Armadex Explosion Protection has launched the Ex UniCase, a universal explosion-safe enclosure designed to fit common 10 to 11 inch tablets and certified for use in hazardous areas. The enclosure separates the certified outer housing from device-specific inlays, allowing companies to swap tablets without having to re-certify the protective shell.
How UniCase works
The UniCase consists of a certified outer housing made from ESD-safe POM-C, a tough polycarbonate front window, a silicone O-ring for sealing and a transparent rear panel. The enclosure itself is certified to ATEX and IECEx standards for Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust).
- Device-specific inlays position different tablet models and preserve access to physical buttons, cameras, microphone, speaker and the USB-C port.
- When a company replaces its tablets or adopts a new model, only the inlay needs to be changed — the certified housing remains compliant and does not require re-certification.
Compatibility, pricing and availability
At launch the UniCase is available with inlays for a range of popular models including Apple iPad (A16), iPad Air (M3) and iPad Pro (M4 and M5), Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 and Microsoft Surface Pro 11. Armadex says other models can be supplied on request.
Armadex lists prices starting at €2,062 (excl. VAT) for the complete set (tablet plus enclosure) and states the product is available from stock in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the United States.
Why this matters for industrial users
Tablets are widely used in process industries, oil & gas and chemical plants for inspections, permits, documentation and control. In explosive atmospheres operators must use certified equipment. Historically, each tablet model required its own certified enclosure — a costly cycle when devices are replaced every few years while enclosures have much longer lifetimes.
Armadex argues that UniCase allows companies to standardize on a single certified housing and change only relatively inexpensive inlays as hardware evolves, reducing waste and total cost of ownership. "Our customers buy a tablet for two to three years, but an explosion-safe enclosure lasts ten years," said Frank Matena of Armadex.
About Armadex
Armadex Explosion Protection B.V., based in Ridderkerk, develops and supplies ATEX and IECEx certified devices for hazardous environments, including tablets, smartphones, cameras, inspection kits, Wi‑Fi access points and air conditioning. The company serves oil & gas, chemical, pharmaceutical and manufacturing customers worldwide.
Source: Original press release
