Even More Flexibility with New Options for the VisuNet FLX Series

Pepperl+Fuchs now enables the modular HMI platform to be used outdoors. In addition to the proven stainless-steel housing, a new aluminum housing is now available for the devices of the VisuNet FLX series. This means that the series can also be used in extended temperature ranges from -20 °C to +50 °C and outdoors. The robust aluminum housing not only stands for optimal heat dissipation, but also for high resistance. To ensure good readability at all times, even in very bright lighting conditions, the devices of the series have an optically bonded display. With the new aluminum housing, additional sun shields can be attached to the sides, top edge and rear as required. They also serve as protection against rain and other environmental conditions. With these enhancements, the VisuNet FLX series defies harsh environmental conditions and can now also be used outdoors.

Like the stainless-steel version, the new VisuNet FLX product line with aluminum housing is approved for explosion-hazardous areas. Just in time for the product launch, Pepperl+Fuchs was able to complete the certification process for ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22 and NEC 500 Div 2 in cooperation with the certification body UL Solutions Germany. At the SPS fair 2023 in Nuremberg, Germany, Thomas Krömer, Account Manager at UL Solutions in Frankfurt, ceremoniously presented the Ex certificates to the Pepperl+Fuchs team. "We are very pleased that we can now officially deliver the certification to Pepperl+Fuchs at the trade fair after intensive collaboration and extensive testing," said Krömer. Pepperl+Fuchs and UL had put the new product line through its paces together. "Thanks to the close cooperation and coordination between Pepperl+Fuchs and UL Frankfurt, we were able to keep to our tight schedule and are delighted that the project could be completed on time," summarizes Michael Marshall-Brusius, Head of the HMI Innovation Unit at Pepperl+Fuchs.

Official presentation at SPS (from left to right): Mirko Bautz, Regional Vice President Europe Central-East and South UL, Paweł Stankiewicz, Engineering Manager UL, Björn Seitz, Senior Sales Manager Europe UL, Michael Marshall-Brusius, Head of Innovation Unit HMI Pepperl+Fuchs, Thomas Krömer, Account Manager UL, Dr. Marc Seißler, Head of Product Management HMI and Dominik Gebhardt, Head of Hardware Development HMI.

To prevent unauthorized access to the process control system, user authentication with RFID cards or tags is extremely useful. This makes the entry of credentials more efficient. In addition to the option of using RFID readers in the VisuNet FLX series as an external peripheral device, there will also be the option of integrating an RFID reader directly in the housing. Users therefore receive the complete package from a single source and can make user authentication in their plant not only more secure, but also more efficient.

The VisuNet FLX Remote Monitors are equipped with the latest generation firmware VisuNet RM Shell 6. Based on Windows® 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, the software enables access to the process control system or Manufacturing Execution System (MES) via standard Ethernet technology and makes process data available easily, quickly, and securely. Due to the latest Windows security functions and integrated security mechanisms, the firmware for remote monitors and box thin clients ensures maximum security. With the VisuNet Control Center add-on software, users can conveniently manage their thin clients from a central workstation—eliminating long, laborious trips to the field.