Category: Industrial Pc

What's the Most Reliable Industrial PC?

What is the Most Reliable Industrial PC?

Michelle

An industrial computer, often referred to as an industrial PC, is purpose-built to handle complex industrial tasks. Crafted from industrial-grade components, enclosed in ruggedized casings, and rigorously tested for reliability, these industrial PCs excel in environments where standard desktop computers would falter.

Key features of industrial PCs include:

  • Ventless and Fanless Design: Industrial PCs are designed to operate without traditional fans, making them resistant to dust and debris, while reducing the risk of internal component damage.
  • Resilience to Vibrations and Harsh Environments: These PCs are built to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and vibrations, ensuring uninterrupted performance in challenging conditions.
  • Easy Configuration: Industrial PCs offer flexibility in terms of configuration, allowing them to be tailored to specific applications and industries.
  • Comprehensive I/O Options: These PCs provide a wide range of input and output options, facilitating seamless integration with existing equipment and systems.
  • Extended Lifecycles: Industrial PCs are engineered for longevity, ensuring they continue to perform reliably over an extended period.
  • Durable Components: Built with high-quality components, industrial PCs are designed to endure the test of time, even in the harshest environments.

Selecting the right industrial PC for your specific application is essential for maintaining productivity and efficiency within your facility. By exploring the main types of industrial PCs, considerations during the selection process, key benefits, typical applications, and more, you can make an informed choice to meet your industrial computing needs.

Common Types of Industrial PCs

Industrial PCs come in various types, each tailored to specific industrial applications. Here are three common types:

  • Industrial Panel PCs (IPPCs): These are the most robust and durable industrial PCs, suitable for heavy-duty industrial settings like automotive, steel manufacturing, dairy, and meat processing. Equipped with capacitive or resistive touch sensors, IPPCs can be operated by gloved personnel, making them ideal for challenging environments. They offer features such as installed I/O cards, redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAIDs), multiple drives, and PCI/PCIe expansion slots.
  • Panel PCs (PPCs): Designed for a wide range of light industrial tasks, PPCs are affordable and versatile. They provide ample input and output expansion options and come with various screen choices, including widescreen with multi-touch features or a standard 4:3 screen with a resistive touchscreen. PPC sizes range from 6.5 inches to 42 inches.
  • Touch Panel PCs (TPPCs): These PCs are designed for standard industrial applications and have a slim profile with a thin client terminal. They are fanless, SCADA-ready, and feature screen sizes ranging from 6.5 inches to 42 inches. Typically, TPPCs have fewer I/O options compared to other industrial PC types.

Industrial PCs can offer various characteristics and mounting options depending on the specific application’s demands, including fully enclosed, in-wall, wall-mounted, VESA-mounted, swing arm, fold-down, pedestal, purged, and non-purged designs. Additionally, the materials used for industrial PC enclosures and displays vary and may include aluminum, stainless steel, carbon fiber, composites, polycarbonate, glass, and Lexan.

Choosing the Best Industrial PC

When selecting an industrial PC for your application, consider factors such as computing performance, operating environment, power supply availability, space constraints, and required connectivity features. Key options you’ll need to choose from include mounting styles, processors (CPUs), ratings, operating environments, application or industry use, connectivity, and operating systems. Storage, memory, and expansion options will also play a crucial role in determining the best fit for your needs.

Industrial PCs are versatile, providing benefits such as the ability to operate in harsh environments, resistance to vibration and shock, and fanless design to resist dust and debris. They find applications in various industries, including manufacturing, packaging inspection, asset tracking, simulation and control, remote data management, chemical and food processing, original equipment manufacturing (OEMs), and integration by system integrators.

Why Choose Tangent?

As a leading manufacturer of industrial PCs and display solutions, Tangent offers off-the-shelf and customized solutions for demanding industrial applications across industries like chemical, food processing, manufacturing, military, and more. With over 30 years of industry experience, their products are engineered and constructed to provide long-lasting performance in a wide range of applications.

For more information on how Tangent’s industrial computer solutions can meet your application demands, or to request a quote, visit: Tangent’s industrial PC page. Tangent is dedicated to providing tailored solutions for system integrators without unnecessary NRE charges, ensuring reliable and successful operation in every project.

tangent panel PCs

Tangent’s Panel PCs

Michelle

In today’s rapidly advancing world of technology, businesses across industries are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance productivity and streamline operations. As the demand for seamless human-machine interaction continues to rise, Panel PCs have emerged as an invaluable asset for various industrial applications. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Panel PCs and explore the exceptional offerings of Tangent’s Panel PCs, available at tangent.com/industrial-pcs/panelpc.

Unmatched Performance and Durability:

Tangent’s Panel PCs are built to withstand the toughest industrial environments while delivering exceptional performance. Designed with industrial-grade components, these rugged devices offer reliability and longevity, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Whether it’s extreme temperatures, vibrations, or dust, Tangent’s Panel PCs are up to the challenge, making them the ideal choice for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, automation, and more.

Versatility and Flexibility:

One of the key advantages of Tangent’s Panel PCs is their versatility. These all-in-one devices combine a high-resolution touchscreen display, a powerful processor, and a multitude of I/O ports to cater to diverse industrial needs. With options ranging from compact sizes to larger displays, Tangent’s Panel PCs can seamlessly integrate into any workspace, whether it’s a production line, control room, or warehouse.

Enhanced User Experience:

Tangent understands the importance of an intuitive user interface and has designed their Panel PCs with this in mind. The responsive touchscreens offer a user-friendly experience, allowing operators to navigate through applications and data effortlessly. Furthermore, with multitouch functionality and gesture control, Tangent’s Panel PCs provide an interactive and engaging platform, enhancing overall productivity and reducing the learning curve.

Advanced Connectivity and Expansion Options:

Tangent’s Panel PCs come equipped with a comprehensive range of connectivity options to meet the demands of modern industrial environments. From USB and HDMI ports to LAN and serial ports, these devices offer seamless integration with a wide array of peripherals and equipment. Additionally, Tangent’s Panel PCs support wireless connectivity, allowing for real-time data transfer, remote monitoring, and increased mobility.

Future-Proof Solutions:

Investing in Tangent’s Panel PCs means investing in future-proof technology. With the rapid evolution of industrial automation and IoT (Internet of Things), Tangent’s devices are designed to adapt and scale alongside technological advancements. These Panel PCs are compatible with the latest software platforms, ensuring businesses can harness the power of emerging technologies without the need for frequent hardware upgrades.

Dedicated Customer Support:

Choosing Tangent means gaining access to their excellent customer support services. With years of industry experience, Tangent’s knowledgeable team is committed to providing prompt assistance, from pre-purchase inquiries to after-sales support. Their expertise ensures that customers receive tailored solutions that align with their unique requirements, maximizing the value of their investment.

Tangent’s Panel PCs exemplify the epitome of reliability, performance, and innovation in the industrial computing landscape. These powerful and versatile devices unlock new possibilities for industries seeking to enhance efficiency, productivity, and connectivity. With a commitment to durability, seamless integration, and exceptional customer support, Tangent’s Panel PCs offer a future-proof solution that can elevate your industrial operations to new heights. Visit tangent.com/industrial-pcs/panelpc to explore Tangent’s extensive range of Panel PCs and revolutionize your business today.

Explosion Proof Industrial Computer

New Product Announcement: Industrial Explosion Proof VITA S C1D2 15″ and 22″ Computers

Michelle

Tangent is thrilled to announce the release of its latest products, the Explosion Proof Panel PC, Vita S C1D1 15” and 22” series. Designed to meet the stringent requirements of hazardous environments, the Vita S Explosion Proof series computers have undergone rigorous testing to ensure safety, top performance, and offers the best solution for environments with explosion considerations. This cutting-edge product is specifically tailored to excel in the oil and gas industry, chemical manufacturing, power generation, distilleries, and other hazardous industrial applications.

Explosive environments are characterized by the presence of three elements:

 Flammable materials (such as gases, vapors, or dust), a source of ignition (such as sparks or high temperatures), and oxygen, which is commonly found everywhere. The fundamental principle of explosion-proof protection is to eliminate one or more of these elements. Tangent’s Vita S Explosion Proof Computer series is C1D2/ATEx Zone II/IECEx certified, ensuring safe operation under flammable or explosive potential environments.

The Vita S Explosion Proof Computer series boasts flexible and scalable connectivity 

options paired with a rugged design to meet various application needs and withstand hazardous conditions. With cable gland USB ports (up to 4) and LAN ports (up to 2), an IP66 dust-water proof enclosure with M12 COM connectors, and robust wireless solutions, Tangent provides versatile connectivity solutions. The heavy-duty cover makes it easy to clean and offers anti-corrosion properties. Furthermore, the Vita S Explosion Proof Computer series is equipped with a smart thermal system that maintains a wide temperature range from -20℃ to 60℃, making it suitable for diverse environmental requirements.

Factory automation in hazardous areas can greatly benefit from the Vita S Explosion Proof series. Powered by an Intel® 6th generation processor and two 2133 MHz DDR4 up to 32G, these explosion proof panel PCs offer high computing power for comprehensive real-time control and data collection. With their 24/7 operation and high-performance CPUs, the Vita S Explosion Proof series enables the inspection and monitoring of equipment. Tangent’s Explosion Proof Vita S series guarantees brilliant graphics, data collection, and seamless communication in central control rooms, ensuring an efficient response to any situation.

The Vita S C1D2 Explosion Proof series sets new standards for protective solutions with its IP66 sealing, meeting ATEX Zone II/IECEx/C1D2 certifications. Tangent is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety for its users, resulting in upgraded products suitable for industrial usage. The Vita S C1D2 Explosion Proof series has also obtained FCC, CE (EMC), and VCCI Class B certifications, providing stable and reliable products that enhance user health and safety. Tangent’s core competence and experience are reflected in every detail of the design, offering customers a higher level of protection.

For sales or to request an eval contact: +1 800 342 9388

How Industrial PCs are Revolutionizing Industrial Automation

Michelle

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Clean Rooms and Industrial PCs: A Perfect Pairing

Michelle

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.

Industrial PCs Necessary for Clean Rooms

Michelle

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 Versus Military PCs

Michelle

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. 

Industrial PCs Versus Military PCs

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 PCs: How They are Used?

Michelle

Industrial PCs have a form factor between a nettop and a server rack and are used to produce products and services. Industrial PCs are higher dependable and precise standards and are generally more expensive than consumer electronics. In addition, IPCs often use complex instruction sets, such as x86, where reduced instruction sets such as ARM would otherwise be used.

Industrial PCs are well built-in in nature and are more useful in an industrial environment, which protects them from dust, water, debris (spoilage), fire, shock, or vibration.

Application                                           

Industrial PCs’ primary work is to process control or data acquisition. In some cases, an industrial PC is used as a front-end to another control computer in a distributed processing environment. 

Industrial PCs offer multiple features in terms of reliability, compatibility, expansion options, and long-term supply.

Manufacturing

Sturdy Industrial PCs are the best hardware platform for large-scale manufacturing that exceeds the labor limitations of the average human workforce. Machine automation has done what the internet did for a large number of products for communication. Having had a shaky start in its infancy, many manufacturers heavily rely upon industrial PC systems, not just for machine vision and robot guidance but also for the ability to collect valuable and important data from machinery and equipment for preventive maintenance and service, keeping them running and prevent any costly unplanned downtime from unexpected equipment failure.

Packaging Inspection and Quality Control:

Another major application of IPC in manufacturing is the vision-controlled quality assurance that works much faster and with greater accuracy, which humans cannot do. Using machine vision and packaging inspection systems, manufacturers and food packaging plants automate the quality assurance of their products at a great speed.

Asset Tracking:

The industry has begun to rely heavily upon industrial PCs. Retail and healthcare sectors have also implemented industrial PC hardware into their everyday operations and functions due to their ability to track and monitor assets and processes for inconsistencies and anomalies. This tracking assets process can be done more precisely and efficiently both on-site and remotely. 

Simulation and Control:

Powerful processors are used on Industrial PC platforms to imitate and create simulations of potential real-world scenarios. This enables enhanced insights for analyzing and detecting risks, predicting further possibilities, and testing systems within any organization. 

 Remote Data Collection:

Data is important in the era of computerization, automation, and the Internet of Things. For example, remote IoT sensors can send and receive data about the use of remote machinery, tools, hardware, and other connected devices, which allows operators that deploy them to receive actionable data about operational processes, equipment fatigue, and overall performance. This data allows and assists control systems in knowing when to regulate the power to equipment, trigger actuators, adjust the temperature or pressure controls, and perform other operational functions extremely precisely. 

What is meant by Industrial PC?

Michelle

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. 

An industrial PC is a computer intended for industrial purposes (production of goods and services), with a form factor between a nettop and a server rack. Industrial PCs have higher dependability and precision standards, and are generally more expensive than consumer electronics. They often use complex instruction sets, such as x86, where reduced instruction sets such as ARM would otherwise be used.

Industrial PC Features and Architecture

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.

industrial computers shock resistance(1)

Industrial PC: Why Shock Resistance Matters

Admin

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
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.

Industrial Grade Computers-Tangent Industrial Grade Computers
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.