How to choose a panel computer at a good price?
Features that a panel PC for industrial use should have
Panel PCs combine a durable touchscreen with an industrial computer, ensuring maximum reliability in applications such as industrial process control or interactive advertising. Since industrial applications often mean operation in extreme conditions, products in this category are subject to special hardware requirements such as resistance to low and high operating temperatures, resistance to impacts, dust, humidity, and electromagnetic interference.
How to choose an industrial panel PC and what should you pay attention to?
Panel PCs are available in many different configurations, ranging from computing power to housing type or protection class, so before choosing the right model, you should consider whether your computer should:
- have an IP64/IP65/IP66/IP67 protection rating (a panel PC with IP65 is the most popular)
- maintain low power consumption or high computing power
- have additional video outputs, USB, and RS-232/422/485 ports
- use a resistive or capacitive touchscreen
- have a WiFi module or a 3G/4G modem
- be able to operate in sub-zero temperatures
- depending on the application, have a standard or widescreen display
Industrial flat panel computer (flat screen)
An interesting solution in industrial applications exposed to dirt is the use of flat panel computers. These computers have a completely flat touchscreen which, thanks to its design, prevents the accumulation of dust and other impurities, enabling many hours of maintenance-free operation. Panel PCs that meet the above-mentioned sealing parameters are particularly sought after for installation in food production halls or pharmaceutical factories. In the Consteel Electronics offer, these assumptions are met, for example, by the WP1901T-C model from Nodka. Its protection class in particular is IP69K, and the design itself is completely flat, which means it takes up little space and is exceptionally resistant to shocks, which so often occur in the industrial sector.
Does the price of an industrial panel PC always have to be high?
The most common question regarding industrial panel PCs is about their price. Due to the components used in this type of device, the price of a panel PC dedicated to industry is higher than the price of a panel PC intended for commercial use. However, it should be kept in mind that ordinary commercial devices, although cheaper, are not designed to work in difficult industrial conditions. In the event of exposure to more dust, shock, or water, they will simply stop working. So there is no doubt that computers, for example for use in POS touch terminals, should be industrial grade and meet all required standards. Due to the high competition among industrial computer manufacturers, their prices can vary greatly. The price of an industrial panel PC is made up of individual features such as the processor model, IP protection level, or even the number of USB inputs. However, the cheapest industrial panel PC can be purchased from around 3 thousand zlotys.
It is worth remembering that manufacturers can create a computer tailored to the individual requirements of the customer and often the parameters given on the website or in the datasheet do not mean that a given model cannot be modified. Therefore, it is always worth contacting the store and asking for a quote for an industrial panel PC with the parameters that matter most to us.
Compare the models of industrial computers in terms of their specifications, and if you need help contact us, we will be happy to help you.
