At PSB GmbH, we understand that industrial and hygienic environments place the highest demands on reliability, cleanliness, and durability for PC systems. Our extensive experience in designing and manufacturing PC-based solutions enables us to deliver hardware that meets stringent water resistance standards and provides dependable performance even under harsh conditions. We approach each project with a manufacturer-neutral mindset, allowing us to develop tailored, optimal solutions that address the unique challenges of every environment. The integration of IP65 protection and advanced filtering demonstrates both our technical competence and commitment to serving complex industries such as manufacturing and medical technology. By rigorously engineering every system for water resistance and robustness, we ensure our clients benefit from lasting value and minimal downtime.
What Does “Waterproof” Mean for PC Systems?
In industrial and hygienic environments, the demand for a waterproof PC system goes far beyond simple splash resistance. Devices need to withstand regular wash-downs, exposure to dust, chemicals, and even high-pressure jets. These conditions are typically found in sectors such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, medical settings, and outdoor installations. The waterproof rating of a PC is commonly defined by IP codes, which indicate the level of protection against ingress of solid particles (like dust) and liquids (mainly water). Widely sought-after protection levels include IP65, IP66, IP67, and IP69K.
While an IP65 PC protects against low-pressure water jets, an IP67 PC is also safe for short-term submersion in water. The selection of materials, such as stainless steel (316) or specially treated aluminum, is critical, as is the construction—fanless, seamless, and hygienic designs ensure that the PC remains fully operable and robust even in tough conditions. For a deeper dive into rugged designs, the article on IP65 Industrial PCs provides extensive technical details and benefits.
Types of Waterproof PC Systems and Enclosures
Panel PCs and All-in-One Designs
Panel PCs are integrated solutions where display and computing hardware share a sealed enclosure, often with a touchscreen front. These systems are widespread in production lines and cleanrooms, where surfaces must be regularly disinfected. All-in-one PCs extend this approach, offering fully integrated components in one robust, often fanless chassis for maximum hygiene and convenience. Both solutions prioritize seamless joints, gaskets, and easy-to-clean surfaces.
Embedded and Box PCs
Embedded PCs and Box PCs are compact, modular systems designed for installation in machinery or within protective housing. They are favored in environments requiring minimal maintenance. A fanless industrial PC, such as those discussed in our Fanless Industrial PC Guide, offers extra reliability by eliminating moving parts susceptible to dust and moisture ingress.
PC Cabinets and Protective Enclosures
For standard or specialized computer hardware, industrial PC cabinets and protective housings are used to create waterproof conditions. These enclosures, available in stainless steel or aluminum, can be mounted on walls, machinery, or workstations. Their primary function is to provide a rugged, dust-tight, and water-resistant environment, extending the operational life of your IT equipment. Explore more about furnishing your workspace with durable industrial PC cabinets to maximize protection and performance.
Application Areas and Industry Solutions
Food Production and Hygiene Environments
In the food industry, strict hygiene regulations demand computers that survive regular cleaning with aggressive detergents and high-pressure water. Stainless steel, particularly 316 stainless, offers excellent chemical resistance and prevents bacteria build-up, making it the material of choice for waterproof panel PCs and enclosures. The wash-down design eliminates corners and seams, reducing contamination risks.
Pharmaceuticals and Medicine
Similar requirements apply in pharmaceuticals and medical technology, where hygienic, sterile equipment is paramount. Panel PCs and Embedded-PCs with IP65 or higher certification are installed in cleanrooms, laboratories, or directly in surgical areas. Solutions for dental practices combine waterproofing with cloud connectivity and data security—learn more on Dental PC Systems: Cloud, Security & Efficiency.
Outdoor and Harsh Industrial Environments
Outdoor PCs must withstand wide temperature ranges, UV exposure, rain, and even snow. Here, protection up to IP67 is critical. Robust, sealed Box PCs are deployed on transport vehicles, construction machinery, or remote monitoring sites. For continuous operation in such conditions, rugged server systems are vital—see detailed best practices in Server for Continuous Operation: Selection & Maintenance.
Selection Criteria for Waterproof PC Systems
A precise requirements analysis is crucial to choosing the right waterproof PC system. Consider the following checklist when evaluating options:
- IP Protection Level: Is IP65 sufficient, or does your environment require IP67 or even IP69K?
- Material: Does your industry require stainless steel 316 for hygiene, or is coated aluminum adequate?
- Cooling: Select fanless solutions for minimal maintenance and increased longevity.
- Design: Panel, box, embedded, or all-in-one? Match the build to your workflow and hygiene demands.
- Operating Temperature: Ensure the PC can withstand your site’s environmental extremes.
- Touch Operation: Does the system feature glove-friendly or multi-touch displays required in wet or sterile spaces?
- Certifications: Verify all relevant standards for food, pharma, or outdoor use are met.
- Expansion Options: Are sufficient ports, IO, and wireless options available, or can you add modules as needed?
- Mounting Options: Consider rackmount, VESA, or custom brackets depending on space and access needs.
- Maintenance: Fanless systems, flush surfaces, and easily accessible housings minimize cleaning and repairs. Our Fanless Industrial PC guide covers long-term reliability benefits in detail.
Practical Examples and Case Studies
Automated Bottling Line (Food Industry)
An international beverage manufacturer replaced conventional PCs with IP67-rated Panel PCs within an automated production line. The fully sealed, stainless steel panel PCs could withstand daily high-pressure washing and chemical cleaners, reducing maintenance downtime by 35% and achieving compliance with stringent safety standards.
Mobile Data Terminals in Logistics
For outdoor fleet management, a logistics provider equipped their loading vehicles with fanless industrial Box PCs housed in IP65-compliant aluminum enclosures. These terminals stayed operational through rain, dust, and extreme temperature fluctuations, ensuring seamless real-time tracking and reduced failure rates.
Cleanroom Installation in Pharmaceuticals
In a pharmaceutical cleanroom, embedded PCs with IP66-rated, seamless stainless steel housing were installed as operator terminals along the production lines. These PCs offered a completely hygienic operation, were glove-operable, and required only minimal cleaning effort to remain compliant with GMP guidelines.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Waterproof PC Systems
- What distinguishes a waterproof PC from a standard industrial PC? A waterproof PC features a sealed enclosure, higher IP ratings (often IP65, IP67, or above), and specialized materials to block water, dust, and contaminants—even under harsh cleaning or weather.
- What applications benefit most from IP65 or IP67 PC systems? Any environment with cleaning routines, liquid exposure, or airborne particulates—food factories, pharma, medical practice, and outdoor monitoring—benefit from IP-rated systems. More on this can be found in our IP65 Industrial PC analysis.
- How do I maintain and clean a waterproof PC? Use non-abrasive cleaning agents and avoid high-temperature chemicals. Opt for fanless designs as highlighted in the Fanless Industrial PC Guide to minimize maintenance needs and maximize uptime.
- Are there specific solutions for dental or medical offices? Yes, waterproof dental PC systems combine robust protection with secure, hygienic operation. See our Dental PC Systems Guide for a complete overview.
- Is an additional enclosure recommended for standard PCs? If your existing PC is not water-rated, an industrial PC cabinet or protective housing is essential for safety and longevity in challenging environments.
Waterproof PC systems are indispensable for industries where hygiene and operational integrity cannot be compromised. With more than three decades of experience, PSB GmbH stands as a reliable partner, consistently delivering systems that combine innovation with rigorous quality control, such as thorough burn-in testing. Our focus on customer-specific configurations and comprehensive in-house manufacturing translates into adaptable and future-proof solutions. Clients benefit from our deep engineering knowledge, production flexibility, and commitment to long-term support. We look forward to continuing to serve as a trusted partner for water-resistant PC solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.
