Industrial Computers

Industrial computers are specialised computing systems designed for ruggedness, reliability, and performance in demanding industrial environments. Unlike standard desktop PCs, industrial computers can withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, and dust, making them ideal for manufacturing, automation, and other industrial applications. They offer high processing power, various connectivity options, and customisable configurations to meet the specific needs of industrial automation and control systems.

What are Industrial Computers?

Industrial computers are rugged systems designed for demanding environments, capable of withstanding high levels of shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. They offer high-performance computing through powerful processors and ample onboard memory, such as GB DDR4. Various types are available, including fanless PCs, which utilise alternative cooling methods to enhance reliability. These features make industrial computers ideal for a wide range of industrial applications.

Applications of Industrial Computers

Industrial Computers are used in numerous applications and industries that require rugged computing power in a range of environments. Due to the rugged build and high-power internal components, Industrial Computers generally have a longer lifespan than commercial or enterprise computers. Examples of industries that use Industrial Computers include:

• Manufacturing Industry: Industrial PCs are used to control robotic arms, monitor production lines, and collect data for analysis and optimiaation.
• Automotive Industry: Industrial computers are used in automotive manufacturing for tasks such as vehicle assembly, quality control, and testing. They also power in-vehicle infotainment systems and driver assistance technologies by syncing with sensors.
• Aerospace: Industrial computers are essential for flight control systems, navigation, and communication in aircraft and spacecraft. Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, and shock makes them ideal for aerospace applications.
• Oil & Gas Industry: Industrial computers are used in oil and gas exploration, production, and refining. They control drilling equipment, monitor pipelines, and manage process automation in harsh environments.
• Energy & Power Generation: Industrial computers monitor and control power generation and distribution systems, ensuring grid stability and efficient energy management. They are used in power plants, substations, and renewable energy facilities.
• Transportation & Logistics: Industrial computers are used in transportation management systems, fleet tracking, and logistics operations. They optimise routes, track shipments, and manage warehouse automation.
• Food & Beverage Industry: Industrial computers are used in food processing, packaging, and quality control. They monitor production lines, control recipe management, and ensure food safety standards.
• Retail & Kiosks: Industrial touch screen computers are used in retail environments for point-of-sale (POS) systems, interactive kiosks, and digital signage. They provide customer engagement and streamline retail operations.
• Agriculture & Farming: Industrial computers are used in precision agriculture for tasks such as automated irrigation, crop monitoring, and livestock management. They help optimise resource usage and improve farm efficiency.

Industrial Computer Form Factors

• Rackmount industrial PCs can be fixed to walls or mounted in cabinets.
• Equipment-mounted computers can easier be mounted directly into the equipment as HMI displays.
• Industrial panel PCs can be installed into a cut out of an enclosure.
• Embedded industrial systems have a small footprint and are a perfect solution for tight spaces.

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Choosing the Right Industrial Computer for Your Business

1. Assess Environmental Conditions: Consider the operating environment, including temperature, humidity, dust, and vibration. Choose an industrial PC with appropriate ingress protection (IP) ratings and thermal management capabilities.
2. Determine Processing Power Needs: Evaluate the required processing power and memory based on the intended applications. Consider factors such as data processing, multitasking, and software requirements.
3. Select the Appropriate Form Factor: Choose a form factor that suits your installation needs. Options include rackmount, panel mount, embedded, or standalone industrial PCs.
4. Evaluate Connectivity Requirements: Determine the necessary connectivity options, such as Ethernet, USB, serial ports, and wireless connectivity. Ensure the industrial PC has the required ports and communication protocols.
5. Consider Expandability: Assess potential future needs for expansion or upgrades. Choose an industrial PC with expansion slots, modular components, or upgradeable features.
6. Check for Industry-Specific Features: Look for industry-specific features, such as specialised I/O, ruggedised connectors, or certifications for hazardous environments.
7. Determine Power Efficiency: Consider power consumption and efficiency, especially for continuous operation. Look for industrial PCs with energy-saving features or power-efficient components.
8. Choose Reliable Support and Warranty: Choose a reputable manufacturer that offers reliable technical support and a comprehensive warranty.
9. Budget for Long-Term Use: Industrial computers are a long-term investment. Consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, upgrades, and potential downtime.
10. Consider Customiaation Options: Evaluate customisation options to tailor the industrial PC to your specific needs. This may include adding specialised components, software, or peripherals.

Comparing Industrial Computers vs. Standard Computers for Industry Use

• Durability: Unlike consumer PCs, industrial computers are designed for harsh environments, with ruggedised enclosures, shock and vibration resistance, and protection against dust and moisture.
• Temperature Tolerance: While consumer PCs have a narrower operating temperature range, industrial computers can operate in extreme heat or cold.
• Shock & Vibration Resistance: Industrial computers are designed to withstand shock and vibration, making them suitable for use in moving vehicles or industrial machinery. Consumer PCs are more susceptible to damage from physical impact.
• Longer Lifespan: Industrial computers typically have a longer lifespan than consumer PCs due to their robust design and high-quality components.
• Form Factor: Industrial computers come in various form factors, including rackmount, panel mount, and embedded, to suit different installation requirements. Consumer PCs typically have a limited range of form factors.
• Connectivity Options: Industrial computers offer a wider range of connectivity options, including specialised I/O and industrial communication protocols. Consumer PCs typically have fewer connectivity options.
• Customisation: Industrial computers can be customised to meet specific application requirements, with options for adding specialised components or software. Consumer PCs offer limited customisation options.
• Reliability: Industrial computers are designed for high reliability and continuous operation, with features such as redundant power supplies and error-correcting memory. Consumer PCs are not typically designed for such high reliability.
• Cost: Industrial computers typically have a higher upfront cost than consumer PCs, but their longer lifespan and reduced maintenance can result in lower total cost of ownership.
• Maintenance & Support: Industrial computer manufacturers often offer comprehensive maintenance and support services, including on-site repair and extended warranties. Consumer PC support is typically more limited.

Industrial Computer Maintenance

• Regularly clean the industrial computer's exterior and interior to prevent dust buildup and ensure proper ventilation.
• Monitor the system's performance regularly using diagnostic tools and performance monitoring software.
• Keep the industrial PC's firmware and software up to date to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Periodically inspect and test the hardware components, such as fans, hard drives, and memory modules, to identify and replace any failing parts.
• Implement backup systems to protect critical data and ensure business continuity in case of hardware failure.
• Perform regular diagnostic tests to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems.

Trusted Industrial PC Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia

RS is a reliable provider of industrial PCs, computers and workstations in Australia. Shop industrial grade or fanless computers reliable brands Siemens, MOXA, and Phoenix Contact for all your operational needs.

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