The Ultimate Guide to Choosing stainless steel panel pc

How to Choose The Best Industrial Touch Panel PC?

Selecting the ideal industrial touch panel PC can be overwhelming due to the wide range of options and specifications available. Whether you're upgrading your existing system or starting a new industrial automation project, choosing the right panel PC is essential for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency in any human-machine interface (HMI) application.
When choosing an industrial panel PC, several factors come into play. It's important to understand your specific application requirements, evaluate hardware specifications, and consider environmental conditions. In this guide, we’ll explore the key information you need to make an informed decision that aligns with your operational needs and enhances your industrial processes.
 

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What to Consider When Choosing an Industrial Touch Panel PC?

Selecting the right industrial panel PC involves several critical factors to ensure the device meets your specific application needs. Here are key considerations to guide your decision:

• Environmental Conditions: Assess the conditions where the panel PC will be deployed. Consider factors such as temperature extremes, humidity, dust, and potential exposure to water or chemicals. Look for ruggedized models with appropriate IP ratings to ensure protection against these elements.
• Performance Requirements: Evaluate the processing power, memory, and storage capacity needed for your applications. Ensuring the panel PC meets these requirements is crucial for smooth and efficient operation.
• Connectivity Options: Check that the panel PC supports necessary interfaces, such as USB, Ethernet, and COM ports. Adequate connectivity is vital for seamless integration with your existing systems.
• Display Size and Type: Consider the display size and type, ensuring it offers sufficient visibility and touch functionality for operators. The right screen can enhance user experience and productivity.
• Mounting Solutions: Think about how you will mount the panel PC. Various mounting options are available, so it's essential to choose one that suits your workspace and operational needs.

In summary, keep these questions in mind as you search for the ideal panel PC:

1. How rugged panel PC need to be?
2. How much performance is needed for panel PC?
3. What connectivity options do I need?
4. What screen size and type should I choose?
5. How to mount panel PC?
6. Diverse Industrial Panel PCs System

1. How rugged panel PC need to be?

Industrial settings can expose devices to extreme temperatures, high humidity, dust, vibrations, and potential contact with water or chemicals. The ruggedness of your panel PC directly influences its durability and reliability in these challenging environments.
A key indicator of a panel PC's ruggedness is itsIP (Ingress Protection) rating. This rating classifies the level of protection against solid objects and liquids. For example, the Stainless Steel SIO Series boasts an IP66/IP69K rating, meaning it is dust-tight and can withstand water jets from any direction, making it ideal for environments with high dust levels and intense washdowns.
Choosing a panel PC with the appropriate IP rating is essential. In a food processing plant, a high IP rating is necessary to prevent water ingress during frequent washdowns, ensuring the equipment's longevity. Similarly, in a dusty manufacturing facility, a dust-tight panel PC is vital to avoid internal contamination and maintain performance.
 

Beyond IP ratings, it's important to consider additional rugged features like humidity and vibration resistance, especially in environments with heavy machinery or vehicles. Panel PCs built with industrial-grade components and robust construction provide greater resilience and a longer operational lifespan, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

2. How much performance is needed for panel PC? 

The performance level needed for your industrial panel PC is based on the specific demands of your application. Key performance factors include:

• Processing Power
• Memory (RAM)
• Storage
• Graphics and Display
• Wireless Connectivity 

C&T's industrial panel PCs feature a modular design that allows users to select from a variety of processors, tailoring performance to specific application needs. This flexibility ranges from low-power CPUs for energy-efficient tasks to high-performance processors for demanding applications.
The modular approach enhances adaptability to different industrial environments and provides an upgrade path for future performance enhancements without requiring a complete system replacement, as seen in the Modular IP65 VIO Series. This makes modular panel PCs a cost-effective and versatile solution for dynamic industrial operations.
 

3.  What connectivity options do I need?

Connectivity is essential in an industrial panel PC, as it impacts integration with your system and supports M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication. Connectivity options can be broadly categorized into I/O connectivity and wireless connectivity.

I/O Connectivity 

• USB Ports 
• COM Serial Ports (RS-232/RS-485)
• Ethernet Ports
• Digital and Analog I/O
• HDMI/DisplayPort
• M12 Locking Connection

Wireless Connectivity

Wireless connectivity increases the flexibility and mobility of your industrial panel PC by allowing communication with other devices and networks without physical cabling. Key wireless technologies include Wi-Fi and 5G Connectivity.

4. What screen size and type should I choose?

Screen Size

The screen size of your panel PC should match the requirements of your application and the available space in your operational environment. Larger screens (15 inches and above) are ideal for applications that require detailed visuals, extensive data display, or complex user interfaces, providing better visibility and ease of use for operators. In contrast, smaller screens (under 15 inches) can be suitable for compact spaces or applications requiring minimal interaction. It’s important to balance screen size with resolution and aspect ratio to ensure clear and sharp image quality.

Touch Options

Touch functionality enhances the interactivity and efficiency of industrial panel PCs. There are several types of touch technologies to consider such as Capacitive & Resistive Touch.

Optical Bonding 
Finally, considering whether to incorporate optical bonding into your industrial panel PC is a significant decision, as it enhances the display in various ways:

• Better Readability: Optical bonding minimizes reflections and glare, making the screen easier to view in bright or outdoor settings.
• Greater Durability: The adhesive used in optical bonding strengthens the display, increasing its resistance to shocks and vibrations.
• Improved Touch Performance: By removing the air gap, optical bonding allows for a more immediate touch response, enhancing the overall user experience.

By considering the screen size, touch features, and the benefits of optical bonding, you can choose a display that enhances the performance and ease of use of your industrial panel PC, ensuring it meets the specific needs of your work environment.
 

What is Optical Bonding? A Guide to Industrial Displays
 

5. How to mount panel PC? 

Properly mounting your industrial panel PC is essential for ensuring it works effectively, is easily accessible, and lasts longer. The mounting method you choose will depend on your specific work environment and the installation space available. Common mounting options include VESA mounting, panel mounting, wall mounting, and desktop mounting. You should also consider whether an open frame design is needed for your application.
In some cases, an open frame design may be beneficial. These panel PCs do not have an outer casing, making them perfect for custom enclosures, embedded systems, and integration into machinery. This design offers greater flexibility and allows the panel PC to blend seamlessly with existing systems.
When choosing a mounting method, think about the specific needs of your environment, the available space, and how accessible the panel PC needs to be for users. By selecting the right mounting option and deciding if an open frame design is necessary, you can ensure your panel PC is installed to maximize its performance, durability, and user-friendliness.

TOP 4 Mounting Options for Panel PCs- Step by Step Installation
 

6. Diverse Industrial Panel PC system

Selecting the right industrial panel PC requires careful consideration of several factors, including ruggedness, performance, connectivity, screen specifications, and mounting options. There are many aspects to think about, especially since some industrial panel PCs come with additional features such as:

• The Automatic Air pressure Valve on the SIO-200 Series
• The Fully Modular Design on the VIO-200 Series
• The Open Frame Design on the HIO-200 Series 
• The 6xAntenna Connectivity on the AIO-200 Series 

Panel PCs, or Panel Personal Computers, integrate a computer into a flat-screen display, allowing for easy mounting and usage in diverse environments. These devices are specifically engineered to endure harsh industrial conditions.

Typically constructed with stainless steel or other durable materials, they are designed to withstand high-traffic and adverse environments.

Modern Panel PCs offer high-speed computing, visual interface capabilities, and touch display technology, ensuring they are both durable and functional for various industrial applications, from automation to healthcare.

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Advantages of Panel PCs in Industrial Applications

Industrial Panel PCs significantly improve productivity and operational efficiency in various sectors. Their robust design and multifunctional capabilities make them ideal for industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, food processing, healthcare, and hospitality. Embracing these advanced computing solutions helps businesses stay competitive in the digital age.

Durability

Industrial Panel PCs are designed to be rugged and long-lasting. They can operate efficiently under extreme conditions, including exposure to shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. The robust construction ensures they can withstand the demands of volatile industrial environments.

Visibility

High-resolution screens are a hallmark of reliable Panel PCs, providing enhanced visual fidelity. Industrial Panel PCs often use TFT LCD technology, offering aspect ratios like 16:9, which is standard for various high-definition formats. This ensures that the visual output is clear and detailed, crucial for monitoring and control tasks.

Fanless Design

Many Panel PCs utilise a fanless design, employing heatsinks to dissipate heat. This design increases energy efficiency and durability by eliminating the need for ventilation holes, thus protecting the internal components from dust and liquids. The fanless design also enhances the system’s resistance to shock and vibration, contributing to a higher Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF).

Brightness

Screen brightness is crucial depending on your work environment. For outdoor applications, a screen with high brightness is necessary to combat glare from sunlight. Conversely, for indoor environments, overly bright screens may cause discomfort and should be avoided.

Size

Panel PCs come in various sizes, so it is important to choose one that fits your workspace. Consider both the screen size and the overall dimensions, including weight, to ensure proper installation and usage.

Mounting

Consider the mounting options available for your chosen Panel PC. Common mounting types include VESA mounts, bezel frames for front installation, and rack mounts for server applications. Choose a mounting option that best suits your workspace and application requirements.

What are Industrial Panel PCs used for?

Industrial Panel PCs are primarily used for data acquisition and process control. Their specific functions vary across industries, tailored to meet the unique demands of each sector.

What are the protection standards?

Look for Ingress Protection (IP) ratings when selecting a Panel PC. These ratings indicate the device’s effectiveness in sealing out dust, liquids, and other external materials, ensuring longevity and reliability in harsh environments.

What types of mounting are available?

Common mounting options for Industrial Panel PCs include VESA mounts (stand, arm, or base mounts), bezel frames for front installation, and rack mounts for servers. Choose the mounting type that best fits your installation needs.

Which touchscreens are best for Panel PCs?

The choice of touchscreen technology depends on the environment and application. Surface Capacitive Touchscreens, common in consumer electronics, require direct skin contact and are not suitable for gloved hands. Resistive Touchscreens, which respond to pressure, can be used with gloves, making them ideal for healthcare, hospitality, and heavy equipment industries.

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