Many automation engineers will begin programming hardware off-machine first, usually on a temporary setup such as a test rig or home lab.
Most equipment is easily mounted on standard DIN rail, but when it comes to HMI’s, it’s not that easy!
What is the Siemens KTP-400?
The Siemens KTP-400 is one of Siemens most popular HMI’s (Human Machine Interfaces) and it’s the smallest of the range too with a 4″ diagonal screen.
The HMI can be programmed with multiple screens containing various information, including diagrams, images, buttons, values, etc and these can be manipulated dependant upon the machine condition.
The HMI will communicate with the PLC so the display can change to reflect actual PLC values and status. Buttons can also be used to give input to the PLC and thus be used top operate the machine effectively.
For the KTP-400, it would more than likely be used on a small machine with little operator input.
We’ve used these KTP-400 HMI’s ourselves on a waste paper conveyor system, a vacuum pump plant for basic settings and information changes and on a grease distribution system, again for basic settings changing and information display.
Siemens KTP400 Grease System Control
Siemens KTP400 Vacuum System Control
Siemens KTP400 Conveyor Control
Why does the Siemens KTP-400 HMI need a DIN rail mount?
Surely if the HMI was meant to be mounted on DIN rail it would be designed with a DIN rail mount like their PLC’s?
Ninety-nine percent of the time, the HMI would be mounted in the face of the panel.
The Siemens KTP400 has slots in the side and fastenings that would pull the HMI tight against the front face of the panel. The back of the HMI would then be inside the panel.
However, many controls engineers will firstly program the HMI away from the machine panel, either at a test bench or a workshop.
Others, like myself, have a KTP400 on my home-lab test bench where I constantly program, learn, trial and play about with ideas.
When not mounted onto a control panel face, us control engineers find whacky ways of holding the HMI in place. From long screws in wood to just dangling it from the power and profinet cables!
So, to make life a little more organised, I planned and 3D printed a pair of DIN rail mounts that will clip into the main KTP400 mounting holes on the side of the device.
Siemens S7-1200 PLC and Siemens KTP-400 Basic HMI din rail mounted
Siemens KTP400 din rail mount v1 in HMI clips
Siemens KTP400 din rail mount v1 on din rail
Siemens KTP400 din rail mount v1 on HMI
Where can I get these mounts for the Siemens KTP-400?
You can either purchase a pair of these mounts for your own Siemens KTP400 HMI or you can download the STL file for 3D printing yourself.
To purchase a pair of mounts, please use this link (eBay): Din Rail Mount Pair KTP400 version7 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325576376203?hash=item4bcddd3f8b:g:k4cAAOSwgdFkEiyn
To download the STL file to 3D print yourself, please use this link (Thingiverse): Din Rail Mount Pair KTP400 version7 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5923920
Siemens KTP400 Din Rail Mount version 7 clear connections
Siemens KTP400 Din Rail Mount version 7 clipped on
Siemens KTP400 Din Rail Mount version 7 on din rail
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If you use the Siemens KTP400 din rail mounts yourself, I’d love to see! Connect with me on LinkedIn and share your images: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklee2209/