
