A computer's build is just as important as its function; without sufficient industrial grade components for a particular setting, a computer's TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) could be higher than expected. That's an important consideration on customization for a full corporation project—how should a series of computers be built? A Cybernet whitepaper addresses environmental requirements for computer builds, touching on energy consumption, EPEAT ratings, ingress protection, low / high heat environments, and other environmental factors that touch on important considerations, not only how an industrial mini PC functions, but what it needs to function in a range of different industries and environments. Here are a few to discuss in detail.
Industrial Grade Components Can Withstand Extreme Temperatures
One only need to glance at a rugged mini PC to get an idea of how these computers withstand extreme temperatures. These industrial mini PCs are housed in full aluminum heat sinks that absorb and dissipate heat efficiently. Cybernet's iPC line of computers can operate in temperatures from -25 degrees C up to 70 degrees C and can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. The operating temperature range is a key difference between industrial grade components and commercial grade components. Industrial grade components typically have much wider operating temperatures than commercial grade, making PCs built from them perfect for factories or outdoor environments where temperature fluctuation is an expected circumstance. These components expand the MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) expected for the computer and extend the use time for corporations, effectively reducing computer purchase cycles and saving the corporation money on a long-term basis. Some industrial grade computers retain ten times the lifespan of a commercial grade computer! Longevity and focused functionality are what these computers are built for. Cybernet's industrial mini PCs are rated at a higher MTBF than commercial grade because of use of industrial grade components on our motherboards. All of Cybernet's computers have a 50k hour MTBF, meaning your industrial mini PC running continuously, on average, will function for between 6 and 7 years before needing service.
Certified Industrial Grade Components for Any Industry
A lot of our industrial mini PCs pass the IEC 60068-2-27 standard, basically meaning shock-proof. Much like the 60601-1 standard for electrical hazard and radiation, this standard states that the "specimen," or computer in question, is acceptable to withstand shock pulses and vibrations that are meant to reproduce the same real-world effect such as transport mishaps or accidental droppage—not that droppage would happen often anyhow, since the industrial mini PCs are intended for rack and DIN mounting. Plus, dust is a natural component pest. These computers are fanless so they're not drawing in tiny mites of dust to clog up components, risking their longevity. Clients can even customize these rugged mini computers to be turned on with a terminal block—basically a remote switch so the PC can reside in an enclosure. With a myriad of different legacy and modern ports, these computers can support a lot of devices and peripherals that commercial grade can't, such as a scanner or receipt printer. Good luck finding a desktop computer with a RS-232 serial port, or an LPT port—those legacy connections often require expensive and rare adapters to function properly, if at all. All these certifications and system protections in place ensure longevity with a MTBF of 50k+ hours of continuous usage. Cybernet also boasts a less than 2 percent failure rate for all computers within their life cycles.
Industrial Grade Components for Hazardous Materials
Panel PCs are exposed to biohazardous materials and contaminants every day; that's why it's important they retain their IP ratings. This video demonstrates how resilient our sealed panel PCs are against direct splashes of water! The Industrial HMI Panel protects against liquids hitting it's front panel with the IP65 rating. Not only is this panel PC sealed, it's still rated with the IEC60068-2-27 standard, holds up within extreme temperatures with its industrial grade components, and doesn't have much ingress because of its fanless design. Sealed bezel panel PCs are easy to disinfect and clean—spray on, wipe off, compute.
Cybernet thinks of all possible hazardous environments and undesirable results when it comes to crucial computing devices. The standards we meet and certifications achieved by our industrial machines allow them to be resilient in nearly any environment, around any hazardous materials, and within any reasonable extreme temperature with their industrial grade components. These computers are prepared for shock damage, accidental droppage, and are ready for deployment in any industry, whether it's medical, industrial, or commercial enterprise. Customize a panel PC right now and streamline your business operations while saving money and time.