Why Magnetic Closure Keeps an HMI Cover Sealed: Inside GracePort+ MagView

Posted by Alyssa Rice on November 11

The GracePort+ MagView is a magnetic HMI cover designed to help industrial touchscreens stay protected through a secure, consistent closure. Its magnetic mechanism helps the lid close properly after use, while the latch must be engaged to achieve IP66 protection. Available in five sizes, MagView offers a practical solution for demanding industrial environments.

Industrial HMIs play an important role in everyday operations, allowing operators to monitor equipment, adjust settings, and troubleshoot issues. Whether a protective cover is included with the equipment or added later, its purpose is to help shield the touchscreen from environmental exposure.

However, in busy industrial environments where HMIs are accessed frequently, protection doesn't stop at having a cover installed. Making sure that cover is properly closed and secured after each use is just as important.

When a cover is left unsecured, water, dust, and other contaminants may reach the touchscreen. That's where the GracePort+ MagView's magnetic closure comes into play.


Why Does a Closed HMI Cover Matter?

Industrial HMIs are often installed in environments where exposure to dust, moisture, and water is a regular concern. From food processing facilities with frequent washdowns to outdoor installations exposed to changing weather conditions, protecting these touchscreens from environmental contaminants is essential. In busy manufacturing facilities, accidental contact with tools, materials, or nearby equipment can also pose a risk to exposed touchscreens.

Whether a protective cover comes installed with the equipment or is added later, it can only provide its intended environmental protection when properly closed and latched. The gasket and latch work together as part of the protective assembly, and a lid that appears closed may not be fully secured against dust and water.

This becomes particularly important in high-traffic areas where multiple operators access the same display throughout the day. As discussed in our recent article on protecting HMIs on enclosure doors, selecting and properly installing protective components is essential to maintaining environmental protection.


How Does the GracePort+ MagView's Magnetic Closure Work?

The GracePort+ MagView introduces a magnetic closure designed to help the protective lid close securely and consistently after use. Rather than changing how operators interact with the HMI, it focuses on what happens once they're finished using the touchscreen.

The magnetic mechanism assists with bringing the lid into its closed position, helping operators secure the protective cover after each interaction. This is especially valuable in industrial environments where HMIs are accessed frequently throughout the day.

While the magnets assist with closure, the latch must be fully engaged to maintain the MagView's IP66 protection. This rating means the cover is completely dust-tight and provides protection against powerful jets of water, helping shield the enclosed HMI from demanding environmental conditions.

By addressing how the cover closes after use, MagView helps reduce the risk of an HMI being left exposed during everyday operations.


 

What Stays the Same as the Standard GracePort+?

The GracePort+ MagView builds on the existing GracePort+ HMI cover design, offering the same five frame sizes and identical overall dimensions as the standard version.

The standard GracePort+ design features a clear polycarbonate cover, formed-in-place gasket, and flexible hinge mounting options. These features help protect door-mounted HMIs while allowing operators to view the display through the protective cover.

One important difference is certification. Standard snap-latch GracePort+ HMI cover kits are UL Listed, with final certification depending on component selection. GracePort+ MagView versions are not UL Listed, so the application's certification requirements should be considered when choosing between the two designs.

Explore the standard GracePort+ HMI covers to learn more about the available protective cover options.


Where Does the GracePort+ MagView Fit Best?

The GracePort+ MagView is particularly beneficial in environments where HMIs are accessed frequently and proper closure is essential. This includes both new equipment installations where HMI protection is being specified and existing installations where additional protection may be needed.

In food and beverage facilities, regular washdowns make protecting HMIs especially important. Water and wastewater operations may have equipment installed in damp or outdoor locations, while packaging, manufacturing, and other high-traffic facilities often have multiple operators accessing the same touchscreen throughout the day.

In each of these environments, MagView's magnetic closure helps reduce the risk of a protective cover being left unsecured, keeping HMI protection a priority during everyday operations.

For applications requiring a UL Type-rated HMI cover, Grace's standard snap-latch GracePort+ should be considered instead, as the GracePort+ MagView versions are not UL Listed.

To learn more about the importance of HMI protection, explore our article on the cost of protecting human machine interfaces.


Want to Learn More About GracePort Solutions?

Discover how GracePort solutions help improve accessibility and protection for industrial control panels, and explore the solutions available for different applications.

  Download GracePort eBook  


 

What GracePort+ MagView Sizes Are Available?

GracePort+ MagView is available in five sizes, with each magnetic-closure version identified by an -M part number.

Part Number Screen Size
H-X-YD7-M 10 in
H-X-YA7-M 12 in
H-X-YC7-M 14 in
H-X-YE7-M 16 in
H-X-YF7-M 20 in

Because HMI dimensions vary by manufacturer and model, it's important to confirm compatibility using Grace's HMI Model Selector and applicable product documentation. HMIs are sold separately.

GracePort+ MagView Enclosure Size Range

For assistance selecting the right GracePort+ MagView cover for your application, contact your local Grace Technologies distributor or our Grace Technologies team.


Need a Secure Closure on a Data Port Too?

Grace Technologies also offers the GracePort MagView (M9), a panel interface connector housing designed for external communication and power connections. Although both products use magnetic closure technology, their applications are different.

Feature GracePort+ MagView GracePort MagView (M9)
Purpose Clear HMI cover for door-mounted screens
Panel interface connector housing for data ports and power
Closure Magnetic closure for a secure, consistent close
Magnetic closure for a secure, consistent close
Lid design Standard hinged protective cover Additional magnets hold the lid open

Two MagView Solutions

Learn more about the GracePort MagView housing and its available configurations.


What Are the Most Common Questions About the GracePort+ MagView?

Why does a secure closure matter on an HMI cover?

An HMI cover can only provide its intended protection when it's fully closed and latched. If the cover is left unsecured, water, dust, and other contaminants may reach the touchscreen.

How does the GracePort+ MagView's magnetic closure work?

The magnetic closure helps the protective lid close securely and consistently after use. However, the latch must still be fully engaged for the cover's IP66 protection to apply.

What's the difference between GracePort+ MagView and GracePort MagView (M9)?

GracePort+ MagView is designed to protect industrial touchscreens, while GracePort MagView (M9) is a housing for external data and power connections. Both feature magnetic closures, but the GracePort MagView (M9) also has magnets that hold its lid open.

What sizes are available, and can MagView replace an existing GracePort+ cover?

GracePort+ MagView is available in five sizes to accommodate 10-, 12-, 14-, 16-, and 20-inch HMI screens. It has the same dimensions as the standard GracePort+ cover, but the magnetic closure cannot be added to an existing cover. Check Grace's HMI Model Selector and installation requirements to confirm compatibility before replacing a cover. HMIs are sold separately.

What ratings does the GracePort+ MagView have?

GracePort+ MagView is rated IP66 when the latch is fully engaged, meaning it provides complete protection against dust and protection against powerful jets of water. However, MagView is not UL Listed. For applications requiring a UL Type-rated HMI cover, Grace's standard snap-latch GracePort+ should be used instead.


How Can You Find the Right HMI Cover for Your Application?

Choosing the right HMI cover means considering your equipment, operating environment, and protection requirements. With five available sizes and a magnetic closure designed for a secure, consistent close, GracePort+ MagView offers another option for protecting industrial touchscreens.

Interested in learning more about GracePort+ MagView or finding the right cover for your application?

Interested in learning more about GracePort+ MagView or finding the right cover for your application? Contact your local Grace Technologies distributor or reach out to our team for more information!


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Topics: HumpDay Blog Entry, Electrical Safety, HMI, GracePort, Human Machine Interface, MagView

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