Beckhoff CP3718-0020 CP37xx 18.5-inch Multi-touch Panel PC

Description

Designed for direct mounting arm installation in demanding environments, the Beckhoff CP3718-0020 is an industrial Multi-touch Panel PC that integrates a high-resolution 18.5-inch widescreen display with an exceptionally robust computing platform. This all-in-one HMI solution features a rugged aluminum housing with complete IP65 protection, allowing operators to run complex control, monitoring, and visualization applications directly at the machine face without requiring an enclosure.

Key Technical Features

• High-Resolution Widescreen Display: 18.5-inch diagonal screen with a native 1366 x 768 resolution and multi-finger capacitive touch technology.
• Industrial Mounting Integration: Designed for top or bottom installation with a rotatable and tiltable mounting arm adapter compatible with Rittal and Rolec 48 mm tube systems.
• Passive Thermal Control: Dissipates heat through an external heat sink structure paired with an internal fan to secure uniform thermal distribution.
• Solid-State Storage: Outfitted with two CFast slots, ensuring maximum vibration resistance and fast write-cycles in critical applications.
• Industrial Connectivity: Provides on-board Gigabit Ethernet interfaces brought out through specialized IP65 push-pull connection points.

Industrial Applications

• On-machine control and operator interface terminal (HMI)
• Material handling and automated assembly line tracking
• Process visualization in environmental or raw material processing
• Food, beverage, and packaging production control interfaces

Technical Specifications

Connections and Interfaces

Alternative Models & Compatibility

When transitioning from legacy CP32xx or CP39xx series, note that the CP3718-0020 utilizes an integrated mounting arm adapter layout that directly aligns with Rittal and Rolec systems. Software compatibility requires proper runtime licensing in TwinCAT 3; depending on the chosen CPU variant (E3930 vs. E3940), the controller level maps to performance classes TC3:40 or TC3:50. Ensure projects are targeted correctly in TwinCAT XAE before deploying runtime tasks.

Application Pitfalls & Engineering Notes

While the CP3718-0020 features internal fans to achieve uniform heat distribution across its aluminum housing, it relies entirely on passive radiation for cooling. You must maintain at least 20 cm (7.9 inches) of open clearance around the entire exterior of the unit. Placing the device in tight corners, alcoves, or directly against structural bulkheads will impede convective airflow, causing thermal throttling of the Intel Atom processor under peak graphic or logic execution cycles.

Commissioning & Wiring Tips

To retain the IP65 rating, only utilize industrial-grade push-pull RJ45 patch cables designed for IP65 environments. Ensure that the sealing rings on unused interface ports are fully engaged and torqued down. Ground the mounting arm assembly directly to the machine frame using high-frequency copper ground braids. Poor high-frequency grounding can introduce electrical noise into the capacitive multi-touch controller, resulting in erratic coordinate tracking or phantom touch signals.

Installation Guidelines