At PSB GmbH, we understand the demanding requirements of industrial environments and recognize the pivotal role of robust computing solutions. An IP67 Panel PC represents the cutting edge in protection, allowing operation in settings exposed to dust, water, and other challenging conditions. Our engineering team brings decades of experience in designing PC systems that not only meet but exceed these stringent standards. Each system is tailored to harmonize perfectly with the specific needs of the customer, ensuring both operational resilience and compliance with global industrial norms. Through our manufacturer-neutral approach, we apply creative engineering and flexible manufacturing to realize solutions that are both innovative and reliable. The result is a Panel PC capable of withstanding environments where reliability cannot be compromised.
Understanding the IP67 Rating: Waterproof and Dustproof Explained
The IP67 panel PC standard is a critical specification for rugged industrial computers, especially in sectors where protection against environmental hazards is essential. The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is defined by the IEC 60529 standard and consists of two digits. The ‘6’ denotes full protection against dust ingress, making the device completely dust-tight. The ‘7’ signifies protection against the effects of temporary water immersion—typically up to 1 meter of submersion for 30 minutes. This makes an industrial panel PC with IP67 ideal for locations exposed to dust, dirt, and periodic washdowns.
For professionals seeking silent operation combined with optimal protection, fanless designs are often utilized to further seal the system. Learn more about these solutions in our guide on fanless industrial PCs, which delve into the technology behind noiseless yet powerful industrial systems.
IP67 vs IP69K: Key Protection Standards for Industrial PCs
When comparing IP67 vs IP69K, it is crucial to understand their respective industrial protection standards. While an IP67 panel PC resists dust and temporary water immersion, the IP69K rating takes protection a step further. IP69K PCs can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, making them suitable even for settings requiring intense cleaning, such as food processing or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments where hygiene is paramount. The added resilience is achieved through advanced sealing methods and robust enclosure designs.
The choice between IP67 and IP69K should be based on the operational environment and cleaning protocols. For further insights on selecting robust systems for clean environments, explore our article on medical cleanroom hardware.
Construction Materials: Stainless Steel and Aluminum Enclosures
Durability and corrosion resistance are non-negotiable for rugged panel computers. Manufacturers primarily use stainless steel enclosures and aluminum alloy enclosures to protect internal components from harsh elements. Stainless steel is favored in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas due to its resistance to corrosion and caustic cleaning agents. Aluminum alloys, meanwhile, provide a lightweight yet sturdy solution, dissipating heat efficiently—ideal for fanless designs.
Both materials support fanless design philosophies, reducing contamination risks and enhancing longevity. The selection of construction material should match the specific environmental threats present in your industry. If silent and clean computing is a priority, see our fanless silent workstation for an example of robust, noiseless build quality.
Display and Touchscreen Technologies
Modern industrial touchscreen PCs offer multiple display options tailored to diverse operational needs:
- Sealed touchscreen displays: Fully protected screens that prevent dust and water ingress.
- Projected capacitive touch (P-Cap): Allows for multi-touch capabilities, supporting gestures and precision, even through gloves—essential for professionals working with protective gear.
- Resistive touchscreens: Recognize input from almost any object, including styluses or gloved hands, making them ideal for heavy industry or environments where moisture may interfere with capacitive technologies.
Brightness—measured in nits—ensures readability in various lighting conditions. Glove-friendly P-Cap multi-touch technology is especially popular in industrial touchscreen PCs used in control rooms, outdoor installations, or on factory floors.
Processing Power, RAM, and Storage Specs
Performance and flexibility are hallmarks of a robust IP67 panel PC. Leading options include processors ranging from Intel Celeron for basic control tasks up to Intel Core i5 and Core i7 for demanding applications involving real-time data processing or complex HMI interfaces. Memory configurations often feature DDR4 RAM—enabling efficient, fast multitasking—and SSD storage, which is shock-resistant and offers rapid data access, crucial for minimizing downtime in critical environments.
| Component | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU Options | Intel Celeron, Core i5, Core i7 |
| RAM | DDR4, up to 32GB or more |
| Storage | SSD, 2.5″ or M.2, up to 2TB+ |
Configurable hardware ensures the industrial panel PC can be tailored to your application’s specific requirement, from machine control to advanced data analytics.
Connectivity and Industrial Interface Options
Reliable connectivity is fundamental for industry 4.0 applications. IP67 panel PCs provide versatile options such as sealed I/O connectors for improved protection, and multiple data interfaces:
- USB ports (with sealing for water-resistance)
- RS232/RS485 serial interfaces for legacy equipment
- Gigabit Ethernet for fast, reliable networking
- HDMI/DisplayPort outputs for external displays
- Support for industrial protocols such as CANopen, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, and EtherCAT
Such extensive connectivity facilitates seamless integration with logistics and automation systems, advancing efficiency and interoperability in modern factories.
Operating Temperature Ranges and Environmental Suitability
An essential aspect of any rugged panel computer is its ability to perform reliably within extreme operating temperature ranges. High-quality IP67 panel PCs are engineered to maintain stable operation from -20°C up to +60°C or beyond, ensuring suitability for outdoor settings, cold storage, or areas with heat-generating equipment. This resilience is matched by the fanless design, which minimizes moving parts and reduces the risk of breakdown due to temperature-induced stress.
Primary Applications of IP67 Panel PCs Across Industries
IP67 rugged panel computers are deployed across a spectrum of industrial settings where protection, hygiene, and durability are mission-critical. Key sectors include:
- Food processing: Withstand harsh washdowns; enable safe operator interaction during daily cleaning.
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: Maintain contaminant-free environments with easy-to-sterilize interfaces; integration with validated systems.
- Oil and gas: Resist exposure to dust, water, and corrosive substances in remote or hazardous locations.
- Construction: Survive rugged, outdoor worksites exposed to weather extremes and physical impact.
- Transportation: Integrated into fleet management or infrastructure control for reliable operation in vehicles, on ships, or at depots.
To better understand how industrial panel PCs are transforming warehouse automation and logistics, read about the latest applications and trends in industrial PC logistics.
Key Benefits of IP67 Panel PCs in Harsh Environments
The adoption of IP67 panel PCs brings numerous advantages:
- Complete protection from dust and water, ensuring hardware reliability and data safety.
- Sanitization-friendly designs, crucial for compliance in food and pharma environments.
- Sealed construction and fanless operation minimize contamination risks and mechanical failures, as detailed in our fanless industrial PC guide.
- Multiple touchscreen options supporting glove operability for maximum productivity and safety.
- Robust connectivity for integration with modern industrial automation protocols.
- Long-term durability achieved through resistance to vibration, chemicals, and temperature changes.
Choosing the Right IP67 Panel PC: Factors to Consider
Selecting the ideal IP67 panel PC requires evaluating several parameters:
- Environmental hazards: Assess the level of dust, moisture, and cleaning requirements. IP69K may be necessary for intensive washdown zones.
- Enclosure material: Determine whether stainless steel or aluminum alloy best matches your corrosion resistance and hygiene needs.
- Touchscreen type: Choose projected capacitive for multi-touch and glove usage, or resistive for advanced ruggedization.
- Processing demands: Identify the necessary CPU/RAM/storage for your applications—whether simple control or advanced data visualization.
- Connectivity: Verify the presence and sealing of all required I/O and industrial communication protocols.
- Temperature requirements: Ensure the panel PC matches the thermal range of your installation environment.
- Compliance and integration: Confirm the solution’s suitability for specific industry standards (e.g., HACCP for food, GMP for pharma).
For professionals seeking detailed guidance on rugged panel PC features and integration, our article on industrial touchscreen panel PCs offers an in-depth perspective on current solutions available on the market.
The adoption of IP67 Panel PCs provides substantial assurance for industries where uninterrupted performance is a priority, even under the harshest conditions. With more than 30 years at the forefront of industrial PC technology, PSB GmbH has built a reputation for delivering dependable, custom-fit solutions that endure. Our commitment to durability, serviceability, and precise burn-in testing ensures every system operates reliably throughout its lifecycle. By fostering long-term partnerships and adapting production to each project’s scale, we consistently meet our clients’ evolving requirements. Looking ahead, we continue to leverage our engineering expertise and production flexibility to help customers meet new challenges in industrial automation and control with confidence.
