Flexible safety systems

Introducing the Flexi Loop, Flexi-Link and Flexi Line multi-switch and multi-station options to the Flexi Soft plc safety controller modules is said to have opened up new avenues for machinery safety as factories move towards fully-automated central control.  They support an increasingly wide range of safety sensors, encoders, light curtains, switches, cameras and laser scanners. 

"As manufacturers start to exploit the advantages of Industry 4.0 and the capabilities of factory-wide communications, they are demanding that safety systems should match the production speeds and cost savings they achieve," Dr Martin Kidman, SICK UK machinery safety specialist, said. "There’s not much point investing in higher- speed production if safety systems just drag back productivity.

"The SICK Flexi Soft modular approach achieves easy integration to create versatile, fully-compliant safety installations. Factory work flow is being revolutionised by features like automatic restart after personnel access and adaptive proximity zones governed by laser scanners.  

"From stand-alone machining and pressing equipment, to complete processing, conveying, packing, palletising and warehousing operations, there are more options for every application."

The SICK Flexi family offers a modular approach to creating safety systems with operation up to SIL3 / PLe levels. The Flexi series allows safe operation of elements including sensors, electromechanical, interlocking and non-contact switches, scanners, encoders and emergency command buttons.  All of which can be integrated within a Flexi Link or Flexi Line system providing factory-wide control.