Forvet developed Sortiflex so that flat-glass producers can control their material flow even more flexibly in order to improve it. 

To operate this system Sortiflex, Forvet is once again opting for a finely tuned and highly flexible motion control system from its long-time partner, Siemens, that consists of a controller, drives, and motors.   

• The controller is an extremely compact motion control platform and PLC 1512SP F-1 PN for Profisafe.   
• What was important to Forvet was Safety Integrated via bus and the open, platform independent OPC UA communication standard.   
• The CPU coordinates interactions between the Simotics S-1FK7 servomotors via Sinamics S120 converters. 
• The motors are distinguished by their high overload capacity, ruggedness, and compactness. 
• Connection via rotatable connectors and preassembled cables ensures a fast, flexible, and safe link to the converter. 
• As Sortiflex’s drive, Sinamics performs both motion and positioning tasks. 
• The system is connected to a very powerful and robust Simatic IPC477E embedded Panel PC with a 19-inch TFT Touch on which software patented by Forvet provides services specifically for Sortiflex. What stands out about the PC platform isn’t just that it’s maintenance-free and flexibly configurable, but also that it’s suitable for sophisticated tasks in PC-based automation thanks to its extremely high industrial compatibility.

Forvet is known in the industry for its high-performance flat-glass processing systems.  The Italian special machinery manufacturer has a solution for all processing steps, from drilling and milling, grinding and cutting, engraving and mitering, to washing and drying. Forvet has invested a lot of engineering skill in its efforts to integrate the individual steps more and more fully into complete but flexible glass working centers and lines, with significant added value for purchasers of the systems. 

• The result has been drastically reduced throughput time and increased output and revenue. 

• In 2020, a new element was added that end customers have been deploying in practical applications since 2021 with the greatest satisfaction: Sortiflex. 

Sortiflex is an extremely compact, flexible, and energy-saving system for (temporarily) storing and buffering glass in slotted racks and also for sorting and custom-conveying glass to the tempering furnace.