The impact rating IK10 is the second highest rating for impact resistant monitors defined in the International Standard IEC 62262 for "degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures for Electrical Equipment Against External Mechanical impacts".

It is important for manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, the industrial sector, the public sector, the transportation industry, and outdoor applications to ensure the durability of their equipment in potentially harsh environments.

IK10 impact rating is a very common level because IK11, the actual highest level with 50 Joules of impact energy, is rather brand new and not widely known. Reaching IK10 impact ratings on industrial displays is achievable with a very modest investment, while IK11, in contrast, is really hard to achieve, especially on touchscreen monitors.

Just to get an idea of the IK11 impact energy of 50 Joules - it is roughly 10% the energy of a gunshot.

IK10 testing is essential for manufacturers to ensure the robustness and durability of their products to prevent equipment downtime, minimize the risk of damage, and ensure reliable operation for unattended kiosks or mission critical applications.

IK10 impact testing is particularly important for the following reasons and sectors:

• Manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment: IK10 testing helps to ensure the robustness and durability of their products. By complying with this standard, manufacturers can demonstrate that their products are capable of withstanding tough conditions, boosting customer confidence and product appeal.

• Industrial Sector: Equipment used in heavy industries often operates in harsh environments that can include heavy impacts, accidents, or collisions. To prevent equipment damage and downtime, it's essential that the enclosures can withstand such conditions. Therefore, products with an IK10 rating are often preferred.

• Public Sector: Publicly installed equipment, such as outdoor lighting, CCTV cameras, traffic control devices, or digital signage, can be subject to vandalism or accidental impacts. IK10-rated equipment can minimize the risk of damage in such cases, saving costs on maintenance, repair, and replacement.

• Transportation Industry: For transportation systems like railway stations, airports, or ships, where equipment is subject to frequent vibrations or occasional heavy impacts, IK10 rated devices can ensure reliable operation under these conditions.

• Outdoor Applications: For any equipment installed outdoors, IK10-rated devices are more resistant to environmental factors like wind-blown debris, falling branches, or hail.

IK10 impact testing is vital for anyone who needs to ensure the durability of their electronic and electrical equipment in potentially harsh environments or situations. This includes manufacturers aiming to build robust and reliable products, and customers (from individuals to industries) who need such equipment to perform consistently in their specific environments.

Considering the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is crucial when purchasing equipment, especially for businesses and industries.

• Reduction in Repair and Maintenance Costs: Investing in products with an IK10 rating may initially seem more expensive than purchasing equipment with lower impact ratings. However, from a TCO perspective, the increased durability of IK10-rated equipment can lead to significant cost savings. This is due to fewer breakdowns, which reduces the need for expensive repairs or replacement parts.

• Lower Downtime: When equipment fails due to impacts or collisions, it leads to unexpected downtime, which can disrupt productivity and operations. Depending on the nature of the business, such downtime can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per minute. Therefore, using IK10-rated equipment can contribute to minimizing such costly disruptions.

• Longer Equipment Lifespan: IK10-rated equipment is designed to withstand harsh conditions, which typically translates into a longer lifespan. A longer lifespan means organizations can delay the need to invest in new equipment, further reducing TCO.

• Reduced Need for Extra Protective Measures: When equipment is not robust enough, additional protective measures might be necessary (e.g., protective casings or shelters), adding to the overall cost. IK10-rated equipment reduces the need for these measures, thus lowering the initial setup cost.

• Better Insurance Terms: In some cases, using IK10-rated equipment can positively affect insurance terms. Insurers might offer better conditions or lower premiums when the insured property is less prone to damage.

From a TCO perspective, while IK10-rated equipment might have a higher upfront cost, it can often result in substantial savings over the equipment's lifecycle. It allows organizations to avoid frequent repairs or replacements, reduces downtime costs, and prolongs the equipment's lifespan, making it a more economical choice in the long run.

In the context of high-value capital equipment deployed globally, the role of robustness, durability, and resilience cannot be overstated. Such equipment could range from highly specialized industrial machinery, medical devices, advanced research tools, telecommunication hardware to sophisticated technology systems in aerospace, maritime, and defense sectors. When such equipment incurs high maintenance costs, any measures that can reduce these costs are extremely valuable.

• Global Deployment Challenges: Deploying high-cost capital equipment globally involves numerous logistical challenges. This includes varying environmental conditions, regional safety standards, local technical expertise, and maintenance capabilities. Equipment with superior resilience, such as that offered by an IK10 rating, ensures that the machinery can withstand harsh conditions, thereby reducing the potential for damage and the frequency of required maintenance.

• High Maintenance Costs: For high-value capital equipment, maintenance, repairs, and replacement parts can be exceptionally expensive. Often, the machinery might require specialized parts, technical expertise, and even factory repairs. Also, preventive maintenance itself can be costly due to the complex nature of the equipment. An IK10-rated enclosure can reduce these costs by preventing damage from external impacts.

• Operational Downtime: In the case of high-value capital equipment, downtime costs can be enormous. Every minute of non-operation can translate to significant losses, especially if the equipment is central to production or operations. For example, downtime of a crucial piece of machinery in an assembly line can halt the entire production, resulting in substantial financial loss. Therefore, equipment with high durability ratings like IK10 can ensure more consistent operation and reduce such costly downtime.

• Longer Equipment Lifespan: High-value capital equipment is a major investment, and businesses want to maximize the lifespan of this equipment. By protecting it from external impacts, IK10-rated enclosures can prolong the equipment's life, giving organizations more value from their investment.

• Business Continuity: In sectors where the capital equipment is critical for operations, any interruption could have cascading effects on the business, affecting everything from production to customer satisfaction. By reducing the risk of damage and subsequent downtime, IK10-rated equipment contributes significantly to business continuity.

• Reduced Logistics and Transport Costs: When equipment breaks down and local repair is impossible, the machinery might need to be transported to a central repair facility, sometimes even back to the manufacturer. Such logistics can be costly, especially for large or heavy equipment. IK10-rated enclosures can reduce the likelihood of such scenarios. Training Costs: Maintaining high-value equipment often requires specialized training for technicians. The more robust the equipment is, the less frequently intensive (and often expensive) technical training will be required.

While IK10-rated monitors may require a larger initial investment, the savings it provides over the lifespan of expensive capital equipment can be substantial, making it a prudent choice from a TCO and risk mitigation perspective.