Computers play a pivotal role in making manufacturing. PCs enable processes to be more efficient and can help reduce waste, but not all computers used in manufacturing are as efficient and effective as he could be. Many manufacturing locations rely on industrial computers, which are designed to cope with the rigors of a shop floor environment, but industrial computers are often out-dated technology, which is why more and more American manufacturers are resorting to using standard hardware and protecting it in an industrial computer cabinet.

Industrial Computers

Industrial computers are the most common solution used in manufacturing. Industrial computers are tough, reliable and able to cope with the hazards of factories and distribution centers that standard computers cannot handle. However, industrial computers do suffer from several drawbacks, which can reduce their efficiency on the factory floor.

Firstly, because industrial computers are solid state and designed to be as reliable as possible they often used tried and tested technology. While this may be a good thing as far as reliability is concerned, it does mean the technology is fairly outdated, which can make them a lot slower with reduced performance in comparison with a standard desktop PC. Secondly, because they are solid state, if an industrial computer fails it has to be sent away for repair, which can lead to a stoppage on the production line until new computer is installed.

Industrial Computer Cabinet

A far more flexible solution is to use a standard desktop PC and protect it from the hazardous elements of a manufacturing location by housing it in an industrial computer cabinet. The industrial computer cabinet will provide all the necessary protection enabling you to use a more modern PC. This has several advantages. Firstly, it will enable the use of the very latest hardware, which will run faster and be able to accommodate the very latest in software. Secondly, it allows homogeneity with software platforms used around the office and in other areas of a business.

Thirdly, as a standard computer is housed in the industrial computer cabinet, if it fails, or needs upgrading, this can be simply done by opening up the cabinet and gaining access to the PC. This means that in-house IT workers can service and maintain the machine, or if the worst happens, another standard desktop PC can be enclosed in the industrial computer cabinet, eliminating the risk of the production line having to be halted.

Return on Investment

One final advantage of the industrial computer cabinet over an industrial PC is the return on investment. Each industrial computer cabinet can house generation after generation of PC, which not only enables the very latest hardware to be used in the manufacturing location, but also it means that the cabinet provides just a single investment that can be used for years and years to come.

Protecting PCs in Manufacturing Locations is a post from: armagard.com

Because of the high levels of dust in manufacturing locations, a solution is needed to enable the use of computer hardware in such environments. The dust proof computer enclosure is one such solution and it provides not just comprehensive protection against dust, protecting the PC, monitor and any peripherals, but also it offers an exceptional return on investment for factory and distribution center computer use.

Perils of Dust

Dust proof computer enclosures are essential in manufacturing locations because of the effects dust can have on a PC. Dust can cause all sorts of problems. Firstly, dust clogs up filters and causes computers to overheat, which will lead to failure of the PC and the frequent need to replace the computer. Secondly, dust clogs up moving parts, such as hard drives and fans, further leading to computer failure, and finally, dust can contain conductive elements so if allowed to get inside a PC it can lead to short circuits, which will again disable the PC.

In some manufacturing locations, such as those that produce powdered foodstuffs or produce metallic dust, the dust can become an explosive hazard. Something as innocuous as a PC can create an spark that can ignite a flammable dust cloud which could lead to an explosion, which means any computer operating in such an environment needs to be sealed from the dusty atmosphere.

Dust Protection

The dust proof computer enclosure is the ideal solution for protecting computers form the perils of dust. The computer enclosure is designed to prevent dust from getting inside and damaging the PC. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association produces ratings for the manufacture of dust proof computer enclosures, which ensures that any hardware contained inside is kept free from dust. Any dust proof computer enclosure operating in a dusty environment needs at least NEMA 4 protection to ensure any PC housed inside the dust proof computer enclosure will be kept free from dust.

Explosive Atmospheres

Some dust proof computer enclosures are designed to operate in locations where there is the potential of a dust cloud explosion. These computer enclosures are completely sealed so no potentially explosive dust, no matter how fine can get inside the enclosure and become ignited by the electronics of the PC. These explosive atmosphere dust proof computer enclosures are commonly used in powdered food companies, and those manufacturing centers where fine metals can explode.

Dust proof computer enclosures are essential for all sorts of manufacturing and distribution centers, and because they house standard PCs, protecting them from dust, they can be used for years and years, enclosing successive generations of PC and providing the same dust proof protection, which offers and exceptionally return on investment.

Protecting Manufacturing Computers from Dust is a post from: armagard.com

Dust Bunnies can kill your computer!

Sometimes a Vacuum will do…

In most environments a (very) careful vacuum of the inside of a computer will get rid of most the dust, and, as the particles that constitute the dust in our offices and homes tends to be benign substances such as skin cells or carpet fluff, then this small piece of maintenance will possibly all that is required to keep a computer running healthily.

Sometimes it wont…

However, in many environments dust and airborne debris can have calamitous results. High levels of dust can cause severe over heating and can clog filters and drives. Even worse is that dust in some areas such as industrial environments contains hazardous particles. These can be conductive which will cause a short in a computer’s circuit board and even worse they can cause explosions!

Protection for computers in dusty factory environments

Many airborne particles – quite surprisingly innocuous substances like food powders – can actually spark and ignite when there is enough volume. For this reason computers in these areas not only have to keep the dust out but also have to insulate and potential sparks from the electrical device.

Industrial computer enclosures are used in almost every conceivable industry from food manufacturers to engineering plants; they are the most flexible way of using computers in dust-filled environments.

Other methods of protection are available

There are of course other methods in using IT in dust environments.

Industrial computers have been around for decades and these machines are designed to be sealed to prevent dust penetration. They are however, quite expensive and there design offers little flexibility if the machine breaks down meaning a service engineer has to be called and whatever operation the computer is controlling will have to stop.

Conventional computers covered in dust covers are another solution but these offer limited and only temporary solutions to the problem and can’t protect from explosive risks.

Dedicated enclosures provide the best Protection for Computers

Industrial computer enclosures on the other hand can be built to ATEX guidelines ensuring they are safe to use in combustible areas.

ATEX enclosures protect the environment from the computer

They are also built to European IP ratings which denote the protection that the enclosure can afford. An industrial computer enclosure built to IP54 standard will mean the enclosed computer can operate in almost any dust-filled environment without fear of dust infiltration inside the enclosure.

Protection for Computers From Dust and Airborne Debris is a post from: armagard.com

Lobby digital signage (Photo credit: Duke Energy)

Due to the higher costs and the need to protect screens form the elements, outdoor digital signage is not yet as popular as indoor signage, but the medium is growing exponentially, with more and more outdoor screens being installed in various locations, and for various applications.

Outdoor digital signage has almost unlimited uses, however, several key applications can really benefit from the implementation of an outdoors screen and are currently the most popular uses for outdoor digital signage.

Outdoor Digital Signage For Retail / Advertising

As with indoor digital signage, advertisers are implementing digital signage outdoors to take advantage of out of home audiences. The biggest advantage of outdoor advertising LCD screens in comparison to those indoors is the sheer size of the potential audience.

Advertisers can reach far more people outside than they can by using advertising LCD screens in shopping malls and retail stores. By implementing outdoor advertising screens, retailers are also able to attract people to come into a retail store by using the screens to display promotions and tempting offers.

Outdoor Digital Signage For Transport

Keeping passengers informed

Outdoor digital signage is the perfect platform for displaying timetable and scheduling information in transport hubs such as train stations and bus depots. Because of its immediacy, an outdoor digital signage display can be updated instantly of the latest delays or arrivals, so passengers waiting outside on the platform or bus shelter can be kept informed.

Outdoor Digital Signage For Company Signage

Corporate communications is another use for outdoor digital signage. Whether it’s communicating with staff and drivers across a large site such as a distribution hub, or communicating to visitors and customers as they arrive, an outdoor screen provides a modern and efficient method of corporate communication. Because of its immediacy, important information can be communicated across a wide area and managers are able to contact staff that would be otherwise difficult to reach.

Outdoor Digital Signage For Colleges, Schools And Universities

Advertising around campus

Academic institutions are also benefiting from the immediacy of outdoor digital signage and the ability of the medium to reach large number of people spread out over a large area. Because staff, students and visitors may arrive at different times and at different entrances to an academic building, outdoor information totems are an effective way of reaching everybody with important information.

Unlike other forms of communication, such as email and traditional noticeboards, which need to be checked before information can be got across, outdoor digital signage reaches people on arrival. This can be crucial important during emergencies by preventing people from stumbling into a dangerous situation.

Outdoor Digital Signage For Public Buildings

Public buildings such as libraries, churches and other religious buildings have a need to communicate with the local community. Outdoor digital signage provides an efficient way of announcing events, opening times and spreading messages to visitors and the local community.

Watch the soccer match ouside on the terrace with an outdoor TV enclosure

An outdoor tv enclosure is a great way to allow retain customers by letting them catch a soccer match or ball game in an outdoor space.

Outdoor Digital Signage Top five Applications is a post from: armagard.com

However, just because LCD and plasma screens are now so much cheaper, it doesn’t mean they don’t equate to a substantial investment, especially if you are using multiple screens on a digital signage network. Therefore, keeping flat screen TVs secure is an important part of protecting any investment into digital signage, which is why flat screen TV security enclosures are so important.

Theft

Any screen left in a public area needs to be protected against theft. Because digital signage screens use the same TV technology as home entertainment systems, they provide a tempting target for thieves. A flat screen TV security enclosure ensures that any screen, whether in an indoor are or one left outside is adequately protected from theft.

The flat screen TV security enclosure can be securely mounted to walls, ceilings or the floor. This provides a permanent platform for the TV screen, ensuring the enclosure can’t be moved or stolen. The flat screen security enclosure also has secure locks that prevent anybody from opening the enclosure and removing the enclosed TV. All this protection means any screen housed in a flat screen TV security enclosure can be left unattended without fear of theft.

Vandalism

Another aspect of protection important for screens kept outdoors or in unattended locations is ensuring the TV is protected from vandalism. LCD and plasma screens are incredibly vulnerable to impacts. A flat screen TV security enclosure provides a secure barrier that protects the enclosed TV from even the most tenacious vandal.

The enclosures are made from steel so are tough enough to withstand extreme impacts, while the screen face is protected with shatterproof polymers that won’t crack or smash if the screen face it attacked. This means that a screen left in a flat screen TV security enclosure can be left unattended and won’t be damaged by vandalism or accidental impacts.

Tampering

Another form of protection, which is important for digital signage and information screens is the prevention of tampering with the equipment. This can cause two problems, firstly, if somebody injures themselves by messing with a TV screen in a public area, it could leave the screen owner liable for any injury caused. Secondly, by gaining access to any media player used to provide information or advertising could allow somebody to upload unsavory content, which could cause problems, especially of the information on the screen is of a crucial nature.

A flat screen TV security enclosure prevents tampering by prohibiting anybody from gaining access to either the screen or the media player, and also prevents somebody from injuring themselves by tampering with the equipment, providing all round and comprehensive protection for any screen left outdoors or in unmanned locations.

Keeping Flat Screen TVs Secure is a post from: armagard.com

All digital signage systems require some form of enclosure, either for protection or to maintain a consistent aesthetic with other displays. Digital signage screens, after all, are just commercial grade TVs so a digital signage display enclosure can provide the right looks that for a visual medium, is so important.

Mounting

The type of digital signage display enclosure required for a screen can often depend on where the screen is to be positioned and how it is to be mounted. Screens can be positioned in two different orientations: landscape, where the screen is placed horizontally, the same way as a TV at home; or portrait, where the screen is placed vertically, much like a traditional poster.

Both landscape and portrait digital signage display enclosures are available, and choosing which option to go for may depend on where the screen is positioned and mounted. A portrait screen on a wall, for instance, will make better use of space, while screens suspended from ceilings are better suited to being in landscape mode.

Floor standing

Another solution for digital signage is to use a floor standing totem system. Floor standing systems have the advantage of being more prominent and noticeable than screens mounted flat against walls or suspended from ceilings. Again, various solutions for floor standing digital signage display enclosures exist.

Floor standing digital signage enclosures provide the mounting solution for these standalone systems. They too can come in landscape and portrait mode, although most totem digital signage systems tend to be in portraiture because it requires less space.

Outdoor

For outdoor digital signage, the enclosure plays an even more important role than just housing the screen. In outdoor environments, digital signage display enclosures have to provide all the protection necessary for using a screen outside. This means that not only does the enclosure have to be waterproof, to protect both the screen and any other hardware from rainfall, but also they need to provide temperature protection.

Temperature protection is vital for outdoor environments because in hot weather an outdoor digital signage display can easily overheat, while in colder conditions, preventing the screen from freezing is also essential. To this aim, digital signage display enclosures often contain cooling fans, insulation and sometimes, if they are located in very cold conditions, heaters.

Another aspect of protection that both outdoor digital signage display enclosures and those situated indoors need to have, is to be physically tough enough to defend against impact. Impact can be caused accidentally but also where screens are left unattended in public areas, by deliberate vandalism. Any screen operating in a public location needs to be tough enough to cope with vandalism, which is why so many digital signage display enclosures are manufactured from steel and have shatterproof screens; this is an important attribute as glass not only is easily broken but can also cause a hazard for members of the public.

Choosing the Right Digital Signage Display Enclosure is a post from: armagard.com

In some locations where it is wet and cold, the screen will need protecting from moisture, while in hot and dry locations the screen will need to be kept cool and protected from windblown dust. Other locations may be exceptionally cold, requiring the outdoor TV to be kept warm. In some areas, the seasonal swing can mean the screen is at risk of overheating in the summer, freezing in the winter, becoming wet from rain and becoming damaged through windblown dust, which is why the flexibility of an outdoor television cabinet provides the perfect solution for almost any location.

Weatherproof

An outdoor television cabinet will keep all the harmful weather elements away from the enclosed TV. Rain, snow and hail, can all lead to permanent failure of the LCD or plasma screen, so the outdoor television cabinet is designed to prevent any ingress of these elements. Outdoor television cabinets are built to NEMA standards (National Electrical Manufacturers Association), which ensure that the enclosure is fit for use in outdoor areas. The common NEMA standard for all outdoor television cabinets is NEMA 4, which provides adequate protection against the weather.

Temperature Control

Unfortunately, NEMA ratings make no provision against the various temperatures an outdoor television may face. In some locations, overheating can be a problem, which means an outdoor television cabinet has to have internal cooling systems to prevent the screen form getting too hot. While in other locations, the opposite problem occurs and cold temperatures can lead to the television’s components from freezing. This means that the outdoor television cabinet has to have some form of insulation or even heaters to maintain a minimum internal temperature.

However, in some locations, the seasonal swing may mean that both overheating and freezing are a problem throughout different periods of the year. The great advantage of outdoor television cabinets is that they are customizable to the location, so can be designed to operate in all sorts of conditions and extremes.

Physical Protection

Another form of protection that is offered by outdoor television cabinets is physical security against both theft and vandalism. This too is an essential aspect of using a television outdoors, especially in unsupervised and public locations. The solid steel construction enables the outdoor television cabinet to withstand even the most tenacious thieves or vandals, while the shatterproof screen protects the face of the television from severe impacts.

Outdoor television cabinets offer the most comprehensive and customizable form of protection for operating televisions outdoors in all sorts of environments. From snowy and freezing areas to hot, arid and humid locations, the outdoor television cabinet will keep a TV screen operating in any location throughout the year, regardless of the conditions. And because the outdoor television cabinet houses standard TV systems, it offers and excellent return on investment as the enclosed TV can be replaced at the end of its life, and the next generation of screen can enjoy the same level of outdoor protection.

All Year LCD Weather Protection with an Outdoor Television Cabinet is a post from: armagard.com

Digital restaurant menu boards provide diners and fast food chains with a platform to not only provide menu information, but also to offer tantalizing images of the food and beverages on sale. Unlike static signage, which can only provide photographs of what is on offer, outdoor digital menu boards can provide passing customers with moving images of steaming hot burgers or iced beverages dripping with condensation. And in an industry where much of the potential custom is reliant on impulse buying, this provides a great way of getting people through the doors.

Scheduled Content

Outdoor digital menu boards also have another great benefit for fast food and short order restaurants. Because menus vary throughout the day, with breakfast, lunch and dinner, digital restaurant menu boards enabling scheduling of menu items depending on what time of day it is. In the morning, when people are passing by on their way to work, using the outdoor digital menu boards to show bacon and eggs, sausage muffins or other breakfast items may steer people inside to eat. While the same outdoor digital menu boards can then be used to display lunch items in the day and dinner items during the evening. This form of scheduling is known as day parting and is an effective way of targeting different customers throughout the day.

Another great advantage of outdoor digital menu boards is their flexibility. Because menu items change regularly, even in well-established fast food chains that often have specials throughout the year, digital restaurant menu boards are able to accommodate any changes in menu items with very little hassle. Unlike traditional static menus that need to be reprinted whenever there is a change to the menu, digital restaurant menu boards can adopt any changes by simply uploading the new items, saving both money and time. Menu items can even be changed on a day-to-day basis, accommodating daily specials with the rest of the usual menu items.

Outdoor Digital Menu Boards for the Drive Thru

Another great use for outdoor digital menu boards is in the drive thru, where all the same benefits can target customers wanting to order in their cars. And outdoor digital menu boards needn’t be expensive, either. While standard digital signage systems obviously can’t operate outdoors, by using specialist digital signage enclosures that protect the standard devices from the weather and variable temperatures of an outdoor environment, it provides an effective and low cost method of providing digital restaurant menu boards.

These outdoor digital restaurant menu boards are well protected for use outside and are rugged enough to prevent damage caused by vandalism or accident. And because the systems allow standard TV devices to be used as outdoor digital menu boards, they are inexpensive, enabling even single diners and non chains to provide this engaging, flexible and high effective method of providing menus to passing customers and enticing people in through the doors.

Benefits of Outdoor Digital Menu Boards for the Restaurant Industry is a post from: armagard.com

Information screens enable public buildings to display information in real time, ideal for changeable content such as bus and train schedules or emergency messages. Often seen around departure lounges and in busy buildings such as hospitals and schools, information screens are even more effective outdoors. When positioned near entrances an information screen is able to communicate with people before they enter a building, which ensures everybody is aware of important messages when they arrive.

Flat Screen TV Enclosures

Of course, placing a sensitive piece of electronics, such as a modern flat screen TV, outside, means that it is going to need protecting. Furthermore, any media player hooked up to the screen will also need to be protected, which is why flat screen TV enclosures are so effective.

Flat screen TV enclosures house not just LCD TV screens, but also can contain media players or compact PCs, so are able to keep the entire information system together in one unit. The enclosures provide all the relevant protection needed for using this equipment outdoors, including weatherization, temperature control and physical impact protection to prevent damage through impact and vandalism.

Able to accommodate almost any standard LCD screen, flat screen TV enclosures come in a wide variety of sizes, suitable for all sorts of locations and mountings. From ceiling suspended screens door use in bust and train stations to wall mounted and even floor mounted enclosures for more prominent messaging.

Applications

Using information screens outdoors means that public buildings and service locations can not only communicate to people entering a building or location, but also can communicate to the wider public, and all sorts of buildings and organizations re using flat screen TV enclosures for this very purpose.

Schools and Colleges

Schools and colleges find flat screen TV enclosures a great way of installing information screens outside entrances, which makes communicating with students and staff far more efficient. Because of the great number of people, many of whom arrive at different times, outdoor information screens enable content to be delivered on arrival, which can prove life saving during emergencies by stopping people from stumbling into danger.

Transport Hubs

Transport hubs such as train and bus stations use information screens to communicate schedules to passengers, which enable them to communicate real time changes. Flat screen TV enclosures enable this communication on train platforms and outside bus stations, helping to ensure everybody is aware of the latest scheduling changes.

Churches and Religious Centers

Flat screen TV enclosures enable religious buildings to communicate with the wider community letting them know of events and service times. For modern churches and religious centers, they also enable the spreading of religious messages, which helps strengthen ties to congregations.

Museums and Attractions

Another common user of flat screen TV enclosures are museums, zoos and theme parks, who use the screens to provide educational and event information to visitors. By using information screens, these locations are able to provide information that is more detailed and in a far more engaging way than with static signage or posters.

Using Information Screens Outdoors is a post from: armagard.com

All sorts of companies, businesses and organizations now want to take a screen outdoors for a whole host of reasons. While some manufacturers produce specialist outdoor TV screens for this very purpose, these can be expensive and the return on investment can be quite poor because the TV screen will eventually need replacing, resulting in another heady investment. However, with an outdoor TV enclosure, generation after generation of standard LCD screens can be housed and enabled to function in almost any outdoor location.

Backyard TVs

Anybody who enjoys spending time on the porch or backyard, soaking up the sun and enjoying a barbecue, will find an outdoor TV a great complement to any back yard. With a TV secured inside an outdoor TV enclosure, no longer do you have to go back inside when your favorite show starts. Able to withstand the weather and variable summer and winter temperatures, an outdoor TV enclosure provides a secure environment to keep a TV outside all year round.

Householders aren’t the only ones making use of TV enclosures outside either. With smoking bans now in force in most states, having a TV outside a bar or restaurant, enables people to watch the big game and enjoy a beer, while not having to miss any of the action when they need to go outside for a cigarette. This helps customer retention and provides an excellent investment for any busy bar.

Outdoor Advertising screens

Digital signage has penetrated nearly every public arena. From shopping malls to airports, using LCD screens to display advertising is an effective method of reaching out of home audiences. Outdoor digital signage is even more effective, as the audience potential of a screen on a busy main street or outside a retail store is huge. Far more people will see an outdoor digital signage display than one indoors, which is why so many advertisers and retailers are now looking to install screens outdoors.

Traditionally, because of the high costs of outdoor TV systems, outdoor digital signage was normally only affordable by large advertising companies. However, because of the cost effectiveness and return of investment of outdoor TV enclosures, more and more smaller companies and retailers are using them to provide outdoor digital advertisements.

Outdoor Information Screens

Another popular use for outdoor TV enclosures is for protecting screens outside public buildings and service locations. Because LCD screens can display real time information, they are ideal for providing up to the minute news and information. Schools, colleges, train stations and even churches are using outdoor screens to communicate to people passing by or entering a building.

From schedules and important information to emergency broadcasts, outdoor screens are becoming the must have technology for all sorts of service providers. As outdoor LCD enclosures are so cost effective, they make outdoor information screens affordable for all sorts of organizations that require an effective form of outdoor messaging.

Three Uses for Outdoor TV Enclosures is a post from: armagard.com