Why converting CRT monitors to LCD is a good idea

Why Converting CRT Monitors to LCD is a Good Idea

Why converting CRT monitors to LCD is a good idea

In my 30 year career in industrial automation repair, I’ve seen countless HMIs or monitors pass through the workshop for repair. Most of these were the CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) type. CRTs were the first technology to allow users to interact with machines carrying out manufacturing functions.

Whilst repairs to CRT monitors can still be carried out, although parts availability is reducing, at Fletcher Moorland we recommend converting from CRT to LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). There are many good commercial and technical reasons to do this including –

1 – Reliability – CRT monitors tend to have a lifespan of 18,000 – 20,000 hours. LCD monitors are designed to last over 100,000 hours.

2 – A Solution to Obsolescence – A conversion to LCD can extend the life of your equipment.

3 – Energy Saving – An LCD requires less power to operate compared to a CRT.

4 – Operator Comfort – Screen burn often associated with CRTs are a thing of the past with LCDs, the display is much clearer for the operator to view and will not fade.

5 – Less Knock-On Problems – LCD screens do not operate at such high temperatures and voltages as CRTs so there is less chance of damaging associated components and circuitry.

An important question now, ‘When is the best time to convert?‘ and this is one I can’t really answer. It depends on your production scheduling and shutdown windows. However if you do have an industrial automation monitor or HMI that is already giving you problems of fading, burnt screen, display folding etc. Then it is already failing and will get worse. It maybe prudent to remove it from service before a failure impacts on your production.

To contact our workshops call  01782 411021 day, night or weekend.

We are open and manned 24 hours of every day for all automation repair and servicing.