Choosing an HMI for Roll Forming Machines — Siemens Comfort vs PanelView vs Delta / Weintek

Introduction — Why HMI Choice Matters in Roll Forming Machines

The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is the main operator interface on a roll forming machine. It allows operators to control the line, view alarms, select recipes, monitor production data, and diagnose machine faults.

Typical functions controlled through an HMI include:

machine start and stop
panel length entry
production counters
alarm monitoring
recipe selection
maintenance diagnostics

Choosing the right HMI platform affects:

operator usability
system integration with the PLC
long-term serviceability
project cost

Three categories dominate roll forming machines:

High-end OEM HMI systems
Mid-range industrial HMIs
Budget HMIs

This guide compares the most common HMI platforms used in forming lines.

The Major HMI Platforms Used in Roll Forming Machines

The most common HMI platforms used in roll forming machines include:

Premium OEM platforms

SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels
PanelView Plus

Mid-range or mixed-platform HMIs

Weintek
Delta Electronics

Each platform targets different machine types and budgets.

Siemens Comfort HMI Panels

Overview

SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels are commonly used in European roll forming machines.

They integrate directly with Siemens PLC systems through the TIA Portal engineering environment, allowing PLC tags and alarms to be shared easily between the controller and the HMI.

Comfort panels are typically used in:

European OEM machines
high-end roll forming lines
machines with complex diagnostics

Key Advantages

Main advantages include:

tight integration with Siemens PLCs
unified engineering in TIA Portal
powerful alarm and diagnostic features
strong long-term support

These panels support advanced machine visualization and complex HMI applications.

Limitations

Possible drawbacks include:

higher hardware cost
expensive engineering software licenses
more complex configuration for small machines

Because of these factors, Comfort panels are often used on premium equipment.

Allen-Bradley PanelView HMIs

Overview

PanelView Plus HMIs are widely used in North American roll forming machines.

They integrate closely with Rockwell PLC systems and are programmed using FactoryTalk software.

PanelView systems are typically used in:

American roll forming machines
heavy industrial equipment
integrated Rockwell automation systems

Advantages

Important benefits include:

seamless integration with Rockwell PLC platforms
extensive support network in North America
powerful alarm and diagnostic tools

Allen-Bradley systems are commonly chosen when the PLC platform is also Rockwell because the ecosystem integrates well.

Limitations

Potential disadvantages include:

relatively high hardware cost
expensive engineering software
licensing complexity

For small machines these systems may be overkill.

Delta HMIs

Overview

Delta Electronics produces cost-effective HMI panels commonly used in entry-level roll forming machines.

Delta HMIs are often paired with Delta PLC systems in machines built for cost-sensitive markets.

Typical machines include:

roofing panel lines
trim roll formers
small construction profile machines

Advantages

Key advantages include:

low hardware cost
simple configuration
good integration with Delta automation hardware

These panels are often used in machines exported to developing markets.

Limitations

Limitations may include:

simpler graphics capability
fewer diagnostic features
smaller ecosystem compared with major brands

For high-end machines these HMIs may lack advanced capabilities.

Weintek HMIs

Overview

Weintek HMIs are widely used as a universal HMI platform because they support communication with many PLC brands.

Weintek panels can communicate with:

Siemens PLCs
Allen-Bradley PLCs
Mitsubishi PLCs
Schneider PLCs

This flexibility makes them popular among machine integrators.

Weintek panels are available in various product families such as the cMT series, which includes web access and advanced connectivity features.

Advantages

Important advantages include:

relatively low cost
support for many PLC protocols
free engineering software
strong connectivity features

Because of this flexibility, Weintek HMIs are frequently used in retrofit projects.

Limitations

Possible limitations include:

less integrated with PLC ecosystems
limited advanced motion integration
sometimes less long-term OEM support

However, for many machines they provide excellent value.

Cost Comparison

Typical relative cost ranges:

High-end HMIs

Siemens Comfort
PanelView Plus

Medium-cost HMIs

Schneider Magelis
Mitsubishi GOT

Budget HMIs

Delta
Weintek

For roll forming machines, HMI cost differences can be significant depending on the system size.

Integration Considerations

When selecting an HMI, the most important factor is usually PLC compatibility.

Best practice is to match the HMI brand with the PLC platform when possible.

Examples:

Siemens PLC → Siemens Comfort HMI
Rockwell PLC → PanelView HMI

Using the same ecosystem reduces engineering complexity and simplifies troubleshooting.

When to Choose Each HMI Type

Choose Siemens Comfort if

the PLC is Siemens
the machine is high-end
advanced diagnostics are required

Choose PanelView if

the PLC is Allen-Bradley
the machine is installed in North America
long-term Rockwell support is important

Choose Weintek if

the machine uses mixed PLC platforms
cost must be controlled
a universal HMI is required

Choose Delta if

the machine is entry-level
the PLC is Delta
the project is cost sensitive

Long-Term Support Considerations

Because roll forming machines operate for many years, HMI selection should also consider long-term support.

Important factors include:

spare parts availability
software compatibility
technician familiarity

Major brands often provide longer product lifecycles and broader support networks.

FAQ — Choosing an HMI for Roll Forming Machines

Should the HMI match the PLC brand?

Yes. Using the same manufacturer for PLC and HMI simplifies programming and troubleshooting.

Are Siemens Comfort HMIs better than cheaper panels?

They offer more advanced features and integration but cost significantly more.

Why are PanelView HMIs common in American machines?

They integrate directly with Rockwell PLC systems and have strong support networks in North America.

Are Weintek HMIs compatible with multiple PLC brands?

Yes. They support communication with many PLC systems, making them popular for mixed-platform machines.

Are Delta HMIs reliable?

Yes, they are widely used in entry-level industrial machines and provide good performance for their cost.

What size HMI is typical for roll forming machines?

Most roll forming machines use screens between 7 inches and 12 inches, although larger lines may use 15–21 inch displays.