Reliability
Our rugged Toughbook line has been designed using MIL-STD-810F test procedures to measure levels of environmental reliability. Created by the U.S. government, the MIL-STD-810F specifications cover a broad range of tests that measure the durability of equipment used under harsh conditions. From the MIL-STD-810F test menu, Panasonic selected those that most closely reflect the challenges that mobile professionals face in the field, on the road, and in the office. These tests include drop-, shock-, moisture-, dust- and vibration-resistance, exposure to extremely low and high temperatures, and many others.
Passed the test
Even though Panasonic conducts these environmental tests in our own factories with our own equipment, we didn't stop there. After we finished our in-house tests on the ruggedized Toughbook 19, Toughbook 30, and Wireless display, we gave it to one of the leading independent environmental test agencies in the United States to repeat all of the tests again. In the end, the results confirmed our own: the Toughbook 19, Toughbook 30 and Wireless display passed all challenges without failure.
Testing procedures
While not every Toughbook is designed to be as ultra-rugged as the Toughbook 19, Toughbook 30 or Wireless display, tests like the MIL-STD-810F help us to understand how to design all of our Toughbook computers with the best focus on durability features for the type of user and work conditions. The information below describes the tests we use to measure Toughbook durability.
5. Dust resistance
The Dust resistance test was performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 510.4, Procedure I (Dust). An operating temperature of 140°F was used for this test. The upper non-operating temperature of 140°F was incorporated into the test as this is the "default" temperature given by the MIL-STD-810F guidelines. Silica flour as defined by the test standard was used. Failure was considered to have occurred if moving parts bind or are blocked, or if contacts or relays malfunctioned. The units must have continued to function also.
Results:
The Toughbook computers continued to operate following dust testing. The keyboards were usable.
6. High temperature
High temperature tests were conducted in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 501.4, Procedures I (Storage) and Procedure II (Operation). Panasonic set the testing parameters as follows: 60°C (140°F) operational, 71.1°C (160°F) non-operational.
Results:
The Toughbook computers continued to operate during the operational test and to boot and operate following the non-operational test. There were no visual anomalies.
7. Low temperature
The Low temperature test was performed according to MIL-STD-810F, Method 502.4, Procedures I (Storage) and II (Operation). Panasonic set the low operating temperature at -28.9°C (-20°F) and non-operating temperature at -51.1°C (-60°F).
Results:
The Toughbook computers continued to boot and operate following each test, and there were no visual anomalies.
8. Thermal shock
The Thermal shock test was performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 503.4. Panasonic set the high temperature non-operating temperature t 96.11°C (205°F) and the low temperature non-operating temperature at -51.1°C (-60°F). Three cycles were performed (high to low = one cycle).
Results:
The Toughbook computers continued to operate during the operational test and to boot and operate following the non-operational test. There were no visual anomalies.
The Toughbook computers continued to boot up and operate following the test exposure cycles of thermal shock from 96.11°C (205°F) to -51.1°C (-60°F).
9. Altitude
The Altitude test was performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 500.4, Procedure I (Storage) and II (Operation). The altitude level used for both procedures was 15,000 feet (highest equivalent altitude given within MIL-STD-810F for cargo pressures of military aircraft).
Results:
All Toughbook laptops passed the test without incident.
Reliability
The drop test was performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 516.5, Procedure IV (Transit drop test). The Toughbook computers were sequentially dropped in non-operating mode, onto each face, edge and corner for a total of 26 drops from a height of 36 inches. The drop surface was defined as two-inch-thick plywood over a steel plate over concrete. The Toughbook computers were visually inspected after each drop and a functional check (boot-up into Windows) was performed after each drop.
Vibration shall be performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 514, Procedure I, Category 24 (Minimum integrity test) for the non-operational condition and Category 20 (Ground vehicles) for the operational condition. The unit should be clamped to an aluminum plate (approximating rigid mounting), and subject to the following levels of vibration:
The Water resistance test was performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810F, Method 506.4, Procedure III (Drip). The test items were subjected to this test with the LCD open and the unit operating, but with ports closed. The Toughbook computers were opened following testing to inspect for water intrusion.
