Shop floor/at machine computer

[GiroDyno]

Looking for recommendations on computers and monitors to use out on the shop floor. We have designated workstations for programming; this would be mostly for checking drawings, reviewing production orders, maybe some finger CAM, etc... although it would be a benefit if it could do some light duty (2D) MasterCAM edits.
I think a reasonable budget for a PC, monitor, mouse and keyboard that's gonna get abused would be in the $500 range, but I do see options out there as low as $150...
Any advice on what to look for, or avoid?

 

[Wsurfer]

FWIW,
I have 2 computers. The one in my office is the main. I "remote desktop" into the main computer on a laptop at the machine. I Have a small rolling desk and chair that makes it mobile. I do last minute cam changes etc. Saves a lot of time walking back and forth. I can drag and drop the files via ftp from either computer to my Brother. I'm always doing rapid turn low quantity parts, not production, so pretty seamless operation.

 

[Scruffy887]

I am over your budget. I have height adjustable computer tables (2 powered up/down, 2 crank) for working at the machines. Height adjustable stool to. 17" loaded laptops or rolling workstation with 27" monitor. No abuse as it is just me. Having CAD at the machine is huge for me as many times I design on the fly. Ready, Fire, Aim.

 

[memphisjed]

What is a 2-d cam edit?
I am a big fan of the older (now older, read cheap) hp elitebook 8770w laptops. Very durable, still snappy, handles 3d modeling smoothly. The dell version is the precision- just have not had the ability to get one to run so smoothly as the hp.
The surface is also a good modern choice on the floor, fast enough- well built, long battery life.
Desktops are not normally built for dirt, oil, shavings, and coffee submerged environments.
If you do go desktop, Elo monitors for restaurants and retail are near shop proof. The colors and resolution are not apple display quality nor is your budget.

 

[GiroDyno]

I purposely left out information about our specific application in hopes keeping it the terms generic would invite more responses and maybe help more people with similar questions, but I think some extra detail about my case might help with results...

There are 6 VTLs and 4 mills in this cell, the way its broken down I'd like to get 5 of these computers set up so each operator has their own. We exclusively cut cast iron with these machines so I think a fanless unit would be a winner, and I don't imagine touch screens wouldn't last long.

There's no intensive programming done on the shop floor because 95% of our runtime is on existing/proven programs, and new ones come off a template and rarely require tweaking. It would be nice if the leads could make on the fly changes in CAM for prototypes, but its not necessary. None of the programming is done in 3D, so we'd only need to meet the minimum system requirements to run MasterCAM. Again, CAM capability isn't even necessary, would just be a plus if it fit the budget.

I mostly don't want operators toggling between production orders because somebody inevitably reads or enters data on the wrong one. And a 24" monitor sure makes reading drawings easier than an 8" tablet.

 

[gustafson]

I think people are saying laptop because they are a little more meant to deal with being out and about than a desktop. I keep a notebook plugged in in the top drawer of a roll around. Less worry about spraying coolant on it
You probably don't need huge performance as they are not going to be actually programming, and while 24 inches might look cool, it seems a waste of space and even my blind ass can see on a 12 inch

 

[Freedommachine]

I would suggest buying 2nd hand from a local computer repair shop. I have 2 that I work with locally and they always seem to have a solution for me at a fair price.

For example; I needed a PC with very specific requirements to run Centroid CNC software for my knee mill. I sent the guy all of the relevant info and instructions from Centroid and he configured an HP commerical PC for me exactly how I needed it for $200 out the door.

Most are small 1-2 man operations and they work hard to ensure commercial clients are happy. If something breaks, you've also got someone who can fix it, possibly under warranty if you work that into the sale.

I likely won't ever buy a 'brand new' PC again. I don't see the point when lightly used is 1/2 price.

 

[tomjelly]

buy an intel NUC. 4-1/2" square and 2" thick, you can zip tie to a large monitor. I've got a bunch here and they work great and don't take up any space, yet are not fragile like a laptop

 

[Greg Menke]

buy an intel NUC. 4-1/2" square and 2" thick, you can zip tie to a large monitor. I've got a bunch here and they work great and don't take up any space, yet are not fragile like a laptop

+1 - we use a boatload of NUC's, both Intel and others. Very handy, and quite fast. Will use one on my next server build

 

[p-moon]

When I had the shop, it was set up with a separate wifi for the shop floor and the design computers. None of them could get on the internet, and no shop floor computer could make changes, but they could make additions, ie create tool paths. There was at least one computer for each employee, mostly 17-20 inch laptops except at the surface plate which had a desktop underneath with I think a 40 inch hd tv used as a monitor. NEVER regretted any of the money I spent on those computers. Each of them had both the 3d and 2d programs on them and everyone could look at all files ("What does this really look like"?). Saved a TON of time and money.

 

[wmpy]

I was looking at an ERP system, and they had their own recommendations for shop floor computers. You may find them helpful.

Shop Computer Workstation Recommendations - ProShop

ProShop is a paperless ERP system made to help improve your workflow. Eliminate the problem of losing job packets, drawings, etc. Contact us today!

proshoperp.com