Industrial panel computers are waterproof touch panels designed to withstand extremely harsh conditions. They are generally resilient enough to survive being suffocated or burned.
Where conventional computers stop off, industrial panel PCs pick up where they left off. They can withstand greater abuse and higher temperatures and possess some degree of resistance or waterproofing.
They come equipped with many legacy I/O ports designed to cater to manufacturing facilities’ requirements that extensively use older forms of technology.
A typical installation might involve operating a machine, being a part of a line of machines, or being an integral component of a flow element in a production line.
The following are the red flags that should be watched out for:
1. An outer shell made of steel
You should avoid becoming too lightweight. The entire computer is quite hefty, making it resistant to damage and flex. Because weight will only seldom be a problem in production, the dependability of steel is an absolute necessity.
2. The front panel of IP65
Any higher rating is also desirable. Dust is one of the most significant adversaries of the panel PC because it accumulates in the moving parts, covers the vents, and traps heat when it falls on heat-generating components like chips.
Under typical circumstances, the front panel should be competent enough to prevent dust from entering the system. Water is the other ingredient and will have a more immediate impact. Electrical current + liquid = not a lot of fun. Ensure the front panel can survive at least a direct spray with low pressure.
3. Use of a keypad or a touchscreen
Mice and conventional keyboards are not going to cut it here. It’s impossible to operate the mouse with gloves on, and regular keyboards are just as difficult to use. It is possible to use a touch screen while wearing gloves, and a soft keypad linked to the system makes it simple to type text and resistant to water and dust.
4. The fundamental performance
The parts on the inside are nothing more than a computer. In most cases, the chipset, the already installed RAM, and the CPU will be standard. The total speed will be determined by the pieces you choose.
The replacement parts should outdo the capabilities and requirements of the system being replaced. Be very careful while replacing the old system with a fanless one because there are potential heating problems. If there were no fans on the previous system, you should look for a replacement that also lacks fans.
5. Multiple I/O ports
Legacy interfaces, such as serial and parallel ports, will be included on an industrial panel PC. Digital input/output interfaces are also rather prevalent. In addition, ensure that the necessary networking needs are satisfied; normally, this will consist of a port for Fast Ethernet, but it may also contain WiFi. USB ports are very common and essential for adding newer components.
Takeaway
Newer industrial panel PCs will also provide some more current capabilities that, when combined, may make installation and configuration far simpler.
Built-in wireless networking may take the place of a wired network and provide speeds equivalent to those of most wired systems. Optical drives are occasionally provided. However, their accessibility is determined by the installation.
