ViTAM-9D Series: Stainless Steel Panel PC Built for Food Production Lines

APLEX Technology Inc. recently introduced the ViTAM-9D Series, the latest addition to its renowned stainless steel panel PC line. Specifically designed for the food and beverage industry, this all-in-one solution combines hygienic construction, rugged durability, and high-performance computing to address the operational and regulatory demands of food processing environments.

In this article, we explore the ViTAM-9D’s key features and demonstrate how each one supports critical applications across food production lines — from raw material handling to final packaging.

1. Full IP66/IP69K Waterproof and Dustproof Protection

What it offers:
The ViTAM-9D Series is fully sealed to IP66/IP69K standards, providing complete resistance against water, dust, and high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns. M12 connectors and waterproof covers further protect internal components from ingress.

Applications in food production lines:

• Meat and poultry processing: Where equipment is subject to daily sanitation with high-pressure hoses and chemicals.
• Dairy production: Regular cleaning of yoghurt, cheese or milk production lines can introduce high humidity and splashing — ViTAM-9D thrives in this setting.
• Bakery environments: Where fine particles like flour and sugar often cause mechanical issues with unsealed equipment.

2. SUS304/SUS316 Stainless Steel Construction

What it offers:
The ViTAM-9D’s housing is constructed from SUS304 or optional SUS316 stainless steel — materials chosen for their resistance to corrosion, bacteria, and oxidation. SUS316 offers enhanced performance in saline or highly acidic cleaning environments.

Applications in food production lines:

• Seafood and frozen food processing: Where salt water and brine increase the risk of corrosion.
• Sauce and condiment production: Where cleaning agents need to neutralise residues like vinegar or oils.
• Ready-meal facilities: Where maintaining bacteria-free surfaces is crucial to food safety compliance (HACCP, ISO 22000).

3. High-Performance Intel® 12th/13th Gen Processors

What it offers:
Equipped with Intel® Core™ i3/i5 processors, the ViTAM-9D supports fast, reliable computing for real-time industrial applications. It also includes up to 64GB DDR4 memory and M.2 NVMe SSD storage for handling data-heavy processes.

Applications in food production lines:

• Vision inspection systems: For defect detection or label verification via high-resolution cameras.
• Production analytics: Running SCADA/HMI software for real-time monitoring of throughput, temperature, and system performance.
• Automation control: Interfacing with PLCs or robotic arms for tasks such as sorting, packing or portioning.

4. Multiple Display Sizes & Touch Options

What it offers:
Available in 15”, 15.6”, 17”, 19”, and 21.5” TFT-LCD options, with resistive or projected capacitive (PCAP) touch, allowing users to select a format that suits their workspace and operation style.

Applications in food production lines:

• Small-batch or craft food stations: Use smaller 15” screens for space-constrained setups.
• Large-scale production lines: 21.5” high-brightness displays are ideal for control rooms or areas with multiple operators.
• Glove-friendly interaction: Resistive touch supports input even with protective gloves, essential in sanitation zones.

5. Enhanced Readability in Harsh Lighting

What it offers:
The ViTAM-9D provides visibility-enhancing features such as high brightness displays, optical bonding, anti-glare (AG) / anti-reflective (AR) coatings, anti-UV ceramic ink, and auto-dimming capabilities.

Applications in food production lines:

• Glass-walled or sunlit facilities: Prevents screen washout in natural light areas.
• Cold rooms with reflective surfaces: Maintains screen clarity even under harsh LED lighting.
• Outdoor receiving or loading docks: Operators can easily interact with the screen in bright or fluctuating conditions.

6. Modern Wireless Communication

What it offers:
With support for Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, optional 5G, and RFID, the ViTAM-9D is equipped for fast, stable, and secure wireless data transmission.

Applications in food production lines:

• Real-time traceability systems: Track ingredient batches or finished goods via RFID with minimal human contact.
• Hands-free authentication: RFID allows users to log in or initiate processes without touching shared surfaces.
• Connected factories: Enables data flow between machines, cloud servers, and ERP systems in smart production environments.

7. Multiple Mounting Options

What it offers:
The ViTAM-9D can be mounted using VESA, floor stands, swing arms, or Yoke mounts, providing installation flexibility across diverse operational areas.

Applications in food production lines:

• Conveyor belt integration: Floor stands or Yoke mounts allow the unit to be installed beside production lanes for operator feedback.
• Wall-mounted process stations: VESA mounts enable ergonomic positioning in preparation and quality assurance areas.
• Mobile hygiene stations: Swing-arm setups make the ViTAM-9D adaptable to shifting workflows or cleaning zones.

8. Wide Operating Temperature (-20°C to 60°C)

What it offers:
Whether deployed in walk-in freezers or hot kitchens, the ViTAM-9D remains fully operational without the need for external climate control.

Applications in food production lines:

• Cold chain processing: Frozen goods like ice cream, vegetables or seafood often require monitoring in sub-zero environments.
• High-heat processing: Bakery ovens or pasteurisation lines generate intense ambient temperatures where standard PCs would fail.

While the ViTAM-9D Series is purpose-built for the stringent hygiene and operational demands of food processing lines, its industrial-grade stainless steel construction, full IP66/IP69K waterproof and dustproof certification, and high-performance computing capabilities make it exceptionally versatile for a wide range of other challenging environments. From pharmaceutical cleanrooms and chemical processing plants to cosmetics manufacturing and refrigerated logistics, the ViTAM-9D excels in any industry where durability, hygiene, and reliability are critical to operational success.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Manufacturing

Why it’s ideal:
Cleanrooms and GMP-compliant production lines in the pharmaceutical sector require equipment that can withstand strict sanitation, resist chemical corrosion, and support sterile operation with minimal contact.

How ViTAM-9D helps:

• Contactless RFID login helps maintain clean protocols.
• SUS316 stainless steel resists harsh disinfectants used in sanitised environments.
• Fanless design reduces contamination risk by eliminating air circulation.

Typical applications:

• Drug formulation stations
• Bioreactor control panels
• Sterile packaging monitoring terminals

Cosmetics and Personal Care Manufacturing

Why it’s ideal:
Manufacturing skincare, haircare, or makeup products involves high hygiene standards and exposure to sticky, corrosive, or staining ingredients.

How ViTAM-9D helps:

• Waterproof design allows thorough cleaning after spillages of oils, gels, or powders.
• PCAP touchscreens offer smooth, sealed surfaces that are easy to clean and use.
• Bright, crisp displays make it suitable for quality control or formulation interfaces.

Typical applications:

• Batch formulation control
• Ingredient dispensing stations
• Quality assurance and labelling systems

Chemical and Petrochemical Processing

Why it’s ideal:
Plants that process chemicals often require computing systems that can endure corrosive vapours, frequent washdowns, and fluctuating temperatures.

How ViTAM-9D helps:

• SUS316 steel housing protects against aggressive solvents or vapours.
• IP69K rating ensures complete resistance to chemical cleaning sprays.
• Wide temperature range suits both heated and ventilated zones.

Typical applications:

• Control systems in blending or mixing areas
• Hazardous area data collection terminals
• Batch tracking systems

Medical Device Manufacturing

Why it’s ideal:
Like pharmaceuticals, medical device production involves precise control, clean environments, and rigorous standards for hygiene and traceability.

How ViTAM-9D helps:

• RFID integration enables operator authentication for traceability.
• Industrial-grade reliability ensures uptime in continuous production.
• Support for 5G/Wi-Fi 6E allows real-time data transfer to MES or ERP platforms.

Typical applications:

• Cleanroom workstations
• Surgical device assembly monitoring
• Quality control data entry panels

Beverage Bottling and Packaging Lines

Why it’s ideal:
Water, sugar, and carbonation create high-moisture and sticky environments, requiring rugged, waterproof systems that also keep up with fast-paced operations.

How ViTAM-9D helps:

• IP66/IP69K sealing prevents damage from sugar-laden spills and rinsing.
• Touchscreens allow quick operator interaction for equipment setup and monitoring.
• Bright displays with AR coatings perform well even under intense lighting.

Typical applications:

• Bottle labelling and date coding stations
• Conveyor belt control interfaces
• End-of-line inspection terminals

Cold Chain Logistics and Refrigerated Warehousing

Why it’s ideal:
The cold chain industry requires systems that operate flawlessly in sub-zero environments while withstanding condensation and rapid temperature changes.

How ViTAM-9D helps:

• Operating range down to -20°C ensures reliable performance in freezers.
• Optical bonding and anti-fog features improve screen clarity in changing conditions.
• Wireless communication enables real-time stock updates even in large refrigerated zones.

Typical applications:

• Cold storage inventory terminals
• Freezer zone touchscreen HMIs
• Dockside shipment tracking systems

The ViTAM-9D Series is more than a panel PC — it’s a highly adaptable computing solution engineered to meet the highest standards of hygiene, durability, and performance. While it shines in food production, its versatility extends to:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Medical technology
• Chemical processing
• Cosmetics
• Beverage production
• Cold logistics

The ViTAM-9D Series from APLEX Technology sets a new benchmark for hygienic, industrial-grade computing in demanding environments. Engineered with a rugged stainless steel chassis, full IP66/IP69K waterproof protection, and high-performance Intel® 12th/13th Gen processors, it is ideally suited to food production lines where sanitation, reliability, and performance are critical. Available in multiple sizes (in 4:3 and 16:9 ratio) with resistive or projected capacitive touch, the ViTAM-9D offers flexible installation, advanced connectivity, and superior display visibility—even in extreme temperatures or wet, high-pressure cleaning zones.

Beyond food and beverage applications, its robust design makes it equally effective in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemical processing, medical device manufacturing, and cold chain logistics. Whether it’s used for machine control, quality inspection, real-time monitoring, or ERP integration, the ViTAM-9D delivers uncompromising performance where it matters most.