INDUSTRY UPDATE
SICK Re-invents the Lightgrid as a Versatile “Light Chain” S
ICK has reinvented the lightgrid as a versatile “light chain” of
cascading photoelectric sensors. The FlexChain detection system is a completely new way of configuring light grids that offers unprecedented freedom for automated plant and machinery applications. With SICK FlexChain up to 60
sensors can be daisy-chained together in a single line topology and connected to a compact FlexChain host. The cost-saving ‘mix and match’ concept allows engineers to build their own light grids via a web selection tool and to individually space through- beam, reflex and proximity sensors as needed, with minimal cabling and installation. It is easy to add more sensors at a later stage. Push-button commissioning is quick
and easy via the FlexChain host and using individual sensors enables a high level of diagnostic information to be available at all times, with maximum detection reliability.
The SICK FlexChain system offers the benefits of lightgrid detection with sequential triggering of every beam, but,
unlike a conventional lightgrid, positioning the sensors individually makes it possible to vary the beam separation to suit the application. Measuring ranges and detection zones of different widths can be set up for each task. The FlexChain system uses modified sensors from SICK’s G6 family that are fitted with a special ASIC. Cross talk
between sensors is eliminated thanks to SICK’s lightgrid technology. Maximum availability is assured irrespective of how the sensors are arranged and how close to, or far away from, each other they are. The sensors are cabled as a cascade using pigtails in three varying lengths, so cabling costs are much lower than if
they were wired individually and installation time is minimised. SICK
01727 831121
www.sick.co.uk
Böwe Systec Aquires Majority Stake in Red Ledge
B
öwe Systec has taken a majority stake in UK software engineering and automation supply chain specialist
Red Ledge, which has joined the Böwe Systec Group* the two companies announced today. Böwe Systec GmbH is part of the Possehl Group, which in its 2017 financial year generated a turnover of around 3.8 billion euros and employed some 12,500 people.
Founded in 1996, software company Red Ledge
specialises in Auto-ID solutions. Its barcode, RFID, voice and sensor technologies are used worldwide in post and parcel sorting centres, warehouses and production facilities. Red Ledge’s core expertise includes competitive software platforms such as warehouse management systems (WMS), warehouse control systems (WCS) and pharmaceutical serialisation systems.
The acquisition of Red Ledge is an important
milestone for Böwe Systec as a leading supplier of smart automation solutions.
Red Ledge 01484 686769
www.redledge.co.uk
automationmagazine.co.uk
Automation | April 2019 31
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