Since the advent of machine automation in manufacturing, monitors, workstations, and industrial computers with human-machine interface (HMI), have used CRT technology to allow workers to interact with machines to perform production processes.
CRTs, also known as cathode ray tubes, began to gain popularity in 1998 when LCDs (or liquid crystal displays) appeared. Since then, LCD technology has advanced beyond CRTs in many aspects of machine-automated manufacturing. CRTs are now a thing of the past. Industrial LCD screens were chosen as the screen type for several good reasons.
Here’s our list of why we chose LCDs over CRTs:
1. Reliability. Industrial LCD monitors can last over 100,000 hours, while CRTs can last around 20,000 hours.
2. Power Saving. The anode lead carries 24,000 volts to the CRT tube, so it uses three times as much power as an Industrial LCD.
3. Cost Effectiveness. Repairing CRTs can be costly. However, LCD retrofits are possible and can be more cost-effective. Retrofitting won’t require you to change your entire system, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. There is no need to replace your legacy machinery.
4. Clarity. Seeing data clearly reduces squinting. Additionally, once the unit gets some use, there’s no annoying burn-in that happens over time. The Industrial LCD is also less tiring for the user’s eyes due to its lower intensity and the constant display of pixels on the screen.
5. Lighter. An Industrial LCD weighs 80% less than a CRT.
6. Less heat. An LCD also produces less heat during use. This is best for other sensitive electronic devices such as drives, PLCs, and power supplies, which share a cabinet with a machine.
7. No high voltage. An LCD screen does not require high voltage to operate. The high voltage can overflow and cause other problems such as a risk of explosion.
8. Obsolete. Replacing the CRT is nearly impossible due to obsolescence; They are rarely available in stock and can only be repaired by certain companies.
In summary, converting CRT to LCD is the easiest and most cost-effective way to extend the life of your monitor or HMI unit. These LCD Retrofit Upgrade Kits are available at T2industrial.com. If you can’t find or don’t know what’s best for your machine, you can reach out to us at +1 877 260 3426 or by sending us a message.