Adlink Releases IP69K Stainless Steel Panel PCs for Harsh Environments
Adlink's new Titan2 series IP69K industrial panel PCs are designed for use in demanding manufacturing applications. The panel PCs feature a stainless steel housing and can be cleaned with high-pressure hot water.
Adlink has released a new stainless steel industrial panel PC for use in the automotive, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries. The IP69K Titan2 is a rugged, capable computer with a small footprint, ideal for process lines and limited-space operations.
The Titan2 series is suitable for use in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries. Image used courtesy of Adobe Stock
Industrial PC Challenges
Computing capabilities in manufacturing will continue to grow for many years to come. However, computing power itself is not always the limiting factor for future implementation. The harsh environment found in many manufacturing facilities quickly ends the life of normal desktop and laptop computers. Ruggedized industrial computers must be able to handle occasional shock, dust and moisture ingress, vibration, power fluctuations, and numerous other challenging conditions.
Replacing computers is a giant nuisance. In addition to the physical replacement cost and installation, the device must have any custom software reinstalled, and any data that remained on the old machine must be collected. Also, it may need to be reconfigured and tested for physical inputs from devices and sensors on the production line. All of this translates to downtime, which means additional costs.
The Titan2’s full high-definition (FHD) display brings out color and fine details. Image used courtesy of Adlink
Adlink Titan2 IP69K Panel PCs
The Adlink IP69K Titan2 Panel PC features an 11th-generation Intel i5/i3 BGA-type processor, making it capable of handling complex code. Three display options (15.6-inch, 21.5-inch, and 23.8-inch) are available so that the PC can be used to drive large dashboard displays for reading across the room or compact options for single-machine control.
The ruggedness of this PC cannot be understated. It can be cleaned with an alcohol wipe, as one might expect. However, it can also be cleaned using high-pressure hot water for a deep, hygienic clean required for food and beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Imagine blasting a standard laptop with high-pressure hot water!
Blast away the Titan2 with high-pressure, high-temperature water for easy cleaning. Image used courtesy of Adlink
Why Stainless Steel Housing?
Stainless steel alloys are known for their toughness (impact tolerance). Compared to aluminum and polymer housings, stainless steel is tougher, harder, and stronger, making it safe for an occasional bump or light impact commonly found in the manufacturing environment.
Furthermore, stainless steel alloys are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. They are resistant to salt water and spray, oils, and most brief acid exposures. Acid exposures are particularly common in the food and beverage industry, where tomato sauces, vinegar, fruit juices, and other acidic ingredients may occasionally spray onto the computer. Also, the ease of cleaning means less chance for bacteria, fungi, or mold to grow.
Another less-obvious advantage is that austenitic stainless steel alloys (including the 304 and optional 316 used for the Titan2 ) are non-magnetic. Therefore, in operations where magnets are used to move components or remove ferrous debris (such as from grinding operations), chips, shavings, and particles will not collect on the surface of the PC like they might on a plain carbon steel housing.
Meeting Manufacturing Demands
The Adlink IP69K Titan2 Panel PC provides high-end computing in a ruggedized package suitable for virtually any industrial environment. While Adlink targeted several specific markets, many other manufacturing facilities will also benefit from this industrial PC.
