Effective Ways to Mount an Industrial Computer
When it comes to mounting an industrial computer, there are several mounting options to keep your system safe, cool, and conveniently positioned. Popular options include wall mounting, VESA mounting, DIN rail mounting, and rack mounting. Many of our customers install their industrial computers directly onto equipment, within enclosures, or outdoors where secure mounting is essential.
Selecting the right mounting method is just as critical as considering factors like thermal management and environmental interaction. For instance, mounting an industrial computer on heavy machinery exposed to vibration may require shock-resistant hardware and a flat mounted dampening bracket, whereas a DIN-mountable IPC could be better suited for installation inside an industrial cabinet.
No matter your application or environment, Things Embedded is here to help you choose the perfect industrial computer and mounting solution to ensure optimal performance and reliability. We’ve also created a guide which will help you install your IPC for reliable performance.
Wall Mount Industrial Computer
Wall mounting is one of the most popular and versatile methods for installing an industrial computer. This approach utilizes two mounting ears extending from the system, allowing it to be securely attached to any flat surface with ease and stability.
Wall Mount Industrial Computer
For optimal passive cooling in a wall-mounted industrial computer, orienting the heatsinks vertically is essential. This configuration leverages natural convection, allowing heat to rise and dissipate more efficiently through the heatsink fins. Ensuring adequate airflow around the computer and minimizing obstructions further enhances heat transfer, maintaining system reliability even in demanding environments.
Wall-Mounted IPC for Conduction Cooling
For wall-mounted industrial computers housed within an enclosed cabinet lacking ventilation, conduction cooling is the optimal solution. A flat heatsink designed to make direct contact with the cabinet’s interior surface efficiently transfers heat from the IPC to the exterior of the enclosure. This method ensures reliable heat dissipation while maintaining a sealed environment, protecting the system from dust, moisture, or other contaminants.
DIN Mount Industrial Computer
A DIN rail is a standardized metal bar commonly used for mounting industrial control equipment, providing a compact and organized way to arrange multiple devices within an enclosure. This method is widely used in industrial applications, allowing components like PLCs, protocol converters, and power supplies to be positioned close together for streamlined operation. Industrial computers for DIN rail mounting can be installed flat on their base or vertically on their edge, depending on the application’s requirements and available space. For environments where space is limited, edge mounting is often the most efficient choice. To maximize the benefits of DIN rail mounting your IPC, carefully evaluate your enclosure’s total space and the dimensions of all devices being installed, making sure there’s room for adequate airflow.
Example of an industrial computer installed on a DIN rail.
Rack Mount Industrial Computer
Rack mountable industrial computers, commonly used for servers, are designed to fit seamlessly into standard rackmount enclosures. The height of rackmount units is measured in “U,” with 1U equalling approximately 1.75 inches. This standardized measurement helps ensure compatibility and allows for efficient use of available rack space. Many customers prefer rack mounting their low-profile industrial computers due to their compact design and ease of integration. For installations requiring half-rack or full-rack configurations, adapters are readily available to ensure a secure and optimized fit. As the demand for edge computing grows, rugged industrial computers with optional fanless GPUs designed for 19″ rack installations are becoming increasingly popular. These ruggedized systems are purpose-built to withstand extreme temperatures, severe vibrations, and heavy shocks, delivering consistent and reliable performance in even the harshest operational environments.
Example of an IP67 rugged industrial GPU computer with half-rack and full-rack configurations.
VESA Mount Industrial All-in-One Computer
Originally created by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) for mounting televisions and monitors, the VESA mounting standard has become widely adopted in the industrial computing sector. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for compact industrial computers, like the NUC from ASRock Industrial, as well as industrial all-in-one computers. VESA mounting is often used with flexible arms, enabling operators to easily reposition equipment as needed. When selecting a VESA mount, it’s essential to match the mounting hole pattern of your device with the hardware. Most industrial computers supporting VESA mounts use either a 75mm x 75mm or 100mm x 100mm configuration.
Example of a modular industrial all-in-one computer with VESA mounting standard.
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