What Makes a Device ‘Rugged’?
08 November 2022
Rugged
devices are used by businesses in different industries to work in tough
environments. Unlike consumer devices, they are specially designed to
withstand heat, shock, humidity and impact, without being damaged. This
in-built resilience makes rugged devices ideal for even the most challenging
environments and workplaces.
However, to
ensure a device is up to standard, it’s important to know and understand what
makes a device rugged. This is done through specific elements in a device such
as its casing, as well as the device going through rigorous testing to ensure
it meets industry standards.
Here is a
guide to what makes a rugged device hardwearing and long-lasting.
Types of rugged devices
Rugged is an umbrella term for all rugged devices, no matter
if they’re handheld, wearable or a truck mount. However, there are three levels
of ruggedness that businesses should be aware of when choosing a device. These
levels will tell a business what environments the device can function in, and
how it’s been tested. Devices are split into one of the following:
-
Semi-rugged
devices are improved varieties of consumer hardware so they share some
of the same components but are well protected.
- Fully
rugged devices are the next level up and are created to work in severe
environments. They are waterproof, dustproof, durable and resistant to
drops.
- Ultra-rugged
devices are high-grade devices that are specifically designed for
military use and can endure the harshest conditions.
How are rugged devices tested?
Rugged devices are created to industry standards, but as
with many pieces of hardware, they are not built in the same way and need to
demonstrate their credentials through testing. Businesses need to ensure they
are getting the durable device they pay for and so these tests are extremely
important.
To do this, devices are tested and measured in two ways; IP Rating and MIL-STD-810. IP ratings are the
most common rugged rating system and indicate a device’s resilience and case-sealing
efficiency against anything that could cause damage. On the other hand,
MIL-STD-810 refers to more than one trait of ruggedness and implies that a conforming
device has been tested in a range of environments.
There is another rugged rating which is ATEX. This accreditation was devised for devices that are
needed in dangerous and potentially explosive environments, and any device that
is needed in these setting are required by law to be ATEX-certified.
Rugged device components
Design
Each rugged device is specifically designed for purpose and
has a number of features to ensure it can be operated and work efficiently in a
range of environments such as:
- Toughened touchscreens that can be used whilst
wearing gloves.
- Larger rubber buttons that don’t get damaged easily
but are easy to use.
- Handles on rugged handheld devices that won’t
shatter if the device is dropped.
- Barcode scanners that are scratch and shatter-resistant.
Casing
Rugged device casings are designed to offer a hard layer of
protection to a device and its internal components to reduce the chance of
damage from humidity or a drop. These cases can be made from materials such as Sorbothane®
rubber which is ideal for shock absorption. Other strong and sturdy materials
can be used as long as they are durable and lightweight so as to not affect the
usability of the device.
The casing is also specially sealed to not only protect the
device from the outside but the inside too. The sealing prevents liquids, humidity
and heat from penetrating the internal components and affecting their usage.
Screens
For rugged devices, the screens need to be shatterproof and,
in a lot of cases, touchscreen, to ensure they are fit for purpose. Toughened
glass and industrial polycarbonate are popular choices for rugged devices to
ensure they are able to withstand hard conditions.
These screens also need to be waterproof to ensure no damage
penetrates into the internal hardware of the device. Mixed with the need for
high-resolution displays, rugged device screens are extremely important to
ensure the device is highly rugged.
Temperature resistant
Rugged devices are ideal for cold storage environments and can withstand freezing temperatures. In fact, these
specialised devices can work in temperatures as cold as -20 degrees Celsius. The
design of the device protects it from condensation, cold air and frost and does
so in a number of ways including:
- Small internal heaters
- Low-impedance lithium-ion batteries
- Glove-friendly touchscreens
Rugged devices are also ideal for use in warm temperatures. Depending
on its IP rating, some devices can withstand temperatures as hot as 60 degrees
Celsius. There is often a difference in the maximum and minimum storage
temperature compared to the operating temperature for each rugged device so
businesses should always check before investing to ensure the device they
choose is fit for their purposes.
How we can help
If you have decided that rugged devices would suit your
business, we have you covered. We have over 30 years of experience and can help
introduce rugged devices into your operations or help update existing devices
to provide you with a robust solution to your process and procedural needs. You
can rest assured that you’ll receive all the help from TouchStar you may need.
To find out more about our rugged solutions and how they could benefit your
business, please get in touch.