Not many computers are praised for their rugged construction or reliability. For high-stress, high-demand applications that need computer support, rugged computers are a necessity.
What Makes a Computer Rugged?
What is a rugged computer? It needs to be more than just a catchy tagline. For a computer to be truly rugged, there are certain design features and parameters that it absolutely needs to have. Depending on the computer’s intended role, other niche features may be necessary as well.
Shock and Vibration Resistance
Sudden shocks and vibrations can easily disable or destroy a computer by shaking its components apart inside the case. To prevent this, computer manufacturers will use components with a minimum of moving parts, such as solid-state drives instead of hard disk drives. They will also solder components directly onto the motherboard rather than just attaching them with screws or clamps.
Drop Protection
For mobile devices, such as computer tablets, there is the omnipresent threat of being dropped on the ground. Many of the precautions for shock and vibration apply here as well, but the tablet’s case and screen also need protection. For the former, this means reinforced cases that can absorb an impact without breaking. For the latter, the solution is typically a chemically hardened touchscreen that can resist cracks and scratches.
Ingress Protection
Harsh work environments are rarely clean and tidy. If dirt or water infiltrates a computer’s casing, it can easily damage or destroy the vulnerable circuitry within. To prevent this, rugged computers are manufactured with high IP (ingress protection) ratings that are sealed against solid material and liquids. An IP65 rating indicates the case is dust-tight and protected against water jets, and is ideal for most industrial or healthcare work environments.
Fanless Cooling
Every computer needs a method of cooling to protect its CPU and other components from overheating. For most consumer-grade devices, this means spinning fans that blow hot air away and cool air over the components. However, fans are a major failure point for many PCs, as their moving parts quickly wear out and break down. Therefore, rugged computers will use fanless cooling solutions such as passive heatsinks to sidestep this issue. These solutions use zero moving parts, removing the chances of a mechanical breakdown.
What Roles Need Rugged Computers?
Now that we understand what goes into making them, what is a rugged computer’s role? These devices are typically used in work environments with high requirements, such as:
Healthcare
Computers in healthcare settings work under extremely demanding conditions. They must often operate 24/7 without breaks and are constantly being cleaned and disinfected with harsh chemicals that can easily damage electronic circuitry. This makes rugged medical computers with features like fanless cooling and waterproof cases absolutely essential.
Industrial
No one would ever accuse a factory floor of being a comfortable place to work. This is true for both human employees and the equipment that they use. Working in close proximity to running machinery often means constant harsh vibrations that can easily damage a consumer-grade computer. Shock and vibration protection is a necessity in these settings, along with high ingress protection for applications involving lots of dust or liquids. Any industrial computer should have these features as a baseline.
Enterprise
While they may not face the same threats as devices on the assembly line, enterprise computers still benefit from rugged construction. A customer-facing computer might get mishandled or abused, and units used in logistics and storage still have to worry about dust and water intrusion.
Military
Perhaps the worst operating environment possible for computers, any issue that civilian computers may face is doubled in military roles. Sudden shocks and vibrations are all but guaranteed, and depending on the operating environment, extreme temperatures may be in effect as well. Even for units not in direct combat, operating in the field comes with extremely high demands for reliability.
Benefits of Rugged Computers
Using rugged computers brings numerous upsides, with the most important being:
Greater Reliability
First and foremost, superior design and engineering mean fewer equipment breakdowns and fewer interruptions to your work. Many modern work processes are so dependent on computers that they cannot be completed without their support. This means that reliability is a top priority, especially in harsh work environments that would destroy consumer-grade devices.
Cost Savings
While rugged computers may have a higher upfront price tag, the savings they offer over time more than make up for it. Consider the following scenario: You have two options for using an industrial computer over a period of five years. Do you pick:
- An industrial computer that costs $3,000.
- Four consumer-grade computers that cost $1,000 each, after the prior model consistently breaks down and fails.
In addition to their price tag, rugged computers save money by avoiding breakdowns and workflow interruptions. If a computer controlling an assembly line fails, that entire line has to be shut down, costing thousands or even millions of dollars in lost work time. Rugged computers are far less likely to break down, and therefore far less likely to interrupt your work process.
Longer Service Lifespans
The design features that make rugged computers so reliable also ensure they can serve for extended periods of time. This is perfect for settings like healthcare and industry, which want to get the most out of their equipment and reduce the training time needed. A long service lifespan ensures less equipment attrition, lower operating costs, and more productivity.
Considerations for Rugged Computers
Now that we understand what is a rugged computer, it is critical to understand the factors for using one. Which rugged computer you choose depends on critical factors such as:
Expected Operating Conditions
What sort of environment will you be using your rugged computer in? Will it have to worry about lots of dust and water in the air, or are extreme temperatures more of a concern? Will it need to be reinforced against constant vibrations, or have drop protection features built in? Understanding your operating environment is the key to choosing the right computer for it.
Mobile vs. Stationary
Obviously, one of the most important considerations is how you plan to use the computer: will it be in a mobile role, or a stationary setting? If your workers need to be mobile, a rugged tablet would be ideal. These computers are lightweight and compact enough to be carried by hand throughout the day, while still able to support the programs workers need.
On the other hand, if you need raw performance in a stationary role, a rugged mini PC or panel PC is more than appropriate. Mounted at a permanent workstation, these computers provide ample processing power for multitasking or demanding applications.
Performance Requirements
Lastly, you must consider your performance requirements and what exactly you need out of your computer. If you have exceptionally high requirements, you will need an exceptionally high-performing computer. Working with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can be useful in these situations, as they can customize their products to fit your specific needs. This lets you balance your performance requirements with your budget, maximizing your investment.
Rugged Computers from Cybernet Manufacturing
Rugged computers aren’t just a luxury for businesses: in harsh work environments, they are an absolute necessity for ensuring computer support when you need it most.
If your company is looking for rugged industrial, medical, or enterprise computers, contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. Our team would be happy to explain how our products are designed and certified to handle the worst you can throw at them.