In the world of rugged technology, the Mesa Pro stands out not only for its advanced features but also for its unparalleled durability. At Juniper Systems, we take pride in ensuring that our products exceed industry standards, and nowhere is this more evident than in our drop test procedures. In this article we’re diving into what makes the Mesa Pro an ultra-rugged device, focusing on our adherence to MIL-STD-810H standards, and explaining why our test-to-fail approach sets us apart.
Understanding the MIL-STD-810H Standard
MIL-STD-810H is a series of tests designed by the United States Department of Defense to determine the environmental worthiness and durability of equipment. Method 516, Procedure IV specifically addresses the ability of a device to withstand shocks from repeated drops. This test involves dropping the device 26 times from a height of 4 feet onto a two-inch piece of plywood laying across concrete. If desired, the 26 drops can be divided among 5 test items to ensure the devices durability throughout testing. It’s a stringent test meant to simulate the kind of abuse a device might encounter in harsh operational environments, such as an accidental drop from chest height. Most companies accept these standards and boast of their products’ MIL-STD certification. At Juniper, we hold our tablets to a higher standard, by only testing a single device at nearly double the height of 7 feet.
Our Testing Goes Beyond the Standard
At Juniper Systems, we don’t just aim to meet these standards, we exceed them. For the Mesa Pro, we implement an even more rigorous drop test protocol. During our drop-to-failure testing, we had a single tablet that survived 84 drops from 4 feet to concrete before failing. Additionally, during another drop-to-failure, we had a Mesa Pro survive 200 drops from 4 feet onto plywood over concrete, before the engineers decided to stop the test. Our Ultra-Rugged drop specification involves ditching the plywood and subjecting a single Mesa Pro to 30 drops from a height of 7 feet directly onto concrete. This goes beyond the standard MIL-STD-810H requirements, showcasing the robustness of the Mesa Pro in conditions far harsher than typical operational environments.
Throughout testing, the Mesa Pro is turned on and fully functional, ensuring that it operates under real-world conditions; while the drops are performed by hand, simulating actual user scenarios. The tablets are dropped on all sides, including the top, bottom, left, right, both top and bottom corners, and the front and back. All sides are tested 3 times for a total of 30 drops. According to MIL-STD-810H drop standards, the unit is not required to pass any seal test after the drop testing, however, our tablets still pass it even after the MIL-STD 4-foot drops. Our testing far exceeds the MIL-STD requirements and even surpasses our competitors’ own testing, to further prove that our tablets define the true meaning of what it takes to be rugged.
Juniper’s Test-to-Fail Philosophy
Our commitment to durability doesn’t stop at simply passing these tests. We adopt a test-to-fail philosophy, which means we continue dropping the Mesa Pro even after it has passed the required number of drops. By doing so, we push our devices to their limits to understand their true breaking points. This approach ensures that we have comprehensive data on how far the Mesa Pro can be pushed, offering peace of mind to our customers who rely on our devices in critical situations. This rigorous testing process not only identifies potential weaknesses, but also guides us in making necessary design improvements. Ultimately, our test-to-fail philosophy reflects our dedication to delivering the most reliable and robust devices on the market.
Sturdy Design for Ultimate Reliability
One common feedback we receive is about the weight of the Mesa Pro. It’s true, the Mesa Pro is heavier than most consumer tablets, however, this is a direct consequence of its ultra-rugged design. Words like robust, hardy, and sturdy perfectly encapsulate the Mesa Pro’s build. A rugged tablet, built to withstand extreme conditions and rough handling, cannot be light and airy like other consumer tablets. The added weight is a testament to its reinforced construction, designed to protect its internal components and ensure reliable performance even after repeated impacts.
The Mesa Pro is not just another tablet, it’s a tool built for demanding environments where failure is not an option. Our rigorous drop test procedures, adherence to and exceeding of MIL-STD-810H standards, and test-to-fail philosophy all highlight our commitment to delivering a product that performs reliably under the harshest conditions. While its robust design may add to its weight, it ensures that the Mesa Pro is a strong, tough, and ultra-rugged device ready to take on any challenge.
In choosing the Mesa Pro, you’re not just getting a tablet, you’re getting a piece of technology designed to go above and beyond, providing you with the reliability and durability needed in the field. When it comes to rugged technology, compromise is not an option, and with the Mesa Pro, you won’t have to.