The rugged computing sector, particularly vehicle mount terminals, is distinct from the traditional computer industry. Rugged computer markets are concerned with addressing particular needs and specifications. Waterproofing, severe temperatures, drops, a dirty and unsteady work environment, and so on are all factors to consider. Our last article explored ruggedness criteria and the IP rating protection in depth. This article will look into another toughness criterion, the impact resistance standard or IK ratings.
What Is the Difference Between IP and IK Standards?
IP standards describe how well objects are protected from solid objects and liquids. The first number denotes protection against solid objects, while the second number is for protection against liquids.
As for IK standards, they are used to specify how items are protected against mechanical impacts.
What Is IK Protection Rating?
IK ratings, which are expressed as IK and a number ranging from 00 to 10, show the degree of protection provided by the electrical enclosures against external mechanical impacts.
IK Ratings (or impact protection ratings) are now the international standard for an enclosure surrounding electrical equipment. They were first defined in 1995 by the European standard BS EN 50102 and then revised in 1997 by IEC 60068-2-75. This was followed up in 2002 with the European standard EN62262, equivalent to the international standard IEC 62262(2002).
Before the standardization of IK ratings, a third numeral was occasionally added to the ingress protection rating (IP rating), such as IP66(9). This nonstandard use was one of the key issues that prompted the development of a standard. This standard went into effect in 1995, and any measures that conflicted with it had to be withdrawn by 1997.
The size, style, dimensions, material, and types of the hammer (object) designed to produce the energy levels required are all depicted in an IK Rating. As well as atmospheric conditions, several impacts to be made (based on enclosure size), and the computer enclosures should be mounted for the tests.
Where Is IK Rated Vehicle Mount Terminal Used?
High IK Rated computers are used in areas where devices are likely exposed to damage or high impact. Such as vehicle mount terminal and rugged computers commonly used in industrial, manufacturing factories, warehouses, public access areas, etc.
Why Is IK Rated Vehicle Mount Terminal Important?
IK Rated vehicle mount terminal is vital since it may be installed on a forklift, heavy-duty truck, etc., and travel through uneven roads, speed bumps, and strong machinery vibration. If a device fails, it may cease to function or possibly total device failure. The damage leads to additional repair or replacement costs and a potential work interruption due to unavailable data access on the field.
Winmate vehicle mount terminals, such as the FM12E Windows forklift computerand the FM10Q Android-based vehicle computer, are built to withstand harsh weather and vibration. They offer improved protection, including an IP certification against dust and water, compliance with the US defines's MIL-STD-810H shock and vibration standard, and the IK07 rating against impact.
Impact Protection
IK Ratings specifies the capacity of an enclosure to protect its contents from external impacts:
- IK00 - No Protection.
- IK01 - Protected against 0.14 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 56mm above the impacted surface).
- IK02 - Protected against 0.2 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 80mm above the impacted surface).
- IK03 - Protected against 0.35 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 0.2kg mass dropped from 140mm above the impacted surface).
- IK04 - Protected against 0.5 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 200mm above the impacted surface).
- IK05 - Protected against 0.7 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 280mm above the impacted surface).
- IK06 - Protected against 1 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 400mm above the impacted surface).
- IK07 - Protected against 2 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 0.5kg mass dropped from 400mm above the impacted surface).
- IK08 - Protected against 5 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 1.7kg mass dropped from 300mm above the impacted surface).
- IK09 - Protected against 10 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 200mm above the impacted surface).
- IK10 - Protected against 20 joules of impact (the equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 400mm above the impacted surface).
