A number of challenges exist when deploying computer equipment in a manufacturing environment.
Extreme temperature fluctuations, dirt, grease and splashing fluids are problematic for electronics. Prior to implementing on the plant floor, the system designer has the option of specifying an industrially hardened computer or an appropriately sealed industrial enclosure to be used with a general-purpose computer. Either solution can perform admirably but over time the choice between the two will be an investment decision that will balance lifetime costs, operational stability and versatility.
In general, the higher initial purchase price of an industrial computer will offset the cost of a less expensive general-purpose computer and PC enclosure. It is important to understand the differences between the two solutions after the system is deployed into production.
The first consideration comes into play during a hardware failure. Although the industrial-grade computer should provide greater longevity than a general-purpose PC, it is an electronic and over time electronics have failures.
Industrial PCs are often difficult to repair. Their sealed design may warrant a service technician to provide repair work or worst case scenario, require the unit to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair. Regardless, the end user will face production downtime.
In addition, industrial computers are usually proprietary and hard to upgrade. Since the system is built to withstand a manufacturing environment, a protective enclosure is usually not necessary. Without a PC enclosure, the computer has no protection against tampering with controls or misuse.
Separating a computer in a NEMA-rated enclosure can offer more flexibility when planning for the future. In the event of a computer failure, it will be far less expensive to carry inventory for a general-purpose computer vs. an industrial computer.
Utilizing a computer enclosure will provide greater versatility if the technology requires a change a couple years after the system has been implemented. A PC enclosure allows the system integrator to easily swap the older computer with a state-of-the-art computer. A computer enclosure is lockable and will provide the peace of mind that the system cannot be tampered.
Many companies do not calculate how much a computer and related hardware will cost in terms of production loss. The proper computer enclosure will help extend the lifetime of the electronics and reduce downtime while offering a cost effective alternative to industrial computers.
For more information on the benefits of PC enclosures, reference our blog post:
3 Problems a Computer Enclosure Eliminates
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