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OEM touch panels are being used more and more frequently in modern machines. But what to do if a device breaks down and no replacement is available?
Capacitive touch panels are now standard features of modern machine designs. Machine manufacturers, in particular, are increasingly opting for bespoke OEM versions developed specifically for their systems. These control units feature a modern design, offer intuitive operation and can be seamlessly integrated into the machine design.
As advantageous as OEM solutions are in operation, they can become problematic in the event of a fault. Many of these touch panels are produced exclusively for a specific machine manufacturer and are often only available for a limited time. If, after a few years, an operator needs a spare part or even a complete replacement unit, they frequently encounter supply bottlenecks or a lack of availability.
In der Reparaturpraxis treten immer wieder ähnliche Schäden auf. Besonders häufig sind gebrochene oder beschädigte Touchoberflächen, die durch mechanische Einwirkungen entstehen. Ebenso kommt es vor, dass der Touchscreen aufgrund eingedrungener Flüssigkeiten nicht mehr reagiert. Auch defekte Taster, ausgefallene Bedienelemente oder beschädigte Not-Aus-Einrichtungen gehören zu den typischen Fehlerbildern dieser Geräteintegration.
In repair practice, similar types of damage occur time and again. Broken or damaged touchscreens caused by mechanical impact are particularly common. It also happens that the touchscreen stops responding due to liquid ingress. Defective buttons, malfunctioning controls and damaged emergency stop devices are also among the typical faults associated with this type of device integration.
Even when original spare parts are no longer available, repairs are often still possible. EICHLER relies on reengineering processes for many OEM devices. This involves analysing faulty components and developing suitable solutions to restore the device's functionality. This means that even touch panels for which the manufacturer no longer supplies spare parts can be repaired.
Particularly in the case of OEM touch panels that have only been in use for three to four years, replacing the entire unit is often not economically viable. A professional repair extends the service life of the existing hardware, reduces breakdowns and avoids unnecessary investment. At the same time, it conserves valuable resources and prevents electronic waste.
Once repairs have been sucessfully completed, the units are thoroughly tested. EICHLER provides a 24-month warranty on the repairs carried out. This offers operators a reliable and cost-effective alternative to purchasing new equipment.
Capacitive OEM touch panels are being used more and more frequently in industrial automation. At the same time, the limited availability of spare parts poses challenges for many operatos. However, through repair and reengineering, it is possible to restore even those devices for which original spare parts are no longer available. EICHLER supports companies in ensuring the long-term availability of their machinery, in line with the principle: repair instead of replacing.
