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What is a Panel PC?

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Geym

Mar. 07, 2024
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What is a Panel PC? 

Panel PCs are all-in-one computers integrated with an LCD display and computing system. With the power of a modern industrial PC and the convenience of an LCD touch screen, industrial panel PCs are more rugged and provide many features including IP-rated enclosures, MIL testing standards, and wide operating temperatures. For a more convenient experience, industrial panel PCs create smoother operations with durable touch screen technology; Resistive or Projected Capacitive type touch. All-in-one Panel PCs are reliable, high-performance solutions designed for a wide range of industries such as the food industry, automation control, HMI, digital system, military, and industrial internet of things (IoT) devices. 

The Features & Multi-Functionality of Panel PCs 

Computers are evolving from one day to the next with so many different models, updates, and all kinds of additions coming up. Panel PCs are the latest in the market combining a CPU board, touch screen features all in a compact and well-integrated model that is simply hard to resist. There are of course the latest connectivity options and models available for the common consumer and for industrial purposes. These are in addition sleeker and slimmer and the latest fad in every domain. If you want a good panel PC that has a powerful adaptable CPU with the latest disc formats supported, you may want to look at some of the newer models available in the market.

There are many Panel PCs offering a myriad of features. From Blu-Ray compatibility and optical drives to hybrid digital and analog TV tuners, it offers consumers a lot of options. You may want to decide if you want the fanless Panel PC and also what features are important to you. Do you plan to double it up as a TV? Is it for official work or gaming? These questions when answered will make it clearer as to the specifications you want to look out for in the products.

All-In-One Panel PCs for Industrial Applications 

The industry is becoming more complex than ever. Machines conduct countless numbers of operations every day. Businesses in today’s market demand more reliable and efficient pieces of machinery to run their everyday applications. One convenient approach is utilizing the advanced technologies of all-in-one panel PCs. It should be well-known that industrial applications require industrial-grade technologies. However, the true performance and knowledge of the role of these machines have not expanded far enough. Industrial applications are generally more advanced today compared to the past. Demands for more efficient and productive computers are on a rise. This means that regular retail PC’s, to keep up with current demands, need to adapt and evolve to the harsh industrial environment.

Manufacturing industries like Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) need to utilize and take advantage of Industrial all-in-one panel PCs for applications that can save time and money. 

Choosing for Smarter Investment
The first concern that usually comes up is usually about the cost. It is important to look at the differences between systems that cost less and systems that are cost-effective. Industrial grade computers demand a little more expensive from the start but it pays off well in the future. Retail panel PCs can save consumers money from the start, but without proper industrial-grade protections that are necessary for demanding applications; these computers are only to be set up for failure. This forces businesses to spend a great deal of money on maintenance, and costly software updates. Utilizing industrial panel PCs is more reliable and ideal for long-term use. They decrease the risks of system malfunctions and ultimately save you more time and money.

Construction
The many applications of the industries today require computers to be in harsh environments of power plants, food processing factories, military operations, and transportation to building automation. The environments listed above can severely damage valuable embedded computers that have a role to run productions. The reasons why industrial-grade computers are becoming more and more popular due to the fact that they are ideally built for harsh industrial operations and tolerant to harmful chemicals and dust particles present in these environments whether it is for outdoor or indoor applications.

Touch Screen Technology
For a more convenient experience, all-in-one industrial panel PCs create smoother operations with durable touch screen technology without the need for keyboard and mouse consoles that ultimately take up valuable space. Industrial panel PCs offer rich input and output connectivity. Not only does this eliminate the need for excess wires, but the size of the system is dramatically reduced. Touch screen panels are meant to function for controlling applications more conveniently. Commercial computer screens do not meet the standards of industrialized strength protections. The industrial panel PC touch screens are built for harsh environments while it protects the system from scratches, chemical spills, water sprays, and dust. 

Fanless Cooling Systems
Most commercial and retail computers utilize fans to cool down a system. Although this may not be a problem in comfortable office environments, it is certainly not ideal for industrial applications. Industrial environments involve a lot of dust, wide temperature fluctuations, shocks, and random vibrations. In these conditions, computers should not have any internal moving parts in the system. Most retail computers depend on just a fan for cooling. Not only does a fan attract dust but if it fails for whatever technical reason due to environmental causes, the whole system will overheat. Companies that run mass production factories need powerful CPUs to manage important data. These powerful CPUs like the 4th generation Haswell Dual-Core generate a lot of heat. Overheating is one of the main causes of computer malfunctions and ultimately stopping production. Large manufactures and companies cannot afford unnecessary system failures that will lead them to costly maintenance bills. Industrial systems combat this problem by utilizing a fanless system to dissipate heat through the solution of heat sink technology.  The results deliver a noiseless system and run more productive and energy-efficient applications.

Acnodes’ Panel PC models come with a number of features that make them multi-functional. With a resistive infrared touch screen, highly expandable, and ultra-slim chassis to choose from, they are the modern-day consumer’s delight. High reliability, performance, and stability are another added bonus. Being fanless, the panel PCs are quite low on noise and virtually silent. With a resistive infrared touch screen, high expandability, and ultra-slim chassis to choose from, they are the modern-day consumer’s delight. The Panel PCs are designed taking into account a number of factors including needs across various sectors such as private, government, public, and military sectors. The fanless cooling and anti-vibration patented design is also an exciting feature. Some of the models come with more features like compact Dual Gigabit Ethernet support, isolation protection for the ports, and attractive designs. The touch screen feature makes it great to use in kiosks and other public areas in offices and other locations where the use of a mouse or keyboard may be rather cumbersome.

Benefits:

  • Rugged IP-rated aluminum or plastic front and rear bezel casings, built to withstand harsh working environments.

  • Touchscreen panels varying in size from 5.7-21.5 inches.

  • Fanless embedded computer system for HMI and automation control applications.

  • Multiple mounting options.

  • Pre-configured Windows-based operating system.

  • Selection of processors, including AMD, Intel Atom, Intel Dual Core, Intel Core 2 Duo, Celeron, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core i3/i5/i7.

  • Fanless design with the absence of moving parts, ideal for industrial applications.

  • Easy to maintain.

Click here to view Acnodes' full line of industrial touch screen panel PCs.

 

The rugged all-in-one package appeals to a wide range of industries.

In recent years, a significant shift has taken place in industrial computing. Panel PCs have gradually been replacing their bulky predecessors, to the point where they’re now involved in most production processes. Among the most common applications are real-time feedback, control and monitoring of production lines, and client stations for video surveillance systems.

But what is it that makes them so popular?

Designed for seamless installation into industrial environments, panel PCs offer simple integration with existing production line architecture, such as control cabinets, machines, kiosks and similar. 

Panel PCs are often used as Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI). The hardware’s ruggedness ensures strong durability in challenging conditions, and the machine’s inbuilt touchscreen gives the operator easy access to vital data. 

Panel PCs thrive in a host of different industrial scenarios. Among the most common applications are:

  • Original Equipment Manufacturer machinery (OEM)

  • Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

  • Machine-to-Machine Interface (M2M)

  • Control and data aggregation in relation to Internet of Things (IoT)

  • Vision systems

  • Factory automation systems

  • Materials handling

 

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Did you know?

Panel PCs are easy to clean. This has made them a favorite to the food industry, where hygiene is of critical importance.


Significantly more durable than standard PCs

There are many reasons to choose panel PCs for your next project, whether you’re concerned with inventory control, industrial- and automation control, or logistics.

One of the key benefits of industrial-grade panel PCs is the durability. Constructed for the demanding industrial conditions, they are made with robust, long-life components, and offer good backward compatibility.

How would your office PC fare in a shipyard?

Should you instead choose a non-industrial panel PC, certain components in your configuration might become obsolete within a couple of years. There’s also the risk that replacement components have different specifications. But if you opt for an industrial solution, you can expect a lifespan of 5–7 years. This naturally makes finding spare parts much easier.  

Industrial panel PCs not only last longer than their office- and domestic siblings, but also perform better in rough conditions. Their temperature tolerance is higher, which translates to reduced downtime and increased productivity.

Standard portable and stationary computers deteriorate with frequent use. Industrial panel PCs have highly robust exteriors to protect the internal components and ensure reliable operation for the long haul.

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 Did you know?

The oil and gas industry takes advantage of panel PCs’ robustness and employ them in hazardous areas and EX-zones. 

 

6 benefits of panel PCs


Touch boosts productivity

The touchscreen replaces keyboard and mouse. By keeping your eyes on the task at all times, you can work faster and make fewer input errors.



Panel PCs are designed to handle a good scrub – a must for coping with unclean environments or strict regulatory hygiene standards.



Panel PCs can be installed almost anywhere and be used for all kinds of industrial applications.


Most are fanless – and dustless

Dust is a stubborn adversary. Many Panel PCs have fanless cooling systems, which means no dust enters the internal parts.



Industrial environments can be extremely demanding. Touchscreen Panel PCs are built with rugged materials and inbuilt protection mechanisms.



Nothing is set in stone with a Panel PC. You can easily configure them as you please, for anything from basic functionality to complex tasks.

 


How to transition to panel PCs

Industrial computers don’t require any modifications with respect to installation of the units. The procedure is the same as for standard PCs. In fact, certain models are compact enough that you don’t even need customized cabinets to accommodate them. That’s a time and money saver. The compactness also means they’re well suited for installation in mobile environments where there’s little space, such as on board a ship or in a car.

Even though there are many reasons to choose a panel PC solution for your next production line, it can be challenging to precisely identify the right setup for your needs. With seemingly infinite options on the market, the selection process can quickly turn complicated. A good solution is one that balances price and performance – but how do you know what to look for?

We’ve made a guide that covers the most important considerations you should make. You can download it here.

Good luck!

 


Recommended reading:

5 pieces of IT hardware for the cyber-secure vessel
Your solution partner: How Hatteland Technology can help you
What is a smart ship?

 

What is a Panel PC?

Why panel PCs are perfect for industrial applications

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