Industrial PCs for reliable computing in food processing plants

The fully cased PCs, available in various sizes and resolutions, with screens ranging from 12-24”, have various processor options, as well as with a number of Ethernet, USB and VGA ports to allow easy connection of external interfaces and monitors.

Each model comes in a sturdy enclosure and is designed to withstand the high levels of vibration typically associated with production environments. Plant operators can also easily wash down the units to remove common contaminants typically present in industrial food processing plants, such as dust and liquid as well as food particles.

The range of fully cased PCs has an ingress protection rating of IP65 for the aluminium enclosed product and continues up to a fully-hygienic stainless steel, splinter proof IP69K variant, which offers wash down resistance.

There is a choice between analogue resistive (single-touch) and projected capacitive (multi-touch) touchscreen, allowing plant managers and engineers to easily interact with the device.

Director of Distec, Adrian Swindells explained: “Traceability is a big issue in the food processing industry. Plant managers need to be able to track ingredients at every stage of production, particularly in the meat processing sector to comply with regulations such as EU 178/2002. This is why it is essential they choose a sturdy and reliable industrial PC to ensure that all produce is monitored in real-time and accounted for without fear of unexpected failure or inoperability.”

Swindells continued: “In fact, industrial PCs play a key role in managing plant processes at every stage of food production, whether it is a manufacturing or packaging plant. It is important that the PC is capable of functioning effectively under extreme conditions, such as the vibration of packaging equipment or the steam produced during processing.”

Swindells added: “The B&R industrial PCs that we stock are designed to perform in harsh conditions and to guarantee the reliable monitoring of ingredients and factory processes. Beyond the enclosure, the processing power of the PCs makes them capable of delivering consistent performance even with a high volume of input sources and the number of ports makes them easy for engineers to integrate into existing systems.”

Managing Director of B&R UK and Ireland, Alan Conn commented: “We have partnered with Distec due to its strong presence and reputation in the market as well as its potential for growth.”

Conn added: “We believe our industrial fully cased PC products will not only add value for Distec’s customers due to their reliability but will also modernise the look of their production environment with the sleek and sophisticated design.”