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Panel PC vs Industrial Box PC + Touchscreen

Industrial applications require industrial computers, and there is no question about this. Industrial computers are rugged solutions that offer long life cycle support, the two main requirements for long term mission critical applications. That being said, there are two different implementations that are often considered for these deployments. One solution is an all-in-one touchscreen computer or panel PC. The other option is a two-piece solution consisting of an industrial box PC and touchscreen display. There are benefits with both of these implementations, and I would like to outline the use cases where one may be desirable over the other. 

Industrial touchscreen panel PCs are the most straight forward solution for most VESA mount and panel mount applications. The computer and touchscreen are integrated into one package, so external cables are unnecessary. All-in-one touchscreen computers can be mounted to an arm or stand or hang on a wall using the VESA mounting holes for a clean appearance. All-in-one touchscreen panel PCs can be panel mounted into a cutout in an enclosure, where the screen is flush with the enclosure surface. Stainless steel all-in-one computers can be mounted in areas that are exposed to liquids, and they offer IP66 protection in wash down areas, which is common in many food manufacturing and pharmaceutical applications. These panel PCs and all-in-one computers simplify industrial automation and OEM equipment designs, as they can be easily integrated as a single piece of hardware.  

Some factory automation and OEM equipment manufacturer applications prefer a two-piece solution. Separating the industrial computer from the touchscreen display is seen as beneficial in some settings. Industrial computers are by definition reliable, but failures can still happen for a variety of reasons, and sometimes a two-piece solution is preferred. The most common examples of this is when there are known environmental or human threats to the touchscreen interface. A few examples from real world experience are with metal foundry computers, automotive manufacturing computers, and public kiosks. In these applications, the touchscreen user interface is frequently subject to abuse from metals, tools, and rowdy constituents. A two-piece solution may be preferable in these instances, as it is easier and less costly to replace a damaged touchscreen monitor than the entire panel PC. There are other situations where a two-piece solution may be beneficial. One example is related to the required LCD screen size. High performance Core i3/i5/i7 panel PCs are available in screen sizes down to 12.1&#;. If the application requires a smaller screen size, it is necessary to separate the industrial computer components into a rugged box PC and an industrial touch monitor. Another example of where a two-piece solution may be beneficial is when the highest processing performance is required.  Most high-performance industrial panel PCs include i3/i5/i7 mobile processors, and these CPUs are typically limited to dual core performance. Fanless box PCs are available with much higher CPU performance. Teguar&#;s latest TB-/TB- box PCs support 7th generation Kaby Lake i5/i7 desktop processors that offer quad core computing and desktop performance. These high-performance box PCs can be mated with Teguar industrial touchscreen monitors from 7&#; up to 21.5&#; to provide the highest performance fanless industrial computers available today.

Quick Listen:

Choosing the right computing solution can be a critical decision for businesses seeking operational efficiency and reliability. Panel PCs and traditional desktop PCs are both viable options, but their performance and suitability depend on the specific needs of the application. Whether you&#;re in manufacturing, logistics, or another industrial sector, understanding the differences between these two types of computers is essential for making the best choice.

In this article, we&#;ll explore the advantages and limitations of panel PCs and desktop PCs, focusing on factors like space efficiency, durability, ease of integration, and performance. By comparing these two computing solutions, we aim to help businesses select the right technology for their industrial operations.

What Is a Panel PC?

A Panel PC is an all-in-one computer system with a flat panel display and integrated processing components. These systems typically come with a touch screen, allowing for intuitive interaction in environments where traditional keyboards or mice might be impractical. Panel PCs are known for their compact, rugged design, which makes them ideal for industrial environments like factories, warehouses, and control rooms. They are designed to withstand harsh conditions such as vibrations, extreme temperatures, and exposure to dust or moisture.

What Is a Desktop PC?

A Desktop PC, on the other hand, is a traditional computing system composed of separate components: a central processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Unlike panel PCs, desktop systems are not all-in-one solutions, so businesses have more flexibility in configuring their systems based on their specific needs. Desktop PCs are commonly used in office environments but are also suitable for industrial use with the proper modifications.

Space Efficiency: Panel PCs vs. Desktop PCs

One of the first considerations when choosing a computing system for industrial applications is space. Industrial environments often have limited space, making compact and efficient designs a priority. Panel PCs are designed to save space, with all of their components integrated into a single unit. This makes them ideal for applications where space is at a premium, such as factory floors, kiosks, or control panels. Panel PCs can be mounted on walls or machines, further reducing the need for desk or counter space.

In contrast, desktop PCs require more space because they consist of multiple separate components. The CPU, monitor, keyboard, and mouse all take up individual areas, which may not be practical in small or cluttered environments. Additionally, desktop systems often require dedicated storage areas, making them less space-efficient than panel PCs in industrial settings.

Durability: Panel PCs vs. Desktop PCs

Industrial environments can be tough on computing equipment. Factors like vibration, dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures can significantly impact the performance and longevity of electronic devices. This is where panel PCs tend to shine.

Panel PCs: Panel PCs are specifically designed for harsh conditions. Many industrial-grade panel PCs are built with rugged enclosures that protect the internal components from dust, dirt, and moisture. Additionally, they often come with higher IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, ensuring they are sealed against water and dust infiltration. Panel PCs are also engineered to withstand vibrations and shock, which is essential for environments like manufacturing plants or warehouses where heavy machinery is in use.

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Desktop PCs: Desktop PCs, while durable in office environments, are generally not designed to withstand industrial conditions without additional modifications. The individual components of a desktop PC, such as the CPU and monitor, are more vulnerable to dust and moisture unless housed in specialized enclosures. While there are rugged desktop PCs available, they often come at a higher cost and require additional space for mounting and integration.

Ease of Integration: Panel PCs vs. Desktop PCs

When implementing a new computing solution in an industrial environment, ease of integration is an important consideration. This refers to how seamlessly the computer can be incorporated into existing systems, workflows, or machines.

Panel PCs: Panel PCs excel in this area. Their compact, all-in-one design and touchscreen functionality make them easy to integrate into industrial operations. Many panel PCs offer customization options, such as additional I/O ports, wireless connectivity, and compatibility with specific industrial protocols like Modbus or CANBus. Their ability to be wall-mounted or embedded into machines further enhances their flexibility in industrial settings. Additionally, the touchscreen interface makes them intuitive for operators to use, reducing the need for extra peripherals like keyboards or mice.

Desktop PCs: Desktop PCs require more planning and configuration for integration. The separate components must be connected to one another and mounted in a way that minimizes clutter and ensures accessibility. Furthermore, desktop systems may require additional peripheral devices, such as a keyboard and mouse, which can take up valuable space. While desktop PCs can be integrated into industrial environments with the proper infrastructure, they do not offer the same level of simplicity or ease of installation as panel PCs.

Performance: Panel PCs vs. Desktop PCs

When evaluating performance, businesses need to consider factors such as processing power, graphics capabilities, and scalability. Performance is crucial for industrial applications, particularly those involving real-time data processing, automation, or control systems.

Panel PCs: While panel PCs are powerful enough for most industrial applications, they generally have more limited processing power compared to desktop PCs. This is because the compact form factor limits the room available for high-performance components. However, many industrial panel PCs are equipped with processors that are more than sufficient for tasks such as data monitoring, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) displays, or machine control. For applications requiring high graphics performance or intensive processing, panel PCs may not offer the same level of power as desktop PCs, but for typical industrial tasks, they perform excellently.

Desktop PCs: Desktop PCs, on the other hand, can be equipped with more powerful processors, larger memory capacities, and higher-end graphics cards. This makes them better suited for high-performance applications like advanced data analytics, CAD software, or heavy-duty simulations. In environments that require intensive computing power, desktop PCs may be the better choice. However, they come at the cost of larger size and less rugged design compared to panel PCs.

Cost Considerations: Panel PCs vs. Desktop PCs

Cost is always a key factor when selecting industrial equipment. Panel PCs typically come with a higher upfront cost compared to desktop PCs, primarily due to their all-in-one design and rugged features. However, this cost may be justified by the panel PC&#;s durability, space-saving design, and ease of integration into industrial environments.

Desktop PCs, while generally less expensive, may require additional investment in rugged enclosures or peripherals for industrial use. Additionally, the space requirements for desktop PCs may result in higher operational costs in environments where space is a premium. Furthermore, the additional time and labor needed to integrate desktop systems into an industrial workflow may add to the overall cost of ownership.

Which Is Best for Industrial Use?

Both panel PCs and desktop PCs have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to industrial applications. The best choice depends on the specific needs of the business and the type of work environment.

• Panel PCs are ideal for environments where space is limited, and durability is crucial. They excel in harsh industrial conditions, providing an all-in-one solution with touchscreens that can be easily integrated into machines or control panels. They offer convenience, compactness, and ease of installation, making them a popular choice for industrial environments like factories, warehouses, and remote monitoring stations.
• Desktop PCs are better suited for environments where high performance is required. They offer more power, flexibility in configuration, and the ability to handle demanding applications. However, they take up more space and may require additional ruggedization or integration effort to meet industrial standards.

Ultimately, businesses should assess their specific needs, including performance requirements, available space, and environmental conditions, to determine which computing solution&#;panel PCs or desktop PCs&#;will best serve their operations.

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