The fundamental concept of the industry still remains unchanged but the various manufacturing techniques and processes are constantly undergoing improvements through the introduction of automation and computer systems.
Very often, there are industrial PCs (or IPCs) at the center of the productivity process to optimize the chain, control and increase productivity while resisting harsh environments.
Industrial PC: How can it be helpful?
An industrial PC is also called a rugged industrial PC for its ability and high capacity to adapt to harsh environments for industrial computing. An industrial PC fully complies with environments with extreme conditions related to temperature, humidity, dust, vibrations, corrosion, etc.
Steering and tracking in extreme temperatures
An industrial PC makes it possible to modify and monitor the temperature of furnaces in a steelworks, a sheet metal works, a foundry as well as in cold rooms for the case of the food industry, the cosmetics industry, the pharmaceutical industry, etc. This control is performs optimally in a temperature range of -20° up to +60°.
Control of bioclimatic factors
An industrial PC is also useful in the agricultural industry. It can be found in certain greenhouses where it monitors the rate of sunshine, temperature, carbon dioxide rate, humidity rate, etc.
In this case, the machine resists a high level of humidity, being composed of electronics adapted to this type of environment. An industrial PC can be used to control systems in environments characterized by the generation of a large quantity of dust particles, such as greenhouses and carpentry. In this case, it is possible to use an industrial PC without a fan (or Fanless) which prevents the entry of dust into the case.
Clear data visualization
The visualization of the various data necessary for efficient piloting and control is done via an attractive and user-friendly screen. The industrial PC allows operators optimal data processing in an intuitive way and facilitated by the multitude of features it offers.
Types of industrial PCs
Industrial PCs come in different categories to best meet industry requirements.
Hardened industrial tablet
It is a very robust portable tablet PC, delivered with a Wifi connection, Bluetooth and a 2M pixel camera. It can also house a GPS tracking system and a 3.75 G WLAN antenna.
It is a fully functional device suitable for outdoor application which is IP54 certified (dirt, dust and water proof rating). This tablet can withstand a 1.2 meter drop and adapt to any industrial environment.
Panel PC
Designed on a high-performance platform with a compact chassis and user-friendly touch screens, Panel PCs come in many ranges (Fanless Panel PCs, multifunction touch PCs, etc.).
Fanless industrial PC
Designed as part of improving the development of high-quality materials and following a rigorous study of thermal management, fanless industrial PCs can host applications with a large number of input/output interfaces. They are very suitable for demanding environments in terms of temperature and vibration
BONUS: Difference between Rugged Industrial Tablet and Panel PC
The industrial tablet and the Panel PC are part of the HMI (Human-Machine Interface).
In terms of computing performance, there are many similarities between the industrial tablet and the Panel PC. Both machines have the same processor, RAM and operating system. The choice will be the industrial touch PC if you want a suitable computer configuration in terms of RAM memory since it is more flexible.
The touch pad, however, has a better screen definition and is sought after for its mobility and ease of use. This mobility gives an industrial tablet insensitivity to possible power cuts in addition to the wireless character.
In terms of connectivity, the Fanless Panel PC can house the WiFi function. On the other hand, a reinforced industrial tablet can receive a 3G/4G communication module and it has a large number of wired communication ports.
Conclusion
Industrial PCs are essential in the field of industry in view of their significant usefulness, the facilities and optimization they offer and their increased resistance and adaptability in all types of environments.
