Computers are almost miraculous. The number of tasks a PC can handle better and more efficiently than a human is seemingly endless.
However, humans have the advantage when it comes to reliability in operating in industrial environments. Industry is full of potential hazards to a computer:
Dust, can clog filters, short circuit electronics, and clog up spinning hard drives and even explode. Grease can infiltrate a computer whilst water and electronics obviously don't mix, whilst a side-swipe from a forklift or continual banging from a machine will jolt the life out of the hardiest of PCs.
Extremes in temperature can cause overheating and a burnout or even extreme cold which can freeze condensation inside a machine which can expand and damage the electronics. Many of these hazards of industry can be fatal for a computer.
We ensure all our employees are protected with high-visibility jackets, hard hats and toe protection yet we fail to protect our computers when they are probably doing the job of three human employees.
Specialist industrial computers have been traditionally used but these are highly expensive and because they are specially made units that are intrinsically sealed they often contain outdated hardware and software. Also with the exponential rate computers advance, the industrial PCs soon become out of date and need replacing as they can be impossible to upgrade.
However, a low cost alternative has been around for a few years now in the shape of industrial computer enclosures. These PC enclosures shield a conventional computer, printer and monitor in a sealed unit, protecting the PC from all the hazards of the industrial environment.
An industrial PC enclosure is made from all sorts of materials including food-grade stainless steel and can house a conventional PC protecting it from dust and fluids, heat and cold (often industrial enclosures have air conditioners or heaters installed to control temperature) and can withstand dramatic impacts (some even claim to be able to withstand a bomb blast).
These industrial PC enclosures allow a conventional PC to be repaired or replaced whilst still keeping the same enclosure, allowing operators the opportunity to keep abreast of the latest upgrades. Many industrial computer enclosures can also operate safely even in explosive atmospheres as the circuitry is housed inside, preventing any dangerous sparking. They can also be completely doused in water making them perfect accessories for food manufacturing or areas that are frequently hosed down.
