Sick, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sensors, safety systems, machine vision, encoders and automatic identification products for factory and logistics automation, today announced the launch of the FLEXI Loop safety controller node. The Flexi Loop can cascade up to 32 safety switches and OSSD safety sensors onto one loop ?independent of the manufacturer.

 

The Flexi Loop, which is part of SICK’s safety controller family, uses a single cable with an M12 plug to connect e-stops, sensors, switches, lamps, pushbuttons and interlocks. Flexi Soft safety controllers can support up to eight Flexi Loops, enabling a total of 256 switches in a small footprint. As a result, the Flexi Loop requires minimal wiring effort, which saves costs and ensures fast configuration.

 

This modular safety concept integrates all common fieldbuses, including EtherNet/IP, CANopen, DeviceNet and PROFINET IO. Diagnostic data about each of the sensors connected to the loop can be shared via these gateways, which helps troubleshoot problems and reduce machine downtime. Regardless of the number of sensors or switches, the Flexi Loop is able to maintain a performance level of PLe since it monitors each sensor individually. The Flexi Loop is ideal for safety applications in the packaging, commercial goods, and electronics and solar industries that require several doors, e-stops and electro-sensitive protective devices.

 

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