Pro-face APL3900-TFM-BLD 19-Inch Front Module

Description

Key Technical Specifications

The Pro-face hardware manual describes the PL-3900T as a 19-inch panel computer and identifies its front module as APL3900-TFM-BLD when paired with the APL3000-BA control box. The published PL-3900T specifications list the 19-inch TFT display, SXGA resolution, analog-resistive touch panel, 1,024 × 1,024 touch resolution, and 260,000 display colors.

Product Introduction

The Pro-face APL3900-TFM-BLD is the 19-inch TFT front module used with the PL-3900T panel computer configuration. It provides the operator-facing display and touch interface, with SXGA 1,280 × 1,024 resolution and an analog-resistive touch panel. The OEM documentation identifies it as digital product number 3620003-03.

This distinction matters when ordering. APL3900-TFM-BLD is the front module, not the complete PL-3900T computer. The PL-3900T configuration combines the front module with an APL3000 control box. Verify the control-box model and revision before treating this part as a complete panel-PC replacement.

APL3900-TFM-BLD

APL3900-TFM-BLD

Installation & Configuration Guide

Stage 1: Pre-Installation Preparation — Approximately 5–10 Minutes

⚠️ Safety First: The PL3000 manual requires the power cord to be disconnected before installation or wiring work. Do not remove the front module while the system is energized.

Tools Required

• ESD wrist strap
• Phillips screwdriver
• Multimeter
• Labeling tape
• Camera or smartphone
• Appropriate installation tools for the panel fasteners

Before Removal

1. Notify operations and place the machine in a safe state.
2. Disconnect the PL unit from its power source.
3. Wait for the equipment to discharge according to your site’s electrical safety procedure.
4. Photograph the existing front module and its connection arrangement.
5. Record the complete PL-3900T assembly model and revision.
6. Keep the existing front module available until the replacement has been fully tested.

The PL3000 documentation specifically warns against connecting or disconnecting host/PL communication cables while the PL is powered.

Stage 2: Removing the Existing Front Module — Approximately 10 Minutes

1. Remove the required protective covers and access hardware.
2. Label every connection before disconnecting it.
3. Disconnect cables carefully; do not pull on cable conductors.
4. Support the front module during removal.
5. Release the installation fasteners.
6. Remove the front module from the panel without damaging the gasket or panel cutout.
7. Inspect the mounting area for corrosion, contamination, damaged hardware, or gasket deterioration.

The PL-3900T installation uses a 12-fastener installation arrangement, according to the Pro-face hardware documentation.

⚠️ Do not discard the old module yet. Keep it beside the replacement until display and touch operation have been verified.

Stage 3: Installing APL3900-TFM-BLD — Approximately 10 Minutes

1. Verify the replacement marking: APL3900-TFM-BLD / digital product number 3620003-03.
2. Inspect the display surface and connector areas before installation.
3. Check that the panel opening matches the PL-3900T requirement.
4. The documented panel cut dimension is 419.5 × 352.5 mm with a panel thickness range of approximately 1.6 to 10.0 mm.
5. Install the module into the existing panel opening.
6. Confirm the installation gasket is correctly positioned.
7. Install and tighten the mounting fasteners evenly.
8. Reconnect the associated control-box connections.
9. Check all connectors for full seating.

⚠️ Do not force a connector. If the connector orientation or mating interface does not match the original assembly, stop and verify the exact PL-3900T configuration.

Stage 4: Power-On & Functional Testing — Approximately 5–10 Minutes

1. Perform a visual inspection before energizing the system.
2. Verify that all connectors and mounting hardware are secure.
3. Restore power according to the plant procedure.
4. Allow the PL system to complete its normal boot sequence.
5. Confirm that the display initializes correctly.
6. Test several points across the touch panel rather than checking only the center.
7. Verify touch calibration and operator input.
8. Confirm the Windows/application environment starts normally.
9. Check the connected PLC or host communication.
10. Run a controlled operator-interface test before returning the machine to production.

⚠️ The Pro-face manual states that the touch panel remains active even if the backlight fails. Critical machine safety functions therefore should not depend solely on the PL touch interface.

Installation Check

• Correct model verified
• Panel cutout verified
• Gasket inspected
• Mounting fasteners secured
• Cables fully seated
• Display operating normally
• Touch response verified
• Application loaded correctly
• Host/PLC communication verified

Important Replacement Note

If you are replacing an entire PL-3900T, do not order based only on the external appearance. The Pro-face documentation defines as the front module associated with the PL-3900T configuration. The control box is a separate component.

For a complete modernization project, Pro-face has published a migration path from PL-3900T to PS-4800. The replacement is not mechanically identical: the documented panel-cut dimensions differ, so a PS-4800 migration may require panel modification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is the complete PL-3900T computer?

No. This is an important ordering distinction. is the front module. The PL-3900T configuration uses a separate APL3000 control box. Pro-face’s hardware manual explicitly lists the front-module relationship for the PL-3900T series.

Q2. What is the digital product number for ?

The Pro-face certification documentation identifies as digital product number 3620003-03. This number is useful when comparing labels, certificates, and purchasing records.

Q3. What display does use?

The PL-3900T specification uses a 19-inch TFT color LCD with SXGA 1,280 × 1,024 resolution and 260,000 display colors. The touch panel is analog resistive with 1,024 × 1,024 resolution.

Q4. Can I replace with a newer Pro-face panel directly?

Not automatically. Pro-face identifies the PS-4800 as a migration option for PL-3900T systems, but the published panel-cut dimensions are different. A replacement project therefore requires mechanical and software compatibility checks rather than a simple drop-in substitution.

Q5. Is the PL-3900T backlight user-replaceable?

No. Pro-face specifies the PL-3900T backlight as a cold-cathode tube and identifies it as not user-replaceable, with send-back service required.

Q6. What should I verify before purchasing ?

At minimum, verify:

• Exact model:
• Digital product number: 3620003-03
• Existing PL-3900T configuration
• Control-box model
• Hardware revision
• Display/touch requirements
• Physical panel-cut dimensions
• Actual stock condition

If the application depends on a specific revision or legacy configuration, send the existing nameplate information to the supplier before ordering. Do not assume that a visually similar PL3000 front module is interchangeable.

Q7. Is obsolete?

The available Pro-face documentation shows that the PL-3900T is an older PL3000 platform, and Pro-face provides a dedicated PL-3900T-to-PS-4800 migration guide. That makes lifecycle status a real procurement consideration. For an existing machine, retaining a verified spare front module can be preferable to waiting until an LCD or touch-panel failure forces an emergency migration.

Technical source note: The model identification, module relationship, display specifications, installation dimensions, and migration information above were checked against Pro-face documentation.