Industrial computer enclosures can come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and materials.

When beginning a thorough search for the perfect enclosure for a specific environment, it is paramount to consider what material the enclosure will be made of and how it will perform under various, unforgiving conditions. There are many design factors that arise when determining the type of enclosure material that is best for a project. It is also vital to analyze the enclosure’s NEMA rating, because it will determine if the enclosure can withstand several circumstances, such as dust, dirt, grease, oil, hose directed fluids and corrosive materials.

Prior to installation, system designers working in corrosive or hazardous environments need to expertly analyze how to safely deploy electronics. 

Considerations for the manufacturing area’s classification and division for components such as LCDs, touch screens, HMI, computers and various other hardware is crucial. A system designer may be able to procure controllers and electronic equipment that are rated for a hazardous area and can be deployed, in such areas, out of the box. However, these systems are generally very expensive to repair or replace in the event of any type of failure. Alternative options for installing non-hazardous area electronics include using a purged computer enclosure.

A number of challenges present themselves when deploying sensitive electronics in a manufacturing setting.

Computer enclosures make for a safe, reliable way for system integrators to protect equipment. However, before agreeing upon a computer enclosure for a harsh, industrial environment, a number of significant issues should be considered. For example, what kind of material should the enclosure be made of or how many peripherals will be stored inside of the enclosure? The following 6 items should play a key role in the enclosure selection process.

Food and beverage settings require the utmost cleanliness!

When using electronics in production areas, it is important to keep them dry and still maintain a sanitary environment. The collective, protective requirement regulations for electronic equipment, deployed in industrial environments, have given rise to safety classifications developed by a number of manufacturing organizations, notably the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Enclosure classifications of specific relevance to wash-down environments is referred to as NEMA 4X. The operative descriptors for NEMA 4X (indoor or outdoor) enclosures are airtight protection against hose‐directed water and resistance to corrosion and harsh chemicals, which normally dictates stainless steel construction. Proper wash-down cleaning can remove the possibility of contamination or costly recalls caused by unsanitary conditions.

Looking to install a computer enclosure in a hazardous area? 

The drive to improve productivity and overall quality has pushed the PC from an office environment to the factory floor. Continuing demand for process control and access to real time information is requiring computer systems to withstand environments where they were not intended to be used. The need to protect computers in hostile environments (flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dust) is extremely important. Commonly referred to as “hazardous locations,” these areas can contain flammables in concentrations that could quickly ignite if exposed to an electrical spark, flame, or sufficient heat. The lack of proper protection could result in the ignition of these explosives, which may lead to a loss of property or even a life.

When working in an industrial environment, versatile computers are a great tool to have on the manufacturing floor. Most computer systems deployed in a plant setting require the use of a keyboard and mouse. However, not all keyboards are created equal. Depending on the hazards (dust, dirt, grease, corrosive materials, and liquids) of the environment, an industrial keyboard is a great investment that will provide peace of mind that it will survive in a rugged environment. A keyboard must have the flexibility to withstand the overall harmful surroundings, because a failing keyboard is a failure in productivity.