Step 4: FlexiBowl Setup

Step 4: FlexiBowl Setup#

This section describes the procedure for connecting and configuring the FlexiBowl with the FlexiVision One system.

Note

Prerequisites

Make sure that:

Accessing FlexiBowl configuration#

1

From the main software page, click ../../../_images/tasto_setup1.png

2

In the SETUP page, locate and click the FlexiBowl Setup icon

Setup page

Setup page

3

The FlexiBowl configuration screen opens

FlexiBowl Setup page

Connection procedure#

Step 1: Configure the network address#

4

Verify that the address is on the same subnet as the VisionController

5

In the FlexiBowl IP field, enter the FlexiBowl IP address

  • Format: 192.168.1.XXX, or according to your network configuration

Tip

For consistency and convenience, start from the first available FlexiBowl.

Note

The FlexiBowl is shipped with default IP address 192.168.1.10

Step 2: Test the connection#

6

After entering the IP address, click Connection Test

7

The system performs a communication test, or ping, toward the FlexiBowl

8

Check the Status indicator:

  • 🟢 Green: connection established correctly

  • 🔴 Red: connection failed, verify IP address and wiring

Warning

Connection failed

If the indicator remains red or an error message appears:

  1. Verify that the FlexiBowl is powered on

  2. Verify that the entered IP address is correct

  3. Physically check the Ethernet cable and ensure it is fully inserted

  4. If present, verify that the network switch or router is powered on

  5. Make sure the FlexiBowl and VisionController are on the same subnet

  6. Try pinging the FlexiBowl from a Windows terminal:

    • Open Command Prompt

    • Type: ping 192.168.1.XXX, replacing with the real IP

    • If ping fails, the issue is network-related

If the problem persists, refer to Troubleshooting.

FlexiBowl parameter configuration#

Once the connection has been established, continue with configuration of the operating parameters.

Step 3: Access the configuration#

9

Click ../../../_images/FB_config1.png

10

A window opens with the configurable FlexiBowl parameters

Step 5: Synchronize parameters#

12

Click Synchronize Parameters

13

Return to the main SETUP page and continue with the next setup step

Warning

Do not skip synchronization

It is essential to click Synchronize Parameters after every modification. Without this step:

  • Changes are not applied to the FlexiBowl

  • The system may behave inconsistently

  • Settings are not saved

Guided Configuration: FlexiBowl® Wizard#

The FlexiBowl® Wizard interface is an interactive tool designed to guide the user through configuration of feeding parameters based on the specific product family to be handled.

Step 1: Access the Wizard#

To start the procedure:

1

Go to the ../../../_images/tasto_setup1.png section of the FlexiVision One software

2

Click FlexiBowl Setup. A page opens showing all FlexiBowls managed by FlexiVision One

FlexiBowl Setup page

FlexiBowl Setup page

3

Click ../../../_images/FB_config1.png. A page opens with all movements available for the selected FlexiBowl

FlexiBowl Configuration page

FlexiBowl Config page

4

Click FlexiBowl X Wizard to open the Wizard welcome page

5

Click ../../../_images/tasto_next.png

Note

Click ../../../_images/tasto_next.png on each Wizard page to move forward through the guided configuration.

Step 2: Select model and rotation#

In this phase, the hardware characteristics of the system are defined:

6

Select the device size, for example 200, 350, 500, and so on.

7

Define the plate rotation direction, Clockwise or CounterClockwise.

Step 3: Component characterization#

The system requires information about part morphology to optimize separation.

8

Select the geometry that best describes the component:

  • FLAT: flat components

  • CYLINDRICAL: cylindrical components

  • COMPLEX: articulated or irregular geometries

9

Define how the components interact with each other on the surface:

  • Overlapping: parts tend to overlap

  • Not Overlapping: parts do not overlap

  • Tangling / Stacking: parts tend to hook or stack together

  • Not Tangling / Not Stacking: parts remain separated and do not interlock

Step 4: Accessory tests#

10

Select from the dropdown menu whether the FlexiBowl® is equipped with the Air-blow module

11

Click TEST Air-blow to verify operation

12

Select USE to enable it in the current application, otherwise click DON’T USE

13

Click TEST FLIP to verify actual striker activation.
Flip is the unit that generates the mechanical impulse used to turn parts over. It is essential for separating, disentangling, or overturning components during the feeding cycle.

Important

If the impulse is not noticeable, verify that compressed air is connected and adjust the mechanical pressure regulator located on the control panel.

14

At the end of the Wizard, by clicking FINISH, the system automatically calculates:

  • movement parameters, speed, acceleration, angle

  • shake parameters

  • accessory timings, flip and blow

15

These values can then be fine-tuned in the summary dashboard
Parameter Overview#

Group

Parameter

Description

Move

Accel, Decel, Speed, Angle

Main plate movement parameters

Option

Flip Count, Flip Delay, Blow Time

Timing management for accessory activation

Shake

Accel, Speed, Angle CW/CCW

Shake vibration parameters for part separation

Step 5: Validate the sequence#

Use Test Sequence to verify that the cycle meets the following efficiency criteria:

Synchronization

The Flip impulse must end exactly when the movement, or Move, ends. Adjust Flip Count and Delay values to align them.

Image stability

Components must be still at the moment the camera captures the image.

  • If the parts move, reduce speed or acceleration, or add a pause such as pause 200ms

Warning

Always click Synchronize Parameters after every manual change so the variations become active in the controller.

FlexiBowl parameter overview#

ID

Element

Description

1

MOVE - Acceleration

Acceleration value used for each MOVE command

2

MOVE - Deceleration

Deceleration value used for each MOVE command

3

MOVE - Speed

Speed value in rpm used for each MOVE command

4

MOVE - Angle

Angle used by FlexiBowl® for each MOVE command

5

SHAKE - Acceleration

Acceleration value used for each SHAKE command

6

SHAKE - Deceleration

Deceleration value used for each SHAKE command

7

SHAKE - Speed

Speed value in rpm used for each SHAKE command

8

SHAKE - Angle CW

Clockwise angle used by FlexiBowl® for each SHAKE command

9

SHAKE - Angle CCW

Counterclockwise angle used by FlexiBowl® for each SHAKE command

10

OPTION - Flip Count

Number of Flip activations to be executed

11

OPTION - Flip Delay

Time in milliseconds between one flip activation and the next deactivation

12

OPTION - Blow Time

Time in milliseconds for blow activation

13

OPTION - Light ON

Press to enable or disable the backlight

Next steps#

Once FlexiBowl configuration is complete, continue with:

-> Hopper Configuration - if an external hopper is present

-> Verify Results - monitor the complete application

Tip

Production test

Before going into production:

  1. Run 50 to 100 test cycles to verify consistency

  2. Monitor the plate fill rate, which should remain constant

  3. Verify that there are no abnormal accumulations or persistent empty zones

  4. Increase gradually toward production speed

The optimal configuration may require two or three fine-tuning sessions with the real part in significant quantity.

Next steps#

Once FlexiBowl Setup is completed, proceed with:


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