Searching for the right industrial panel PC can be quite complex. There are a few factors that you must consider before making a decision - otherwise, you'll end up with a system that doesn't meet your business needs.
What Is An Industrial Panel PC?
Industrial panel PCs are industrial computers designed for use in harsh environments where standard computers may not be suitable.
These rugged computers are built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, water, and other elements that can damage regular computers.
They typically feature touchscreen displays, LCDs, and advanced HMI (human-machine interaction) designs that facilitate interaction and automation in industrial settings.
What Industries Use Industrial Panel PCs?
Industrial panel PCs are used in a wide range of industries, including:
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Entertainment Centres
- Transportation
- Agriculture
- Energy and Utilities
- And more!
If your business falls into any of these industries, chances are you will benefit from using an industrial PC.
Let’s examine the key factors to consider when choosing the right industrial computer for your business.
Factors To Consider When Choosing An Industrial Panel PC
When shopping for an industrial computer, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
1. Environmental Conditions
Make sure to carefully consider the environmental conditions of the location where the panel PC will be used. Are you going to use it in a high-temperature environment? Will it be exposed to dust, water, or any other harsh elements?
Choose a panel PC that is designed specifically for the conditions in which it will be used.
2. RAM
The RAM specifications of an industrial panel PC are crucial as they determine the computer’s performance. RAM gives applications on your computer a place to store and access data temporarily.
For heavy-duty applications, it is recommended to choose a panel PC with higher RAM capacity for faster processing.
A good starting point is 2GB of RAM, but depending on your specific needs, you may need more or less.
3. Processing Power
The processing power of an industrial PC is determined by its CPU and plays a significant role in its speed and performance. The most popular CPUs for industrial computers are Intel's Core i series (the 10th Gen).
The Core i series starts at Core i3, which is suitable for basic applications, and goes up to Core i9 for more demanding applications. You must choose a panel PC that has enough processing power to handle your specific applications.
4. Storage
SSDs (solid-state drives) have become the standard for industrial computers, offering faster and more reliable storage than traditional hard drives.
When it comes to storage capacity, it is recommended that you choose a panel PC with at least 128GB of SSD storage. This way, you can store your essential applications and data without worrying about running out of space.
5. Operating System Support
The most common operating system for Industrial PCs is Microsoft Windows (specifically Windows 10 and 11). However, depending on the user’s specific needs, there are also options for Linux or Android OS. It is important to choose an industrial panel PC that supports your desired operating system to ensure compatibility with your software and applications.
6. Display Properties
Do you want a big screen with high resolution? Is screen touch important for your applications? If yes, you’ll need to consider screen size and resolution, as well as touch operation.
Screen size and resolution for industrial computers can start as small as 7 inches and go up to 21 inches or more. The larger the screen size – the higher resolution you’ll have.
There are different types of touch screens available for touch operation. These include the following:
● Resistive Touch: These touch screens use two layers separated by air or gas, and when pressed, they make electrical contact. These are the most common types of touch screens used in industrial PCs.
● PCAP Touch: This type of touch screen consists of a glass layer and a transparent conductive layer on top and bottom. It offers multi-touch capabilities and better clarity than resistive touch screens.
7. Interfaces and Connectivity
Industrial panel PCs are designed to have multiple interfaces and connectivity options for easy integration with other devices and systems. This allows for seamless communication and data transfer between different machines, equipment, and applications.
Some common interfaces found in industrial panel PCs include:
- USB ports: These are used to connect peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, scanners, printers, etc.
- Ethernet ports: These allow for internet connectivity and communication with other devices on a network.
- Serial ports: These are used to connect to external devices such as barcode scanners, PLCs, or sensors.
- HDMI/VGA ports: Allow for connection to external displays or monitors.
- DVI: Similar to HDMI/VGA ports, used for high-quality video output.
- OEM/ODM Options: Some industrial panel PC manufacturers offer the ability to customise interfaces and connectivity options based on specific requirements or applications.
These 7 factors are essential to consider when choosing an industrial panel PC for your specific needs.
Overall, taking the time to carefully evaluate and choose the right industrial panel PC will ensure optimal functionality and efficiency for your industrial applications.
Below, we’ll share with you 2 industrial panel PCs that are highly recommended and popular in the market. We at Brandwagon are proud to offer these top-performing industrial panel PCs to our customers.
Industrial Panel PCs in the Market
Here are two leading industrial panel PCs - Endura and Splash - and their features.
Endura Industrial Panel PC - IP65 Waterproof
- 10th Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7
- 10.1-21.5 Inch Wide & 15-19 Inch Square
- Water and dustproof with a curved bezel design and aluminium alloy enclosure
- Up to 32GB RAM
- 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD available
- Windows 10/11 OS Support
- Black Colour
- Resistive Touch or PCAP Touch
- VGA, HDMI, DVI, OEM/ODM connectivity options
Splash Panel PC - IP65 Waterproof
- Intel®Core™ i3/i5/i7/Celeron Quad-core J4125
- 10.1-21.5 Inch & 15-19 Inch
- Up to 16G RAM
- 128G,256G,500G,1TB SSD available
- Windows 7/8/10 and Linux Support
- PCAP Touch
- Water and dustproof with a 3mm ultra-thin front bezel and aluminium alloy enclosure
- Black or Silver Colour
- VGA, HDMI, DVI, OEM/ODM connectivity options
Industrial Panel PCs in the Market
With these factors in mind and 2 excellent industrial panel PCs to choose from, finding the right one for your needs should be a breeze. And if you need any assistance or have any questions, our team at Brandwagon is always here
to help you find the perfect industrial panel PC for your business.
Contact us today and let us help you increase productivity and efficiency in your industrial applications with our high-quality panel PCs.