Guide to Buying a Rugged Computer for Industrial Uses
When it comes to choosing displays, monitors, and computers for industrial use, a rugged computer or display is a necessity. Whether it’s for the manufacturing, marine, energy, or mining industries, a commercial display is just not going to cut it. Industrial displays and computers need to be able to withstand harsh use while providing optimal performance. Ruggedized computers are the only ones that can provide this level of performance.
Why Choose Rugged-Display Computers?
Displays and computers that are used for industrial purposes have many special considerations. Usually, they are subjected to harsher use than a consumer computer would be. They also may need to be functional in extreme environment conditions (such as extreme high or low temperatures, or outdoors). Finally, if they are not able to perform properly and withstand extreme conditions in industrial applications, money—or even lives—could be on the line.
“Rugged” is a term used to refer to displays and computers that are designed and engineered to be the most durable on the market. Rugged-monitor computers are created specifically for use in marine, military, and industrial applications where high performance and ruggedness are crucial.
Features of a Rugged Computer Monitor
When you are looking for a rugged-monitor computer for industrial use, there are some particular features that you should keep an eye out for.
Warranty
Rugged displays should always come with a limited warranty. Since these displays are supposed to withstand harsh use, you need to be assured that they will function and not break down when being used in your industrial application.
Multiple Inputs
Rugged-monitor computers should have multiple video inputs and be compatible with a range of different inputs. Any rugged computer should be able to be used functionally in a multitude of environments, so compatibility is essential.
Sunlight-Readability
Rugged-display computers should have sunlight-readable technology if they will be used for outdoor use. Look for features such as LED backlighting and optically bonded glass, which will ensure they are viewable in the brightest lighting conditions.
Outdoor Use
Rugged monitors should also have a range of other features for outdoor use. They should be “all-weather computers” that have extended operational temperature ranges (for use in the extreme cold or heat) and fully dimmable capabilities (for use in poor lighting conditions). They should also be waterproof and have high shock resistance.
Size
A good rugged display will have a large screen inside the smallest chassis possible. Look for a sleek design that doesn’t forgo functionality. A good rugged computer can be durable even with a smaller chassis size.
Interface
Rugged computers should feature an easy-to-use interface that is intuitive.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Rugged Display
There are some basic considerations that should be made when choosing an industrial display.
Features
Make sure that the display you are choosing has all the required features that you will need. Not every rugged display needs to have every feature, but it does need to be suited for your industrial application or use.
Price
Good rugged-display manufacturers will offer products at a competitive price. They should have a line-up of models for a variety of price ranges.
Custom Options
Rugged-display manufacturers should be able to provide custom solutions designed and engineered specifically to your requirements. Consider having a specialized display designed to meet your needs.
Reasons to Choose Rugged Computers for Industrial Applications
Rugged industrial computer monitors offer many different solutions for very harsh working environments and conditions where rough usage of technology is the norm. Industrial displays that are applied in military, construction, and marine environments, for instance, must be durable and fully functional under harsh conditions where dirt, dust, and exposure to liquids are common. They should also be constructed with a rugged design, strong IP definitions, and they must entail a sensible total cost of ownership (TCO).
Durability
Durability is a key aspect of any industrial panel mount monitor. These devices are built with expectation that they’ll not only last a very long time, but that they’ll also be able to withstand all kinds of rough handling, weather conditions, strong vibrations, falls onto hard terrain, accidental submersion in water, prolonged exposure to the elements, and so much more. It’s also extremely important that they’re resistant to dust, sand, and glass particles. Their chassis must be strong enough to survive intense pressure that’s applied to them and hard contact with other objects as this is bound to happen on the job site.
Functionality
Another important factor that must be taken into account when purchasing a new industrial touchscreen LCD monitor for any outdoor job site is functionality. Similar to durability, this means that these devices must be intelligently designed both inside and out with the latest technology in software and hardware that allows for optimal usage under all circumstances. They must be fully equipped with up-to-date operating systems, high-quality communications systems, a great deal of memory capacity, and fast processing capabilities.
Rugged Design
Industrial LCD monitors stand apart from consumer-grade monitors because they’re much more versatile and specifically built for varying working conditions that the latter simply can’t handle. They’re more flexible, easily portable, and they’re built with a variety of mounting options that make them easier to use. In some cases, many industrial displays can even be customized to suit the needs of your specific company. By adding additional specialized features, companies can design their own devices and have them manufactured to their liking. Specially manufactured devices ensure high quality, accuracy, and reliability for a multitude of industries.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Another advantage of industrial computer monitors is their incomparably low total cost of ownership rate. This can be attributed to the fact that these devices don’t need to be replaced or repaired as often as commercial or consumer-grade devices. Their rugged and durable design and infrastructure allows for longer use and higher capability to withstand almost any setting.
IP Definitions
Ingress Protection (IP) is a standard of protecting electronic devices from external damages caused by liquids, dust, hard falls, and other harsh elements. Superlative industrial touchscreen monitors should have a minimum rating of IP65, making them dust-, liquid-, and crack-resistant. Even though commercial and consumer-grade devices have lower upfront fees, the cost of maintaining, repairing, and replacing them in an industrial environment will add up quickly as damages are imminent and frequent.
Why Choose Nauticomp Inc.’s Rugged Displays?
Nauticomp Inc. has been an industry-leading provider of rugged displays and monitors since 1997. Our rugged displays have been designed for use in the harshest applications, including for marine, military, and industrial uses. We offer a limited warranty with all of our displays and can create custom designs to meet the most stringent of requirements.
We are an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. We are dedicated to providing high-performance displays that are at the forefront of leading-edge display technology. Contact us at 1-705-328-2992 for Canadian service and at 1-800-267-9491 for U.S. service.
