What is an industrial PC?
They are rather inconspicuous and yet elementary for smooth processes in logistics and production: industrial computers (IPC). Typical areas of application for these multi-talents are plant engineering and machine tool construction as well as warehouses. But they also play a central role in organizing transports by rail, truck and air freight. The devices ensure reliable data acquisition, generate required information and visualize it as well as entire processes. In view of this functional breadth and depth, industrial PCs are also predestined for plant control or for applications in test and inspection stands.
Processes and costs in view
In intralogistics, industrial PCs are used in combination with a warehouse management system - as a mobile solution in the form of forklift terminals or stationary at the control station. A lot is demanded of them in the process. Especially when maneuvering, permanent shocks and vibrations are the rule. To withstand this, high mechanical stability is mandatory. In outdoor applications, environmental influences such as heat or cold are added. At the same time, the industrial PCs must be largely immune to dust and the ingress of moisture.
Industrial PCs stand for resilience and fail-safety
Resilience and fail-safety in combination with powerful computer units are also required for plant control. Especially in this business-relevant sector, an error-free display of processes, actual states and operations in real time is essential for maintaining productive operations. The industrial PC computers used here form the brain of the plant. This is where all the information comes together, is bundled, processed and displayed to the operator. Zoom techniques and the ability to show and hide additional information increase the speed of response - for example, to warnings. An industrial-grade, i.e. robust and vibration-resistant, housing protects the color TFT display, which facilitates operation in conjunction with a multi-touch function.
Quality under control
In the field of process visualization, industrial PCs are used in quality management, process and automation engineering or in the field of research and development (R&D). In order to be able to detect possible errors in the processes at an early stage and prevent malfunctions, the focus here is on real-time display and simulation. Recorded physical variables, such as flow velocity, flow rate, temperature, force, acceleration and deceleration, current, pressure, etc., are displayed via the industrial PCs. The user can now immediately intervene in the process via the touch interface, for example by changing values, enabling processes or managing recipes.
Qualitative and safety-related aspects
In production measurement technology, too, it is qualitative and safety-related aspects that speak for the use of industrial PCs. Here, the database is evaluated, logged and reported back to the production planning system (PPS). A 100-percent control is possible, since all data, such as dimensions, units, shape and surface, are strictly documented from design to production and delivery of the goods.
