In Short:
- The Cobic-Ex F112-LT is the world’s only ATEX and IECEx certified laptop, built for Zone 2/22 hazardous areas.
- The F112-LT eliminates the discomfort operators experience when typing and navigating on a touchscreen, especially with gloves on. The F112-LT has proven to be a cost-effective alternative to an HMI.
- A year after launch, it’s already a success across multiple industries, especially in the pharmaceutical industry.
How does it work?
The F112-LT consists of three separate parts:
- The laptop screen: Getac F110-Ex G7 Tablet
- The keyboard: Armadex BT-Key 02 intrinsically safe keyboard
- A custom-made aluminium bracket solution to connect the screen and the keyboard.
The Getac F110-Ex Tablet and the Armadex BT-Key 02 are connected via Bluetooth, while the custom bracket keeps them together as a whole.
The problem the F112-LT solves
We built this laptop for two simple reasons.
First, Operators experience significant discomfort when continuously typing on a touchscreen, especially with gloves on. Touchscreen tablets and fixed panels were never designed for long data entry sessions with gloved hands. Alternatively, using pen and paper is not only time-consuming, but also prone to error. Operators lose time and make mistakes.
Second, customers wanted a portable, cost-effective alternative to a touch panel or HMI. A fixed panel ties you to one spot and carries a hefty installation cost. A laptop goes where the work is.
The result is a device that brings a full Windows 11 Pro experience with a real keyboard, trackpad, and other extras (like an integrated barcode scanner) straight into the zone.
Certified for Zone 2/22
Compliance is non-negotiable, so let’s start there. The F112-LT package is certified for Zone 2/22, covering both gas and dust atmospheres.
| Component | Marking | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Tablet (Getac F110-G7 Ex) | Ex II 3G Ex ic op is IIC T4 Gc / Ex II 3D Ex ic op is IIIC T130°C Dc | Zone 2/22 |
| Keyboard (Armadex Ex BT-Key-02) | II 3G Ex ic IIC T6 Gc / II 3D Ex ic IIIB T85°C Dc | Zone 2/22 ( & C1D2) |
But what about the Ex-marking of the custom bracket?
This is a question we get a lot.
The bracket is quite similar to other items that do not fall under ATEX in accordance to ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, 5th Edition (issued by the EU). This is because it has no inherent potential source of ignition, as the speed of movement is too slow. What is important, however, is Note 2:
Note 2: Equipment, protective systems, Ex components, safety, control, and regulating devices and/or other products indicated as not falling within the scope of the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU must still take into account ignition sources and explosion hazards related to their use. Friction impacts and abrasion processes involving rust and light metals (e.g., aluminum and magnesium) and their alloys may initiate an aluminothermic (thermite) reaction, which can give rise to particularly incendiary sparking.
True, an aluminum bracket falling onto a steel floor could theoretically produce a spark. However, it also states “related to the use” and falling is not related to the use of the laptop. Also, the Laptop is not intended for mobile use; operators should be in one position when using the solution and not move around whilst working on it. This makes a fall even less likely. Also, there is no friction (which refers, for example, to sliding under high pressure between two metals).
Therefore, certification of the custom bracket is not needed.
NOTE: If you’re unsure which zone applies to your workplace, check your Explosion Protection Document (EPD) or ask a safety officer. And if you’re new to reading these markings, our guide to reading an Ex-marking breaks it all down.
A Real Keyboard (!)
This is the part operators appreciate most. The F112-LT pairs the rugged Getac F110-G7 Ex tablet with the Armadex Ex BT-Key-02 keyboard: a proper, full-size keyboard with silicone rubber keys and a touchpad, designed to be used with gloves on.
It’s a Bluetooth keyboard with a three-week battery life, so it keeps up with a full working rotation without constant charging. Gloves or not, typing on the keyboard is as easy as typing on your laptop at home. No more delays by having to use the touchscreen of a panel PC or a tablet.
Serious computing power
This isn’t a compromised “safe” device with last-decade specs. Under the hood, the F112-LT runs serious hardware:
- OS: Windows 11 Pro
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core, up to i5-1345U vPro or i7-1355U
- Memory: 8 to 16 GB DDR5 (for standard configurations), up to 32GB options (for custom configurations)
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD (up to 512GB for standard configurations, or 2TB for custom configurations)
- Display: 11.6″ FHD, 1200 nits, sunlight-readable, with multi-touch and digitizer pen
In short, it handles real industrial software, multitasking, and data work without breaking a sweat, running the exact Windows applications your team already uses.
Built rugged, ready for the field
Hazardous zones are rarely gentle environments, so the F112-LT is built to take a beating:
- MIL-STD-810H certified for shock and vibration
- IP66 dust-tight and water-jet proof
- Drop resistant from 4 ft (1.2 m)
- Wide operating range of -21°C to 60°C
It ships in a rugged transport case, so it’s protected between jobs and easy to move around site.
Connectivity and expansion for industrial work
The F112-LT keeps you connected wherever the work takes you. It offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 as standard, with optional 4G LTE and 5G Sub-6 plus dedicated GPS for connectivity in the field. For industrial integration, expansion options include RS232, RJ45, barcode readers, HF RFID, and smart card readers, making it useful for everything from asset scanning to multi-factor authentication.
There’s also TPM 2.0, optional Intel vPro, and Windows Hello, so security teams get the controls they need.
Flexible configurations and a strong warranty
Because no two operations are identical, the F112-LT is available in a wide range of standard configurations with different processors, memory, storage, battery, and connectivity combinations. Need something specific? Any configuration is possible from 20 units, so you can spec exactly what your team needs.
It’s also backed by a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, with a 1-year warranty on the mount and keyboard.
Try it on site, free for 30 days
We know a hazardous-zone laptop is a device you’ll want to test before committing. That’s why we offer a 30-day free trial: try a demo unit on your own site, at no cost.
The bottom line
The F112-LT exists because there was a real gap in the market: no one was making a certified laptop you could safely use in a hazardous zone. A year on, it’s solved that gap for operators across all industries, combining full Windows computing, a glove-friendly keyboard, and rugged certified hardware in one portable package.
Want to put the world’s only ATEX laptop to the test? Reach out at sales@cobic-ex.com to arrange your free 30-day on-site trial.
About the Author: Jules Pleijsier
