How industrial computers offer reliable computing under extreme operating temperatures

Just like how oxygen is essential to life, computers are vital for offices and industries. However, the environment of an office and a factory poses different challenges for these computer manufacturers. Not all tasks in manufacturing and industries happen in a temperature-controlled environment and optimum humidity. They occur in severe heat, cold, humidity, or extreme dust contamination. But the need for computers is growing, especially for industrial automation and mobility devices across all industries. As a result, industrial solutions providers like Winmate specifically design tablets and all-in-one PCs to deal with these unique industrial challenges.

Hot Environment

Ideally, most computers are certified to operate up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, or 60 degrees Celsius, but these are internal temperatures and not room temperatures. Also, extended usage at these temperatures will cause damage over time. When operating in a hot climate or manufacturing line, the computers can easily exceed the internal temperature limits leading to component failure. Heat also decreases the effectiveness of the battery, a problem for mobile handheld devices. Even mild overheating will slow down the processor forcing the computer to shut down frequently to protect itself.

Heat is the key reason why most consumer-grade computers used in industrial capacities do not last long. That’s where an industrial-grade computer or a rugged tablet has an enormous advantage over consumer-grade PCs. Industrial computers are often designed Fanless and built from highly durable components that handle heat effectively and dissipate it. Low-power components of industrial computers prevent overheating and are less likely to achieve high temperatures in the first place.

Cold Environment

In general, cold is beneficial for a computer as they help prevent the overheating issues we mentioned earlier. But a computer operating in very cold temperatures can also cause problems. Cold temperatures create more condensation inside the computer, resulting in short-circuiting and corrosion over time. Condensation on the screen and the scanners makes them unusable. Cold circuits also expand and deform as a result of sudden heat and electricity when energized. Physical hard disk runs slower under cold resulting in poor read and write performance for data storage. Batteries of mobile devices can’t release their energies when temperatures drop below certain levels making them less reliable.

An industrial computer can now run at much lower temperatures thanks to durable materials that do not deform due to sudden temperature variations. A sealed enclosure and integrated heaters inside prevent condensation - preventing corrosion. Industrial computers often come with SSD hard drives with non-mechanical parts providing immunity against the adverse effects on data storage. Low impedance lithium-ion batteries used in Industrial mobile devices release energy even in low temperatures.

Conclusion

Regardless of extreme weather and factory temperatures, consumer-grade computers do not last very long for industrial applications. Computers exposed to the heat and computers used in cold climates have their unique challenges. It is essential to pick a product that meets your temperature conditions. Also, it is wise to choose a manufacturer such as Winmate, experienced in making appliances for both extremes. However, extreme temperatures should not be the reason a plant needs to shut down.

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