You’ve probably heard the term “military grade” used in advertising. But what does that term actually mean, and how does it apply to civilian applications? Following military-grade regulations for durability can be incredibly helpful for industrial computer manufacturers.
What Does Military Grade Actually Mean?
So what is “military grade?” Some companies use the term where it isn’t relevant or without actually manufacturing their products to a higher standard.
However, following the military’s real requirements for equipment can be extremely helpful. These requirements are codified under MIL-STD-810, the U.S. military’s standard for equipment durability and testing methods.
MIL-STD-810 replicates how harsh operating conditions affect the equipment that troops use. This covers everything ranging from ammo pouches to helmet straps to computers. By testing to these standards, manufacturers can be sure that their products will continue functioning no matter what.
MIL-STD-810 Standards and Parameters
MIL-STD-810 features no less than 29 different test methods for different environmental factors. Some of the most relevant tests for industrial computer manufacturers include:
Shock and Vibration
Tests 514.8 and 516.8 examine a device’s ability to withstand harsh vibrations and sudden shocks without breaking down. This includes situations like being strapped down for transportation or attached to a larger machine or vehicle. It also covers being dropped on the ground by accident. If a computer is not properly designed for these conditions, the vibrations and impacts can literally shake its internal components apart.
As industrial computers often work close to heavy machinery or are physically attached to them, certifying that they can work in vibration-heavy settings is essential. Similarly, handheld tablets are always in danger of being dropped or mishandled. This means that testing their drop and impact safety features is also vital.
Extreme Temperatures
Test methods 501.7 and 502.7 relate to high and low-temperature extremes, respectively. These sections' procedures cover long-term storage and operations in these conditions. This is obviously important for military operators, who may be using the equipment in a blazing-hot desert or freezing tundra.
Of course, these tests are also beneficial for civilian applications. Industrial computers on the factory floor face high temperatures from nearby machines. On the other hand, computers on an oil rig will be constantly exposed to the elements and frigid temperatures. Both environments require design features to handle such extremes.
Humidity
Humidity is a serious concern for electronics, as it can cause moisture build-up inside the casing. This moisture can lead to electrical shorts or corrosion that destroys the device. MIL-STD-810’s Test Method 507.6 examines if devices can handle high-humidity conditions and prevent moisture from forming.
For electronics, this means testing to ensure various design features block out moisture from infiltrating the casing. Ingress protection ratings, rubber gaskets, and conformal coatings over the circuit boards are just some of the methods designers use to defeat humidity.
Sand and Dust
Sand, dust, and other particulates can clog a computer’s ports, cause electrostatic discharges, and impair cooling if they infiltrate the casing. Method 510.7 under MIl-STD-810 tests to see if equipment can withstand heavy exposure to these threats.
Many of the features that counter humidity also protect industrial computers from dust. An IP65-rated front bezel, for instance, blocks out solid particles just as easily as water splashes.
Which Computers Might Use MIL-STD-810?
Obviously, testing every computer under MIL-STD-810 is unnecessary. After all, why bother testing a consumer-grade desktop PC to military-grade standards? That computer will spend its entire life cycle in a comfortable, air-conditioned office.
However, industrial computers work in environments similar to those in military operations. Therefore, testing them to military-grade standards can indicate whether they can handle their intended work environment.
Industrial Panel PCs
Industrial panel PCs are great human-machine interfaces thanks to their touch-screen monitors. Unfortunately, these monitors are also vulnerable to dust and water infiltration if they aren't sealed. MIL-STD-810’s tests are perfect for determining if an industrial panel PC’s ingress protection is up to snuff. If it can withstand military-grade tests for dust protection and water exposure, it can also endure an industrial worksite.
Industrial Mini PCs
Rugged mini PCs are frequently used in areas where other, larger computers cannot fit. This includes being mounted directly on machinery or inside a vehicle, where they are subjected to constant vibrations and sudden, unpredictable impacts. Testing industrial mini PCs under MIL-STD-810 for shock and vibrations is perfect for determining if they can handle the civilian sector as well.
Industrial Tablets
While it’s highly unlikely that a rugged industrial tablet will ever get shot at, it’s practically a certainty that it will be dropped at some point. Testing to military-grade requirements for drop protection can guarantee peace of mind for workers when they’re out in the field taking notes or recording data. Like panel PCs, their screens should also be tested for ingress protection to ensure they’re safe against dust and water.
Benefits of Military-Grade Designs for Civilian Computers
While they may never see a battlefield, using military-grade design features on civilian computers still has its merits, including:
Proven Reliability Standards
MIL-STD-810 is not something that lives in sterile labs or engineers' imaginations. It is a living document, having been updated 9 times since its introduction in 1962. If there is an oversight or error in the document, it is corrected in the next version. This means that manufacturers who use MIL-STD-810 can rest assured knowing the standards at which they test their products have faced intense scrutiny over decades.
Lesser Maintenance Requirements
The design features that MIL-STD-810 encourages also reduce the overall maintenance a device needs. For example, fanless cooling solutions prevent dust and sand from entering an industrial computer’s casing as per the standard’s requirements. They also don’t require cleaning or replacement like fans do, which is a massive benefit to the end user.
Legacy Compatibility
While not covered by MIL-STD-810, another vital consideration that military-grade designs implement is legacy compatibility. Much of the military’s equipment is decades old, meaning they rely on equally old I/O ports. These ports are often unsupported by the original manufacturer due to their age. The same is true for industrial machinery, which makes legacy port options equally important for both military and industrial computers.
Considerations for Using Military-Grade Computers
Whenever upgrading to new equipment, there are certain considerations you have to make. The most important are:
Role Requirements
Think about what you will be using the computer for. Will it be integrated into an assembly line, used to control a machine, or support workers in the field? What sort of environmental stresses will it face in its workspace? Answering these questions will help guide your purchasing decision.
For example, if you need a user-friendly interface for controlling machinery, consider an industrial panel PC. Their intuitive touch screens give workers an easy way to interact with machines without requiring a mouse and keyboard.
Affordability
Obviously, new computers are expensive. This is especially true when dealing with the level of manufacturing quality that military-grade certification requires. One way to reduce this cost is by working directly with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the computers. An OEM can alter a computer’s base design to better fit your needs, such as implementing more powerful processors if required.
Customization
No two roles are the same, especially in the industrial sector. Customizing a computer for its specific application can be the difference between success and failure. Once again, working with an OEM is crucial, as they can add extra features like barcode scanners and RFID readers for managing inventory or integrating an anti-glare filter to counter harsh lighting.
Military-Grade PCs from Cybernet Manufacturing
“Military-grade” can be more than a trendy piece of marketing lingo. It can reflect a serious commitment to durability, ruggedness, and rigorous testing by the manufacturer. If you need industrial computers tested to military-grade standards, contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. We’d be happy to explain how our commitment to high standards of design and engineering can help your business.