LaCie Rugged Hard Disk White Paper - page 2
White PaPeR | Rugged
Multiple Layers of Protection
As opposed to conventional hard drives, LaCie
Ruggeds are capable of sustaining higher levels of
physical punishment. The Rugged’s durability is a
direct result of unique design complemented by strong
components for each of its layers. All models feature
a disk that withstand shocks up to 1000G, where
“G” stands for units of gravitational force. To further
enhance resistance to shocks, LaCie adds rubber
bumpers to each corner of the disk
1
.
The Rugged’s shock-resistant hard drive is encased
within a scratch-proof aluminum shell. This specialty
alloy material also absorbs heat from the disk,
dissipating away from its internal mechanics. The
importance of consistently dispersing heat cannot
be stressed enough since maintaining a supportable
temperature may extend the hard drive’s life. Further,
users benefit from optimal performance and improved
transfer rates since heat is not trapped within the casing.
This key level of protection offers a price-to-usage ratio
that more than justifies the initial investment.
The last layer of protection is often noted for its clever
design, but the Rugged’s rubber sleeve is far more
than a fun aesthetic cover. The sleeve gives the Rugged
external shock resistance to complement the internal
rubber bumpers and the drive. Thus, the LaCie Rugged
protects your data against physical harm from the outer
surface to its very core.
Rigorous testing
The United States Departments and Agencies of the
Department of Defense (DoD) has compiled exhaustive
tests to push products to their limit. The list of tests,
called MIL-STD-810, was “...prepared specifically
for DoD applications, [however] this standard may
be tailored for commercial applications as well.”
2
Standards for the tests are updated to accommodate
changes in technology and identified by letter. For
example, MIL-STD-810F from 1 January 2000 was
superseded by the most recent set of tests in MIL-STD-
810G beginning 31 October 2008.
Companies such as LaCie can refer to their products as
MIL-STD-810G compliant only if the strict demands of
specific tests are met. Most important
t
o the Rugged is
the stringent drop test and, to simulate real-world falls,
LaCie uses 1.2 m as a minimum height. While 1.2 m
approximates chest height for the average person,
Protective
Aluminum Shell
Shock-resistant
Rubber Sleeve
Internal Anti-shock
Rubber
Bumpers
Hard Disk
Rugged triple / Rugged hard Disk
(Drop tested up to 2.2 m)
Rugged Mini (Drop tested up to 1.2 m)
Pressure-resistant
Rain-resistant
Shock-resistant
1. Certain models only. Please see Table 1- Rugged Family
2. “Department of Defense Test Method Standard: Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests”, 31 October 2008, Forward (http://www.
everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD+%280800+-+0899%29/MIL-STD-810G_12306/)