What Is An Industrial Computer?

Though industrial computers contain similar parts to desktop computers, their functional purpose deploys power far superseding that of a conventional system. Engineered for their distinct computing capabilities, industrial computers are frequently utilized in harsh industrial environments ranging from factory automation implementation to mining, and various jobs where dust and debris are a regular occurrence. When choosing to integrate an industrial computer within your system of operations, one should always consider using robust computer hardware and enclosures capable of withstanding harsh temperatures, vibrations, outside contaminants, and other often uncontrollable circumstances. When determining your next selection of industrial computer hardware, understanding your Industrial PC, its intended functions, and staying up to date on any modernized pieces can ensure your machinery is capable of functioning as optimally as possible.

Widely considered as the first industrial computer, IBM released their 5531 model in 1984, following up with the IBM 7531 in 1985. With Industrial Computer Source offering their own line of industrial computers that same year, such systems have rapidly evolved over the decades to provide us with various industrial electronics of assorted sizes, shapes, reliability, compatibility, expansion, and supply options. Ranging in performance capabilities and levels of durability, one must understand how to identify and apply any industrial computing and operating systems when installing all required components. As computers can function at differing processing capabilities, it is also not always possible to universally apply industrial computer parts that were once applied to higher or lower performance setups.

Producing heat by nature, it is crucial for industrial computers and their network of hardware configurations to be capable of supporting temperatures as high as 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Though, due to their placement in environments often producing unstable temperatures, parts chosen for industrial computer applications must also be capable of functioning at temperatures dipping as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. To support such features, industrial grade computer systems routinely come equipped with fanless systems, heat sinks, and heat pipes. Unlike the employment of fans within some personal and commercial computer systems, industrial computers are specifically designed to eliminate unwanted dust and debris without the use of a fan.

Although relatively impervious to dust and similar contaminants, product defection, malfunction, and incompatibility are still potential concerns worth mitigating among all industrial computer types. Keeping your hardware in good working condition through regular maintenance and the general removal of dust will prolong product quality and longevity, albeit industrial computers with water resistant qualities may require additional care. In addition to irregular upkeep that can hinder a PCs performance, installing improperly designed computer parts or incompatible operating software, GPU, RAM, and other similar tools will result in compatibility issues and product malfunctions. If you are performing routine maintenance and find yourself in need of one or more updated system components, we at Internet of Purchasing have you covered.