Innovative HMI Solutions: The Operator Workstations of the VisuNet FLX Series

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Pepperl+Fuchs presents the extended VisuNet FLX series, which offers a flexible solution for demanding environments and applications with a rugged aluminum housing for outdoor use and an integrated RFID reader.

Rugged Aluminum Housing for Harsh Conditions

The Mannheim-based family company Pepperl+Fuchs is expanding its portfolio of VisuNet FLX series operator and monitoring workstations with a version for outdoor use and use in an extended temperature range from -20 °C to +50 °C. The new aluminum housing not only ensures an optimal heat sink, but also offers exceptional resistance to more demanding outdoor conditions. The low weight ensures easy installation via a wide range of mounting options.

The VisuNet FLX series has an optically bonded display to ensure perfect readability in direct sunlight. In addition, various shading elements can be selected as required. The integration of an optional RFID reader simplifies user authentication and contributes to security in industrial environments.

High Performance and Adaptability

The VisuNet FLX HMI platform offers an impressive variety of configuration options. The series is available as a complete HMI system with aluminum or stainless steel housing, as a panel mounting, or as a box PC, each with display sizes of 15.6, 19, or 21.5 inches (39.6 cm, 48.3 cm, or 54.6 cm). Depending on the requirements, the computing unit can be configured as a remote monitor, a powerful PC with i5 processing unit and up to 16 GB RAM, or as a direct monitor.

The remote monitors are equipped with the latest VisuNet RM Shell 6 firmware generation for thin client solutions and are based on Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021. It enables access to the virtualized process control system and the manufacturing execution system (MES). The firmware supports all common remote protocols, including Microsoft RDP and VNC, and web browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. With the additional VisuNet Control Center software, all RM Shell-based thin client devices can be centrally managed, updated, and controlled. This saves time-consuming running and travel routes to the individual devices.