In today’s modern world, we all rely on electronics for the vast majority of our day-to-day lives. From cell phones to laptops to cars, electronics find a place in almost every moment of our day as individuals as well as in commercial and industrial operations. Because of their comprehensive prevalence, electronics must meet a broad range of form and functions. However, because electrical systems and devices are vulnerable to damages from many sources both natural and manmade, it’s necessary to put as much thought into the construction of electronic protection as into the electronics themselves. Electronics that are utilized in outdoor environments where natural particulates, moisture, and temperatures are prevalent can be quickly compromised. This is where electronic ruggedization adds value. Ruggedized manufacturing is critical for a broad range of industries where circuit boards, electronics, and electromechanical parts must operate in harsh, long-term environments. Ruggedization allows complex electronics to operate reliably even in the toughest environments.

At RiverSide Integrated Solutions(RIS), we have the experience and equipment to protect electronics used in high-stress situations where foreign elements like electromagnetic fields, vibrations, or manufacturing particulates can cause degradation and poor function from exposure. With our expertise and extensive ruggedized electronics capabilities, your assemblies can withstand the harshest conditions. We can provide protective options that best apply to any particular application in the environment that your device will be exposed to an operating within.  For more details about our PCBA ruggedization methods, please watch our short video.

Ruggedized electronics are designed to prevail in the long-term even when exposed to severe winds, dust, dirt, rain, snow, ice, extreme temperatures, and vibrations. For outdoor applications, ruggedized electronics are the most reliable option to maintain a long-lasting function.  Many people think a ruggedized device is simply a consumer device with a protective case. However, that is a big misconception. The truth is ruggedized devices are their own class of electronic that are manufactured to handle the toughest, harshest, most rugged work environments.

Ruggedized devices are different from consumer devices in that they were engineered, manufactured, and tested to have increased durability, endurance, and strength. Ruggedized electronics are built for tough working environments while maintaining a great standard of operability – and must endure the drops, vibrations, and exposure to moisture and liquid that are common within the manufacturing, transportation, military, utility, and construction sectors. In fact, ruggedized mobility devices are built from the inside out to tolerate far more hazards than consumer devices – and are equipped to function in the office as well as the field as devices often travel between the two locations. Ruggedized devices offer similar user experiences to consumer devices with the added protection against the tough environmental hazards that come with the job.

There is a myriad of factors that can damage or destroy an electronic device, and ruggedization allows electronics to operate even in the harshest environments.  The term “environment” can refer to anything from actual environmental conditions, such as extreme high or low temperature as well as moisture, humidity, and particulates, to operating conditions such as mechanical shock, vibration, noise, and even the potential for electrostatic discharge. Some environments also include oxidizing or explosive gases.

Ruggedized electronics are typically designed to withstand one or more of these harsh conditions. It is important to note that the list of harsh operating conditions is extensive and, in most cases, a single device is not designed to withstand all of these factors. There is a lot that goes into the design of electronics that must withstand severe conditions.  Thus, it is important that the specific environmental factors are considered during the design of a given ruggedized device in order to create the most compact and cost effective electronic for your specific application. Design considerations for ruggedization are much more thorough than just the outer covering for the device and often include the enclosure, board mounting style, components, and protective coatings.

At RIS, our ruggedized options help to protect the function and prevent contamination and corrosion of an electronic device.  For any rugged situation, we have the capabilities to provide protection for your electronic assemblies. When you partner with RIS for your ruggedized electronics, your assemblies can be protected by the following ruggedization services.

·Conformal Coating and Potting: To protect the components of a printed circuit board against harsh environments, we utilize a thin polymeric film conformal coating material and assembly potting. The material works to fit the contours of a board, protecting the components from external elements. With epoxy, urethane, and silicone compounds, we’re able to fill complete electronic assemblies to protect from shock, vibration, moisture, and corrosion.

·Low-Pressure Molding: Low-pressure molding offers effective sealing of electronic devices – protection against moisture, dust, dirt, and vibration. This technology utilizes high-performance adhesives and can be used as an effective alternative to epoxy potting. Our low-pressure molding technology (MoldMan at 30 to 300 PSI) uses high-performance adhesives including polyolefin and polyimide to encapsulate and protect components from particulates, moisture, and vibrations.

·Circuit Board Enclosure: RIS builds and assembles durable, customizable enclosed circuit boards for a range of industries. Our enclosed circuit boards, “electronic vaults,” are environment-sealed, heat sink capable, and impermeable. These specialty vaults shield assemblies against electromagnetic damage by blocking EMI activity with barriers of conductive and magnetic materials. By isolating electrical devices with EMI shield enclosures, assemblies can operate in the long-term even in industrial settings with high electromagnetic frequencies.

RIS is an advanced contract manufacturer providing robust solutions in circuit board assembly, product assembly, kitting, supply chain management, fulfillment, distribution, and reverse logistics. We employ more than 300 people and provide services to OEM’s across the world. We operate 3 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities within the U.S, and as your one-stop-shop we have the capabilities, capacity, quality assurance standards, and resources to provide you with support for all of your manufacturing needs.

With all of the choices in contract manufacturers out there, we know it can be difficult to find someone that not only understands your business model but also has your best intentions in mind. RIS has proven to always be a win-win focused relationship. As your one-stop-shop, we have the capabilities, capacity, quality assurance standards, and resources to provide you with support for all of your manufacturing needs. We understand that supply chain management is difficult and very time consuming, so we urge our customers to utilize us in the fullest capacity. Our total-package solutions include:

· Extensive supply-chain network

· Purchasing and inventory management

· Dedicated Program Manager

· Warehousing and drop-shipping capabilities

· Flexible order fulfillment

· Product assembly: sub-assembly and full product

· Scalability to meet your needs

Contact us today at (507) 523-3220 to see how we can help with your manufacturing project, or click here for a quote.