Overview
Modern machine tooling systems increasingly combine HMI control, machine vision, video streaming, and supporting services within the same automated workstation. A manufacturer of tooling machines needed a rugged computing platform for its multi axis laser workstations that could deliver dependable performance under vibration while supporting a broad range of connected devices. Premio’s small form factor industrial computer provided the processing performance, DDR5 memory, flexible storage, industrial connectivity, and environmental durability required for reliable machine operation.
Challenges
-
Insufficient computing performance for simultaneous HMI, machine vision, video streaming, and supporting services
- Memory performance needed to remain responsive across multiple machine workloads and real time operations
- Flexible local storage was required for system software, machine data, and easier drive maintenance
- Comprehensive industrial connectivity was needed for cameras, machine devices, and multiple PoE connections
- Rugged operation and recognized UL safety compliance were required for demanding machine tooling environments
Solution
- Premio’s small form factor industrial computer (RCO-3000-RPL)
- Intel® 13th Gen Core™ Processors (Raptor Lake Series), LGA1700
- Comprehensive connectivity with 4x independent displays, 2.5GbE, serial, USB, and isolated digital I/O, 1x internal and 1x hot swappable 2.5" SATA SSD bay with RAID 0, 1, 5 support
- M.2 E Key and dual M.2 B Key expansion for AI, NVMe/SATA storage, and 4G/5G connectivity
- 9 to 48VDC wide range power input, wide operating temperature from minus 25°C to 70°C, and TPM 2.0 support
Benefits
- Simplified workstation architecture
- Reduced maintenance complexity
- Rugged deployment with local support
Company Overview
A machine tooling manufacturer develops advanced equipment used across a variety of industrial applications. Its expertise includes multi axis laser workstations that integrate precision machine processes with HMI control, machine vision, and supporting digital services. Continued development is focused on building increasingly capable and reliable automated systems as machine workloads and connectivity requirements grow.
The Challenges
Computing Performance for Concurrent Workloads
The multi axis laser workstation depends on its industrial computer to run the HMI while simultaneously supporting machine vision, video streaming, and additional system services. These parallel workloads place greater demands on the computing platform than a basic machine interface application. The customer therefore needed sufficient processor performance to maintain a responsive operator experience while supporting the workstation’s broader processing requirements.
Responsive Memory for Real Time Operations
Multiple machine applications must access data without creating performance bottlenecks during workstation operation. Memory responsiveness becomes especially important when visualization, vision processing, and supporting software are active at the same time. The platform needed modern memory technology with enough capacity to support these data intensive workloads reliably.
Flexible and Serviceable Local Storage
The workstation required local storage for the operating environment, application software, and machine related data. Because industrial systems may require storage servicing or replacement over their operating life, easier physical drive access was also an important consideration. A combination of internal and accessible storage therefore offered greater flexibility for system integration and ongoing maintenance.
Connectivity for Vision and Machine Devices
Machine vision cameras and other workstation devices require a mix of high speed network and industrial interfaces. The system also needed the flexibility to accommodate multiple PoE connections where cameras or other Ethernet devices could benefit from combined power and data connectivity. Supporting these devices from a compact industrial computer required both native I/O and an expandable architecture.
Industrial Reliability and Safety
Machine tooling equipment can expose embedded computers to continuous vibration and demanding operating conditions. The computing platform therefore had to maintain reliable operation while installed directly within the workstation environment. Recognized industrial safety certifications were also important for supporting integration into professionally deployed machine systems.
The Solution
Compact Industrial Computing Platform
Premio’s small form factor industrial computer (RCO-3000-RPL)
The RCO-3000-RPL is a rugged small form factor industrial computer designed for reliable operation in demanding industrial environments. Its fanless and cableless design combines durability with support for Intel® Core™ Series 2, 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors, DDR5 memory, flexible storage, and rich industrial connectivity. EDGEBoost I/O gives system integrators added flexibility to expand networking, PoE, USB, storage, AI, cellular, and remote management capabilities as requirements evolve. UL safety certifications and industrial EMC compliance further support reliable deployment across a wide range of industrial applications.
13th Gen Intel Core Processing
Standard configurations support 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-13700TE and i5-13500TE processors, both specified at 35W processor base power. Their hybrid P core and E core architecture provides computing resources for running operator interface software alongside machine vision, video, and supporting applications.
DDR5 Memory and Serviceable Storage
One DDR5 SO DIMM slot supports 4800 or 5600 MT/s memory with capacity up to 48GB, helping the system remain responsive as multiple machine applications operate concurrently. Storage includes one internal 9 mm 2.5 inch SATA SSD bay and one hot swappable 7 mm 2.5 inch SATA SSD bay, with RAID 0, 1, and 5 support specified by the platform. The hot swappable bay provides machine builders with a more convenient path for drive servicing or machine data storage management.
Comprehensive Industrial Connectivity
The base system includes two Intel I226 2.5GbE LAN ports supporting Wake on LAN, PXE, and TSN, along with six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports capable of 10Gbps. It also provides three external RS-232/422/485 ports, two additional internal serial headers, isolated 8 input and 8 output digital I/O, and two CAN 2.0 A/B internal headers. Together, these interfaces allow the workstation computer to connect with cameras, machine controllers, peripherals, and other automation devices without relying on consumer oriented connectivity.
Rugged Power and Environmental Design
The RCO-3000-RPL supports a 9 to 48VDC power input and operating temperatures from -25°C to 70°C. Its rugged design withstands shock and vibration, with MIL-STD-810H design compliance and UL safety certification for demanding industrial environments.
The benefits
Simplified Workstation Architecture
Reduced Maintenance Complexity
The combination of internal and hot swappable 2.5 inch SATA SSD storage helps simplify servicing over the machine’s operating life. Easier drive access can support faster storage replacement and maintenance without adding unnecessary complexity to the workstation design.
Rugged Deployment with Local Support
Industrial shock, vibration, temperature, and power specifications help support dependable operation inside demanding machine tooling environments. Responsive engineering and technical support from Premio’s Los Angeles area headquarters can also help streamline communication and deployment assistance for machine builders.
Conclusion
As machine tooling systems combine more visualization, vision processing, connectivity, and data services, the embedded computer becomes increasingly important to overall workstation reliability. The RCO-3000-RPL gives this multi axis laser workstation a compact industrial platform combining Intel® Core™ processing, DDR5 memory, serviceable storage, rich industrial I/O, and rugged environmental performance. Its expandable architecture also gives the machine builder greater flexibility to adapt future workstation designs as connectivity and processing requirements evolve.