Industrial automation has come a long way in recent years, and the rise of industrial PCs has played a significant role in this revolution. Industrial PCs are used to control and monitor a wide range of manufacturing processes, from assembly lines to robotic systems. In this blog, we will discuss how industrial PCs are revolutionizing industrial automation.
Increased Precision: Industrial PCs offer precise control over manufacturing processes, ensuring that each step is carried out with exacting accuracy. This increased precision leads to improved quality control and reduced waste, resulting in higher profitability for manufacturers.
Enhanced Flexibility: Industrial PCs are highly customizable, allowing manufacturers to tailor their automation systems to their specific needs. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt to changes in production requirements and helps manufacturers stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Real-time Data Analysis: Industrial PCs can be integrated with data management systems to provide real-time monitoring and analysis of manufacturing processes. This enables manufacturers to identify bottlenecks, optimize production, and reduce downtime, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability.
Improved Safety: Industrial automation can be dangerous, and safety is a top priority for manufacturers. Industrial PCs offer advanced safety features, such as emergency stop buttons, safety interlocks, and programmable safety controllers, that help protect workers and prevent accidents.
Cost-Effective: Industrial PCs are a cost-effective solution for industrial automation. They offer superior performance and reliability compared to traditional automation solutions, while also being more affordable and easier to maintain.
In conclusion, industrial PCs are revolutionizing industrial automation. Their increased precision, enhanced flexibility, real-time data analysis capabilities, improved safety features, and cost-effectiveness make them an essential tool for modern manufacturing facilities. With industrial PCs, manufacturers can achieve improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and increased profitability.
Manufacturing processes have become increasingly reliant on technology, and industrial PCs have become an essential component of these processes. However, selecting the right industrial PC for your manufacturing needs can be a daunting task. In this blog, we will discuss the factors you need to consider when choosing the right industrial PC for your manufacturing needs.
Environmental Considerations: Industrial PCs are designed to withstand harsh environments, including temperature extremes, dust, and vibration. When selecting an industrial PC, consider the environmental conditions in which it will operate. Choose an industrial PC that can withstand the conditions of your manufacturing facility.
Processing Power: The processing power of an industrial PC determines its ability to handle complex applications and data-intensive tasks. Consider the processing power needed for your manufacturing processes, and choose an industrial PC with sufficient processing power to handle these tasks efficiently.
Customization Options: Industrial PCs are highly customizable and can be configured to meet specific manufacturing needs. When selecting an industrial PC, consider the customization options available. Choose an industrial PC that can be tailored to your unique manufacturing requirements.
Expansion Capabilities: Manufacturing processes are subject to change, and you need an industrial PC that can adapt to these changes. Consider the expansion capabilities of an industrial PC when making your selection. Choose an industrial PC with expansion options that allow you to add components or upgrade hardware as needed.
Connectivity Options: Industrial PCs need to be able to communicate with other devices and systems in your manufacturing process. Consider the connectivity options available when selecting an industrial PC. Choose an industrial PC that supports the necessary communication protocols and interfaces.
Support and Maintenance: Industrial PCs require maintenance and support to ensure optimal performance. Consider the level of support and maintenance available for the industrial PC you are considering. Choose an industrial PC with a reliable and responsive support team.
Selecting the right industrial PC for your manufacturing needs requires careful consideration of several factors. Environmental considerations, processing power, customization options, expansion capabilities, connectivity options, and support and maintenance are all crucial factors to consider. By carefully considering these factors, you can select an industrial PC that meets your manufacturing needs and helps you achieve optimal efficiency and profitability.
Clean rooms are critical environments used in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and semiconductor manufacturing to maintain a controlled environment free of airborne contaminants. The stringent requirements for clean room environments make it necessary to use specialized equipment that can operate without causing contamination. Industrial PCs are an essential component in clean room applications, offering a reliable and efficient solution for controlling processes and data management.
Industrial PCs designed for clean room applications must comply with strict standards to ensure they do not generate any contaminants. These PCs are typically made of high-grade stainless steel and have a sealed design to prevent particle ingress. They must also meet the necessary certification requirements, including ISO 14644, for clean room use.
The benefits of using industrial PCs in clean room applications include their ability to operate in harsh environments, handle large amounts of data, and integrate with other equipment. They can be customized to meet specific application requirements and can withstand exposure to chemicals and other contaminants.
In summary, industrial PCs are a critical component for clean room applications. They offer a reliable and efficient solution for controlling processes and data management while maintaining the strict cleanliness requirements of a clean room environment.
Clean rooms are critical environments that require specialized equipment to maintain a contamination-free environment. Industrial PCs are a perfect pairing for clean room applications, providing reliable and efficient solutions for controlling processes and data management.
The strict cleanliness requirements of clean rooms make it necessary to use specialized equipment that can operate without causing contamination. Industrial PCs designed for clean room use are made of high-grade stainless steel and have a sealed design to prevent particle ingress. They must also meet the necessary certification requirements, including ISO 14644, for clean room use.
The use of industrial PCs in clean room applications offers many benefits, including their ability to operate in harsh environments, handle large amounts of data, and integrate with other equipment. They can be customized to meet specific application requirements and can withstand exposure to chemicals and other contaminants.
In addition, industrial PCs can provide real-time data monitoring and control, making it easier to detect and correct issues that could cause contamination. They can also help streamline processes, reducing the risk of human error and increasing productivity.
Clean rooms and industrial PCs are a perfect pairing. The use of industrial PCs in clean room applications offers many benefits, including reliable and efficient solutions for controlling processes and data management while maintaining the strict cleanliness requirements of a clean room environment.
Clean rooms are critical environments used in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and semiconductor manufacturing to maintain a controlled environment free of airborne contaminants. The stringent requirements for clean room environments make it necessary to use specialized equipment that can operate without causing contamination. Industrial PCs are a necessary component in clean room applications, offering reliable and efficient solutions for controlling processes and data management.
Industrial PCs designed for clean room applications must comply with strict standards to ensure they do not generate any contaminants. They are typically made of high-grade stainless steel and have a sealed design to prevent particle ingress. They must also meet the necessary certification requirements, including ISO 14644, for clean room use.
The use of industrial PCs in clean room applications is necessary to maintain the strict cleanliness requirements of a clean room environment. They provide real-time data monitoring and control, making it easier to detect and correct issues that could cause contamination. Industrial PCs can also help streamline processes, reducing the risk of human error and increasing productivity.
The benefits of using industrial PCs in clean room applications are numerous, including their ability to operate in harsh environments, handle large amounts of data, and integrate with other equipment. They can be customized to meet specific application requirements and can withstand exposure to chemicals and other contaminants.
Industrial PCs and military PCs are both specialized types of computers that are designed to operate in harsh environments and demanding conditions. But what exactly sets these two types of PCs apart? How do they differ in terms of performance, durability, and functionality?
Industrial PCs are designed to operate in industrial environments, such as factories, warehouses, and power plants. They are built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and vibration. They are also designed to be easy to install, maintain, and upgrade.
Military PCs, are designed to operate in military environments, such as battlefields, warships, and aircraft. They are built to withstand extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration, as well as electromagnetic interference. They are also designed to be secure, rugged, and portable.
One of the main uses of industrial PCs is to control and monitor industrial equipment, such as robots, conveyors, and pumps. They can also be used for data acquisition and analysis, such as monitoring energy consumption and production efficiency. Industrial PCs are also used in transportation systems, such as trains, buses, and trucks, to control and monitor navigation, communication, and other systems.
Military PCs are used in a variety of military applications, such as command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. They can be used to control and monitor weapons systems, such as tanks, aircraft, and ships. They can also be used for navigation, communication, and other systems. Military PCs are also used in unmanned vehicles, such as drones and robots, to control and monitor their movements and payloads.
Another use of industrial PCs is in process automation and control, such as in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and semiconductors. They can also be used in process control systems, such as in the oil and gas industry, to monitor and control the flow of oil and gas.
Military PCs are also used in aviation and aerospace applications, such as in aircraft, helicopters, and satellites. They can be used to control navigation, communication, and other systems, as well as to monitor weather, terrain, and other conditions. Military PCs are also used in ground vehicles, such as tanks, trucks, and jeeps, to control navigation, communication, and other systems.
So what exactly is the difference? To be clear, Tangent Industrial PCs can be used by the military for many different applications. Industrial PCs by Tangent have been carefully crafted to withstand and consistently perform even in the harshest of environments. While some industrial PCs may be specially crafted for specific military applications, many of our industrial PCs can be used by the military.
Industrial PCs and military PCs are both specialized types of computers that are designed to operate in harsh environments and demanding conditions. They may have different features and capabilities that make them suitable for different types of applications.
Military and industrial PCs are built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and vibration, extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration, as well as electromagnetic interference. Industrial PCs and military PCs can be used for command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, unmanned vehicles, aviation and aerospace applications and ground vehicles.
Explore our line up of industrial PCs here: https://www.tangent.com/industrial-Pcs/
Industrial PC a computer for industrial application. Industrial purposes such as production of services or goods. Industrial PCs have greater reliability and industry standards and typically cost more than consumer grade computers.
Industrial PCs are characteristically designed with components selected to withstand harsh and trying conditions. Encased within rugged housing, the internal components are housed within controlled environments.
Common Features:
Solid state, fanless cooling
Metal construction and enclosures
Mountable enclosures (such as VESA wall mount, panel mount)
Expansion card retention
Watchdog times for automatic system reset
Extreme operating temperature ranges, including freezing and scorching temperatures
Robust power supply
IP Ratings, such as dust proof, water resistant, immersion proof
Sealed connectors, MIL-SPEC or Circular-MIL
Heavy-duty controls and screens
Controlled access to the controls through the use of locking doors
Controlled access to the I/O through the use of access covers
Industrial PC Manufacturing
Industrial PCs are manufactured in smaller quantities.
Industrial PC Applications
Industrial PCs are used in virtually all industrial applications including outdoor kiosks, indoor farming, correctional facilities, self-driving vehicles, schools, fast-food restaurants, fitness centers, and airports.
The office environment is a controlled one. An office has air conditioning, is constantly cleaned, and would never have large industrial equipment in it. Commercial computers fit well into these sorts of environments. But just like you would never see industrial equipment inside an office, you ideally would never see commercial computers in an industrial workplace. The dynamic and ever-changing landscape of a factory, meat processing plant, or other industrial facility demands equipment that is suited for rougher environments. One of these demands is for shock resistance. A good industrial PC needs to be shock resistant so that it can perform in any situation.
Why An Industrial PC Needs To Be Shock Resistance
There are many situations that call for a shock resistant Industrial PC. Think about all the vehicles your facility employs, whether they be cranes or forklifts or even tractors: they all face situations that typical commercial vehicles could not handle. This may be a bumpy road — or no road at all. In any case, the computer you use in these vehicles also has to be able to withstand these conditions.
In areas like foundries where metals are cast, there are many routine operations that cause a great deal of shockwaves to be emitted. Over time, these shockwaves can cause damage to the delicate components used in traditional computers. By using an industrial PC with shock resistance, this damage can be avoided and your computers can last longer.
Vibration Resistance Is Also Crucial
Of course, shocks are only one part of the equation. Shock resistance refers to an object’s ability to take on a sudden force of acceleration. But what about constant, small forces? That’s where Vibration resistance comes in. Your industrial vehicles, even when being pelted by debris, may experience vibrations that could cause harm to standard commercial computers.
By using an industrial PC built with vibration resistance, these threats can be eliminated. An industrial PC built with an SSD amplifies this protection. SSDs, unlike disk-based HDDs, have no moving parts in them. They can withstand far more punishing environments than HDDs, and make their computer far more resilient.
Industrial PCs That Are Shock And Vibration Resistant
Rugged Mini E3 Industrial Computer
Of course, not every industrial PC has high shock resistance and vibration. However, many from Tangent’s lineup of industrial computers do. An industrial PC like the Rugged E3 from Tangent has both forms of resistance. The E3 is perfect for use in industrial vehicles of all varieties. Its small form factor allows it to fit in any small nook that your vehicles may have, and its extensive power options ensure there’s always an outlet for it. Outside of vehicles, Tangent’s S series is the perfect all-in-one Industrial PC with shock and vibration resistance. It can be mounted on any VESA 100 mount, and has a touchscreen for easy use.
S Series Of Industrial Computers
Worry Less About Damaging Your Computers With Tangent
Your facility has no doubt gone through changes since the beginning of the pandemic. Now is the time to consider what other changes can help keep your facility running smoothly. An industrial PC from Tangent will help it do just that. For more information, contact Tangent Sales today.
Bottlenecks in shipping have affected consumers and producers alike. With current trends, the supply chain crisis is unlikely to resolve in the near term. Everything from cars to computers is facing delays in production in one form or another. During times like these, companies across all sectors need reliable tools that they can depend on. With a supply chain crisis, there is simply no sense in risking further delays in production with fault equipment. Industrial PCs have become a common fixture in many industries. But when was the last time your company audited and upgraded its equipment? As demand once again surges to pre-pandemic levels, now is the time to sort out upgrading your facility with the latest industrial PCs to ensure it emerges from this crisis in fighting shape.
But not every brand of industrial PCs is building equipment that will last your facility for years. Many computers are designed with either low-impact resistant materials, small operating temperature ranges, or lacking in ports. Tangent industrial PCs are built for a wide range of applications, all while performing in nearly any environment.
Industrial PCs: Variety Of Form Factors
One of the most valuable resources any industrial facility has is its square footage. Factories can only produce as much as they have room for. Oil rigs are notoriously cramped spaces as well. Making the most out of every square foot is crucial to increasing productivity. Tangent understands this and has designed their lineup of industrial PCs to fit in nearly every space.
VITA KW Line Of Industrial Computers
Not every location is suitable for a full desk setup. Yet, a computer may be extremely necessary in an area with limited space. Small form factor industrial PCs like the VITA K22 from Tangent are perfect for these situations. The Vita K22 does not require a mouse or keyboard to operate with its touchscreen. With standard VESA mounting, the K22 can be placed in nearly any environment.
Instead of having to rely on a far away control center, workers can check up on an area’s equipment by using a wall mounted industrial PC like the Vita K22. This computer can also run Android, meaning it is compatible with Android specific applications.
Other industrial PCs offer even smaller form factors. The Mini E3 V2 from Tangent offers all the power of a desktop computer in a tiny package. The E3 is a mere 3.15 inches tall, and around the width of a small laptop. This industrial PC can be placed in nearly any situation, and makes a great in-vehicle computer.
Industrial PCs: Built Tough
While job sites take safety seriously as priority these days, safety for industrial PCs is a whole different matter. Standard PCs that are used in offices and homes do not have to be built to withstand industrial conditions. On an oil rig, there is the constant threat of water seeping into a computer. In factories, shaking and drops are a routine occurrence.
A good industrial PC needs to be able to survive in a variety of environments with damage to the unit. Tangent’s industrial grade PCs are built with all working environments in min. The Mini E3 is designed with an extruded aluminum enclosure complete with heavy duty metal. This casing, combined with its advanced design, allows it to withstand 50 G, half sine, 11 ms of shock and 5 Grms, 5- 500 Hz, 0.5 hr/axis worth of vibration. The E3 can be used in a variety of situations where moving parts routinely cause damage to PCs.
Many of Tangent’s industrial PCs feature shock and vibration resistance. These features also make them perfect for use in large industrial vehicles, as their constant movement won’t be a problem for the PCs.
Industrial PCs: Fanless and fanned chassis design.
Many industrial sites make use of materials that produce dust, or exist in areas where dust is routinely kicked up. While your workers have masks and other PPE to protect them from dust, what about your industrial PCs? Many computers utilize a fan-based cooling system. This cooling system circulates air throughout the body of the computer in order to keep its delicate components cool enough to function properly. However, in order to feed air into these fans, these computers require ventilation.
In an area where dust is common, this simply won’t do. PCs would be breaking down constantly as they filled up with debris. That’s why Tangent’s industrial PCs make use of a fanless cooling system. This system utilizes passive cooling technology to keep the computer running at a cool temperature. Because there is no fan, these units do not need ventilation and are protected from dust at all times.
This not only prevents the industrial PCs from overheating, but also saves maintenance costs and time as well. Your IT department will not have to routinely dust these computers nearly as often, and can instead focus their efforts elsewhere.
Maximum Water And Dust Resistance
Dust of course is not the only environmental enemy that your industrial PCs face. Water exposure is a constant threat to any form of electronics. Just a few drops can take out an entire computer, and halt a facility’s operations. In an industrial environment, liquids can appear from any number of sources entirely by accident. Industrial PCs need to be built with this in mind.
Rugged Mini O Industrial Computer
That’s where the Rugged Mini O comes in. The Rugged Mini O features an entirely closed off enclosure that keeps water out, and your computer operating. The Rugged Mini O features all the IO ports that your facility requires, but with plugs to keep them safe from water. This industrial PC meets the highest IP standard possible for water and dust protection. This IP69K rating means that this industrial PC provides protection against ingress of dust and high temperature and high pressure water.
The Rugged Mini O is perfect for applications like in food processing plants. There, it can be hit with high pressure hoses without worry of damage. This industrial PC can also find a home on oil rigs where water routinely splashes up to the platform. It features a mounting system to fit it in multiple locations as well.
Extreme Temperature Operation Comes Standard
Extreme weather events are becoming more common with each passing day. One rarely talked about weather event is heat waves. Heat waves have become more common, but are seldom tracked in the same way that other weather occurrences are. Still, as temperatures rise, the industrial sector will need to adapt. Their equipment will need to also.
Most industrial PCs cannot handle high temperatures, and for good reason. Computers in general fail to operate at high temperatures. Too long at these temperatures, and the PC’s CPU can sustain serious long term damage. They need advanced cooling systems in order to fend off extreme heat.
The Rugged Mini O features such a cooling system. It can operate in areas up to 140°F. Most industrial facilities rarely get this hot, but can quickly become far too overheated for standard computers. Other facilities can routinely reach these temperatures. In either case, the Rugged Mini O provides ease of mind in knowing that your facility can function even in extreme heat.
Sometimes however, just the opposite is needed. In refrigerated facilities, extreme cold resistance is needed for computers. Just a dash of humidity in a refrigerated facility can cause ice crystals to form inside a computer. When the computer thaws out, the ice can turn into water and damage the unit.
Industrial PCs like the Rugged Mini C1 from Tangent can be used in temperatures as low as -40°F without damage to the unit. This makes it perfect for use in freezing areas in meat or food processing plants. It can be used directly inside these areas and connect directly to in use machinery.
Reduce Down Time
One area that industrial facilities need to be mindful of when purchasing new industrial PCs is their support services. While it may seem trivial, the last thing you want is for your industrial PCs to stop working, and your IT department to be on hold with the supplier for hours. These sorts of delays are only exacerbated by the supply chain crises, and can cost your company in both time and money.
Tangent offers extensive warranties for all of their industrial PCs. This warranty ensures that your computers work as intended and meet our rigorous standards. We also back these industrial PCs up with an extensive support network.
Any time there is an issue with a Tangent industrial PC, your IT department can call Tangent’s support hotline for assistance. Tangent agents are based in California, and are intimately acquainted with all of Tangent’s industrial PCs. They understand the importance of reducing a facility’s downtime, and will work tirelessly with your team to get your system operational.
When there are no crises, this hotline is still available for routine maintenance and care advice, as well as general technical inquiries your IT team may have. The best part? Tangent’s crackshot team of support professionals are available on a 24/7 basis. Tangent knows that an emergency can strike in a moment’s notice, any time of the day. We want to ensure that whenever — and we mean whenever — there is an issue with one of our industrial PCs, that we take care of it immediately.
Extensive IO Port Options
Just because Tangent’s lineup of Industrial PCs feature small form factors, doesn’t mean they sacrifice in their usability. Tangent’s industrial computers are designed to be used in a variety of applications. This means that they need to be adaptable and compatible with a range of different peripherals and applications.
Industrial PCs like the Rugged Mini C1 feature a plethora of IO ports for all of your peripheral needs. It features 4 DB9 serial ports that are perfect for all of your legacy equipment needs. Many industrial facilities are making use of technology that is still highly efficient, but features outdated cables. Instead of having to work through a mountain of adapters, the C1 can connect directly to these devices.
The C1 also features 8 USB ports. 4 of these ports are USB 3.0, and can handle high-data transfer cables to provide lightning fast responses. 4 are USB 2.0 and fully compatible with USB 2.0 devices. The C1 also has 2 HDMI ports, making it perfect for situations where dual displays are not just desired, but needed.
Tangent: Here Today And Tomorrow
The challenges facing the global economy are expected to be around a bit longer. As your production lines try to keep up with demand, now is the time to ensure that when the supply chain gets back into shape, you are ready. Tangent’s industrial PCs are perfect for upgrading your oil processing facility, refrigerated warehouse, or general industrial space. For more information, contact Tangent Sales today.
While the pandemic sent most major economies reeling, China’s economy managed to do the unthinkable — rise. The Chinese economy rose 2.3% last year. The stock market in Shanghai rose on the news by 1%, after having already made considerable gains throughout the year. The Chinese response to the pandemic has proven successful on both a human and economic side, but what does this mean for U.S. Manufacturing?
U.S. Manufacturing, How Can It Recover?
While the Chinese economy overall rose during 2020, certain areas felt the pandemic-inflicted economic woes worse than others. The New York Times reports that blue collar workers are finding themselves hard pressed for work, as well as recent college graduates. So while China’s recovery has been successful, there are pockets of doubt.
But there are lessons to be learned from China. Chief among them is that protecting workers works. With stay-at-home orders imposed throughout numerous areas in the country, including large swaths of California, commerce is down. In order for the economy to safely reopen, places of business must do everything they can to protect both workers and patrons.
Keeping workers safe ensures that their families remain safe, and helps reduce the spread of the pandemic overall. Make sure that your employees have access to the best possible PPE that your facility can provide. More than this, make sure that your employees are actually wearing their PPE when around others.
Rugged Mini E3 Industrial Computer From Tangent
Social distancing, as always, remains one of the most important ways for workers to remain healthy at work. Consider having some employees use industrial grade computers rather than be exposed to each other on the floor. With industrial grade computers, certain aspects of your facility can be automated or done remotely, instead of having employees close together.
This can be especially useful in industrial areas such as meat processing. Meat processing plants have been a site for mass infections since the beginning of the pandemic, largely in part to poor PPE usage and lackluster social distancing efforts. By doubling down on these important points, workers can feel confident and comfortable at work, and at their homes.
The pandemic has caused strain across U.S. manufacturing and industry, but China’s swift recovery shows that there is light at the end of this tunnel. Tangent is here to help facilities of all kinds in their recovery efforts, contact a Tangent Specialist today for more information.
