The Flexi Soft from SICK is a modular safety controller that can be expanded from 12 to up to 144 inputs/outputs and offers connection capabilities for diagnosis and relay modules. It is used for the safety-oriented control of machines with medium to complex safety logic. For this purpose, it currently offers 38 TÜV-certified functional modules as well as integration interfaces for all fieldbus systems common in intralogistics. Thanks to rapid switching times of just 8 ms, the Flexi Soft allows very short safety distances, e.g. on a depalletizer, and thus compact, space-saving machine designs. The SICK-specific Enhanced Function Interface (EFI) can be used for comprehensive diagnosis down to the sensor level, as well as for safe communication between the controller and the safety sensors – for changing the operating modes of sensors for example.
Ready in 10 minutes: configuration via the Flexi Soft Designer
The Flexi Soft Designer is an intuitive configuration tool for the simple and reliable solution of safety-oriented applications on machines and modules. The software is available free-of-charge on the Internet and permits the creation of complete safety solutions in just a few graphically guided configuration steps. For this purpose, there are 255 logic blocks that can easily be linked via drag & drop. Users can integrate the suitable SICK safety sensors in the controller and realistically simulate the process and safety functions of the current project, e.g. a hoisting system or a transfer unit, with the Flexi Soft Designer. Whilst designing the project, the software simultaneously provides detailed wiring assistance for error-free and rapid commissioning.
In a foursome: linking module-related safety solutions
Typically, and particularly in the creation of complex intralogistical material flow systems, individual machines and plant segments are spatially separate and put together and commissioned at different times – often only at the final location. Flexi Link, the expansion function of Flexi Soft, allows up to four safety-oriented modules to be networked with one another for specific functions. The individual modules of a conveyor system can be linked together or uncoupled flexibly, while plant modules to be networked at a later date and still not ready for operation can be emulated, simulated and retroactively integrated. The Flexi Link system is administrated via the Flexi Soft Designer configuration tool.
Flexible implementation of the safety challenge
Whether carton or pallet conveyor systems, sorters or overhead conveyor systems or automated transport systems, the Flexi Soft safety controller with its Flexi Soft Designer configuration tool and the Flexi Link expansion function offers a range of advantages in the safety-oriented design of material flow components. Safe communication within a module, as well as between up to four modules without supplementary hardware, reduces the space required in the control cabinet as well as the costs for components, wiring and commissioning. The selection of suitable hardware takes place rapidly and easily using drag & drop from a list of icons. The safety solution is tailor-made – project planning of unnecessary inputs and outputs is avoided, cutting costs. Scalability allows expansions to be carried out at any time. In simulation mode, the safety functions of individual modules as well as linked Flexi Soft stations can be verified before installation, preventing time-consuming and costly modifications during the construction phase of the material flow plant. Commissioning is effectively supported by a complete wiring plan, by the possibility of real-time diagnosis, as well as by the system plug that stores the configuration. The use of gateways during operation – via which the input and output states, status, fault and diagnostic information, as well as non-safe process data are transmitted to the Flexi Soft – ensures minimization of downtimes, and thus reliable and efficient availability of the complete intralogistical plant.