Instructions for use and warnings Table of contents IDENTIFICATION ........................... 7 Manufacturer’s identification ......................... 7 Identification of the machine .......................... 7 Identification plate ............................8 CE Declaration of conformity (copy) ....................... 9 Reference directives............................10 GENERAL PRELIMINARY INFORMATION....................11 Recipients ..............................11 Supply and storage ............................
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 1.3 Identification plate The machine has an identification plate on its casing. The plate bears the machine’s identification data to be provided to ARS S.r.l. in case of need. Pos. Item Manufacturer’s logo...
Instructions for use and warnings 1.4 CE Declaration of conformity (copy) “CE” DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ARS S.r.l. con unico socio Via P. Gobetti, 19 52100 Arezzo (Italy) Declare under our exclusive responsability that the Product: FLEXIBOWL® 200/350/500/650/800 this declaration refeers to, compliant with the following standards or with other regulations: DLGS 17/2010 2006/42/EC: “Partly completed machinery”...
1.5 Reference directives The machine supplied by ARS S.r.l. does not fall under one of the machine categories listed in Annex IV of the Directive; therefore, for the purpose of certifying compliance of the machine with the provisions of this Directive, ARS S.r.l. applies the conformity assessment procedure with internal control on the manufacture of machinery, as set forth in Annex VIII.
Instructions for use and warnings 2 General Preliminary Information 2.1 Recipients The manual is intended for operators in charge of using and controlling the machine throughout all stages of its technical life. It contains topics that refer to correct use of the machine, in order to maintain its functional and qualitative features unchanged over time.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 2.5 Operators In order to establish with certainty what the skills and qualifications are of the operators assigned to the various tasks (start-up, cleaning, routine maintenance), see the table below: Qualification Definition User’s trained personnel who are qualified to use and run the machine for production purposes for...
Instructions for use and warnings Qualified technician able to: • carry out preventive/corrective work on all software parts of the machine; • access all parts of the machine for visual inspections, checking equipment conditions, adjustments and calibrations. Manufacturer’s qualified technician with proven experience and training on systems based on: PLC/PC drives, etc.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 2.7 Glossary Technical terminology or terminology with an uncommon meaning is used in the manuals. The terms and abbreviations used are explained below: Term Definition Component or equipment not attached to the lifting machinery, allowing the load to be picked up, which is placed between the machinery and the load or on the load itself, or which is intended to Lifting accessories become an integral part of the load and independently placed on the market.
Instructions for use and warnings 2.8 Personal protective equipment When working close to the machine, either for assembly operations or for maintenance and/or adjustments, it is necessary to fully comply with the general accident prevention regulations; for this reason, it is important to use the personal protective equipment (P.P.E.) required for each operation.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 2.9 User’s safe area The areas around the machine are divided as follows: Term Description These are the areas where the user and the other operators can control the machine’s cyclic Control zones functions (“operator station”), in either automatic mode or semi-automatic mode, with the control panels or to perform manual operations.
• maintenance must be carried out within the times and in the ways indicated in the manual, using original ARS S.r.l. spare parts and assigning the operations to qualified personnel;...
Instructions for use and warnings 3 Safety measures 3.1 Safety devices To fully safeguard the operator and prevent access inside the machine while it is moving, the machine has been fitted with a number of safety devices which, if they are activated, completely shut down the machine. The machine is designed and fitted with safety systems to minimise risks for the operator.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 3.2 Noise The noise was measured in compliance with the provisions of UNI EN 11200 and UNI EN ISO 3746. During the operating cycles, staff are exposed to a noise level of 90 dB. The actual noise level during operation of the machine installed on site in a production process is different from the one measured because the noise is affected by a number of factors, such as: •...
Instructions for use and warnings 3.5 Residual risks The machine is designed to guarantee the essential safety requirements for the operator. Safety has been integrated into the design and construction of the machine as much as possible; however, some risks still remain, that operators must be protected from, especially during: •...
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FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 CAUTION! Do not carry out any maintenance or cleaning operations unless the energies have been de-energised. CAUTION! It is strictly forbidden to remove the safety protections installed on the machine or open the fixed guards before having disconnected the machine’s electrical and air supply.
The machine has a number of pictograms attached to it, the purpose of which is to warn the operator of any residual risks. CAUTION! It is strictly forbidden to remove the warning plates from the machine. ARS S.r.l. disclaims all liability regarding machine safety if this prohibition is not complied with.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 4 Description of the Machine 4.1 Intended use (correct) Flexibowl® is available in five models: 200, 350, 500, 650 and 800. The machine in question is designed for industrial use for: Operation Permitted Not permitted...
(see “Chapter 5”). CAUTION! ARS S.r.l. shall not be held liable for damage caused to property or people if: • it is ascertained that the machine was used in one of the unpermitted environments;...
Instructions for use and warnings 4.5 Layouts 4.5.1 Flexibowl® 200 Reference Flexibowl® 200 470 mm 427 mm 319 mm 264 mm 15 mm 10 mm 254 mm 230 mm 216 mm 289.5 mm 191 mm Backlight Area 9000 mm CHAPTER 4 - Description of the machine...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 4.5.2 Flexibowl® 350 - 500 Reference Flexibowl® 350 Flexibowl® 500 326 mm 501 mm 359 mm 533 mm 10 mm 10 mm 30 mm 28 mm 380 mm 556 mm 404 mm 580 mm...
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Instructions for use and warnings 4.5.3 Flexibowl® 650 - 800 Reference Flexibowl® 650 Flexibowl® 800 662 mm 810 mm 692 mm 842 mm 410 mm 409 mm 250 mm 325.5 mm 716 mm 866 mm 740 mm 890 mm 296 mm 296 mm 362 mm 362 mm...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 4.6 Main components The machine is made up of the following essential parts: Pos. Item Description FRAME In the standard version, the Flexibowl® is supplied with a white Rotary Disc.
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Instructions for use and warnings CHAPTER 4 - Description of the machine...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 Optional components The machine can be fitted with the following optional components: Pos. Item Description The Blow unit is to achieve a better separation of parts. It is mounted AIR BLOW on the feeder’s top ring.
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Instructions for use and warnings CHAPTER 4 - Description of the machine...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 4.8 General description The machine described in this manual is a rotary feeding system able to feed a wide range of loose parts in combination with any industrial robot and artificial vision system. The parts can be different shapes and materials. Flexibowl®...
Instructions for use and warnings 5 Transport and installation IMPORTANT! Lifting and handling operations must only be carried out by specialised and trained staff who are qualified for these activities. The machine is designed to be packed, transported and assembled using a forklift truck of adequate capacity. The machine does not have any attachment points (for example, eye bolts) for lifting.
5.1 Packaging The machine is shipped by ARS S.r.l. from the production factory to the Customer’s premises. Based on the distance to be transported, on the specific requests from the Customer, and on how long the load will remain in the packaging, the machine will be shipped in the following ways: •...
Instructions for use and warnings 5.1.2 Handling with packaging HANDLING THE MACHINE BODY WITH PACKAGING Operator qualification Lifting vehicle driver PPE required Lifting vehicle Forklift truck with capacity of at least 50 kg CAUTION! Only use suitable and approved lifting vehicles; compatible with the dimensions and weight of the machine. CAUTION! Make sure that no one is standing under or within the operating range of the lifting vehicle.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 5.1.3 Removing the packaging Proceed as follows to remove the packaging: Step Action Put the machine in its intended place. Unscrew the Flexibowl® from the base of the wooden crate used for shipping. Take the USB device and the test file out of the crate.
CAUTION! ARS S.r.l. shall not be held liable for damage, to property or to people, due to accidents caused by failure to follow the instructions in this manual. 5.2.1 Table of units and weights After unpacking the machine, it is already fully assembled.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 5.3 Installation 5.3.1 Preparations by the customer Notwithstanding any different contractual agreements, preparation of the following is usually the responsibility of the Customer: • rooms (including masonry, such as foundations or ducts that may be required, lighting); •...
Instructions for use and warnings 5.3.3 Installation site For installation, prepare an area suitable for the dimensions of the machine and lifting vehicles, paying attention to any obstacles (other machines, walls or similar) along the path of the handling vehicles. 5.3.4 Machine position Step Action...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 5.4 Connections To start the machine, it must be properly connected to the local networks: • electrical connection (including connection to the earthing system), • compressed air connection, in compliance with the regulations in force in the country of installation. It might also be necessary to connect the machine to the LAN.
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Proceed as described below for connection to the mains - AC: Step Action Connect the system to the power supply. Note: the power cable is not supplied by ARS s.r.l. Make sure the earthing system is installed correctly. IMPORTANT! The power supply range is 110 - 220 VAC +/-5%. CAUTION! CAUTION! An incorrect power supply can cause problems to the system and stop it from working properly.
Instructions for use and warnings 5.5.2 Output pinout The table below lists the functions of each contact of the Output connector (DE9F): Signal Picture Busy + Ready + Fault + Common 4,6,7,8,9 Below is an example of an output connection: Busy Caution: Do not connect any 24Vdc...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 5.5.3 Compressed air connection The machine has a pneumatic drive. Before setting up the compressed air connection, ensure that: • the compressed air supply system guarantees the right amount of air to the machine at the right pressure; •...
Instructions for use and warnings 5.5.4 Other connections 5.5.4.1 Air Blow connection (optional) If the optional Air Blow component is present, connect as follows: Step Action Picture Connect a Ø6 mm air pipe from the “Air Blow” socket in the control panel to the Air Blow unit. 5.5.4.2 Mapping of connections between the control devices The Flexibowl®...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 5.5.4.3 Connecting the user interface Proceed as described below to connect the user interface: Step Action Picture Connect the user interface to the Ethernet socket with an Ethernet cable. CHAPTER 5 - Transport and Installation...
Using the machine for a purpose other than intended by the Manufacturer can cause serious damage to people and/or property and/or animals. ARS S.r.l. shall not be held liable for damage caused by machine misuse. CHAPTER 6 - Controls and use...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 6.1 Description of the control panel Pos. Item Connector Notes OUTPUTS CONNECTOR DE9F INPUTS CONNECTOR DE25M PRESSURE INDICATOR ETHERNET PORT 802.3 The pressure regulator controls the strength with which the Flip unit bumps the underside of the rotating disc, to flip the parts over.
Instructions for use and warnings 6.2 User interface - Flexibowl® Parameters The FlexiBowl Parameters program is used to set the movement parameters and the option parameters available. The various parameters can only be changed via Ethernet communication. 6.2.1 Installing and using the Flexibowl® Parameters program Proceed as described below to use the program: Step Action...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 6.2.2 Change IP address The “Change IP” button allows you to change the IP address. Note: you are not allowed to change the subnet mask. Pos. Item Description Change IP It opens the pop-up window to change the IP address Default...
Instructions for use and warnings 6.2.3 IP address recovery If the IP address is lost, you can use the driver’s rotary dip switch to interface again with the Flexibowl®. See picture below: CAUTION! Disconnect the power supply before performing the following procedure For the Flexibowl®...
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FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 For the Flexibowl® 500, 650 and 800, follow the instructions below to place the dip switch in a different position from the current one: Step Action Picture Unplug the power cable in the control panel follow the procedure described in Chapter 7.3.1 (replacing the backlight) up to point 4 Use a flat screwdriver to select the position of the...
Instructions for use and warnings 6.2.4 Home screen Pos. Item Description It shows the main window for all movements and parameters associated with Main Commands Flexibowl® Try Commands It opens a window to try a sequence of several combined movements. It opens a window to monitor the I/O statuses of the Flexibowl®, the status of the Monitor driver and any list of errors.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 6.2.4.1 Move Pos. Item Description It shows the window to set the Move parameters. Move Note: to execute the movement command, press the Test Move button. Acceleration Acceleration used for each subsequent Move command. Deceleration Deceleration used for each subsequent Move command.
Instructions for use and warnings 6.2.4.2 Shake Pos. Item Description It shows the window to set the Shake command parameters. Shake Note: to execute the movement command, press the Test Shake button Acceleration Acceleration used for each subsequent Shake command. Deceleration Deceleration used for each subsequent Shake command.
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FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 6.2.4.3 Option Pos. Item Description It shows the main window regarding the Flexibowl® general options (Flip, Blow, Option Backlight, etc.) Number of ON/OFF cycles that the Flip will perform at each subsequent Flip Flip Count command.
Instructions for use and warnings 6.2.4.4 Try Commands Pos. Item Description Try Commands It shows the windows to try a sequence of commands. All Commands It is used to select the available commands. Add command It is used to enter the command selected in the work sequence. Selected Commands List of commands added to the work sequence.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 6.2.5 Monitor In the Monitor window is possible to check the Flexibowl® status and eventually if are present some alarms. 6.2.5.1 I/O Status Pos. Item Description I/O Status View the inputs and outputs status Input status It shows the input status in the...
Instructions for use and warnings 6.2.5.2 Driver Status Pos. Elemento Descrizione Driver Status It shows the Flexibowl® status CHAPTER 6 - Controls and use...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 6.2.5.3 Alarm Status Pos. Elemento Descrizione Alarm Status It is used to view the Alarm present in the Flexibowl® Alarm Type of alarm present in the Flexibowl® Reset Alarm It resets the Flexibowl®...
Instructions for use and warnings 6.2.6 Console Pos. Item Description Console It is used to send a command to the driver. Command Window Command terminal window. It is used to send a command to the driver. Command area Note: The command is sent when is pressed “enter”. Clear All It clears the command terminal window.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 6.2.7 Reset Option Pos. Elemento Descrizione It is used to reset the Flexibowl® at factory default status and commands the empty Reset Option door manually. It resets the Flexibowl®...
CAUTION! After carrying out the transport and installation operations, and before starting the machine, make sure the robot vision system has been calibrated. Contact ARS S.r.l. to calibrate the vision system. 6.3.1 Preliminary inspections Before starting the machine, the following checks need to be carried out: •...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 6.3.3.1 Programming with TCP/IP - UDP protocol IMPORTANT! The default IP addresses is 192.168.1.10 in class B (Subnet Mask 255.255.0.0). The TCP/IP port is 7776 and the UDP port is 7775.
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Instructions for use and warnings To set the various handling parameters of the Flexibowl®, use the volatile support register 1. Use the following command to perform this operation: Command Action Description Enter a value in the support register. RL1 Value Support register 1 = Value Example: RL1 100 enter value 100 in the volatile register 1 Parameters:...
Proceed as follows for programming using the digital I/O: Step Action Use the Flexibowl® Parameters utility supplied by ARS S.r.l. to set the movement parameters. From utility, enable the Enable Digital I/O function. Turn the Flexibowl® off and then on again.
Instructions for use and warnings 6.3.3.3 Programming with Ethernet/IP The Flexibowl® can be programmed and controlled from the PLC by the Ethernet/IP protocol. The PLC must be equipped with a suitable port to communicate with the aforesaid protocol and must be configured with the correct .eds files. The program must be provided with a special data structure to interface with the registers of the Flexibowl®...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 6.3.4 Pressure adjustment To adjust the pressure: Step Action Pull the knob on the power supply body and turn it. Note: turning it counterclockwise will lower the pressure, turning it clockwise will increase it. When the pressure has been adjusted as required, push the knob towards the power supply and the setting will automatically be locked in.
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Instructions for use and warnings PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK CHAPTER 6 - Controls and use...
Any repairs or maintenance work not indicated herein can only be carried out following authorisation from ARS S.r.l. ARS S.r.l. shall not be held liable for any damage to people or property for operations other than those described or carried out in ways different than indicated.
Instructions for use and warnings 7.1 Safety warnings CAUTION! Before starting any maintenance work on the machine, disconnect and padlock all energy sources and safely block all of its moving units. Put the “Machine under maintenance - do not switch on” sign on the main switch. CAUTION! To stop the machine from being accidentally switched on while it is under maintenance, put signs on it saying: “CAUTION! Machine Under Maintenance”.
The table below lists a series of routine maintenance procedures valid for all types of machines manufactured by ARS S.r.l. The operator must take into consideration only the procedures relating to the machine described in this manual.
Instructions for use and warnings 7.2.1 Checks and inspections 7.2.1.1 Routine maintenance table - checks Frequency Operation Daily Weekly Monthly Six-monthly Yearly Check that the general pressure ◈ regulator works properly. Check that the safety devices work ◈ properly. ◈ Check the Rotary Disc conditions before every start-up.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 7.2.1.2 Inspection of safety devices Perform the following checks to ensure that the safety devices work properly: Step Action Check that the machine covers are in place and fixed properly. Check that the power cable is not damaged and/or worn 7.2.1.3 Checking for wear of the drill Proceed as follows to check for wear of the drill:...
Instructions for use and warnings 7.2.1.4 Checking for wear of the relays and status of the fuses Visually check for wear of the relays. There are: 3 static relays (which respectively command Busy, Flip and Air Blow) and 3 mechanical relays (which control the “READY/FAULT”...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 7.2.2 Replacing the Flexibowl® Rotary disc The Flexibowl® Rotary Disc must be replaced according to the following conditions: • at every format change: each component format may require a different Rotary Disc to be used; •...
Instructions for use and warnings 7.2.3 Cleaning CAUTION! Cleaning operations must be carried out by qualified and authorised personnel. CAUTION! To clean the machine, do not use bits of sponge, damp and/or abrasive cloths, rags with loose threads, petrol or flammable solvents as detergent.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 7.2.3.2 Cleaning the air filter Proceed as described below to clean the air filter: Step Action Picture Disconnect the power and air supply of the machine. Take the cover off the Flexibowl®. Rotate the filter holder to unlock it and remove it.
Instructions for use and warnings 7.2.4 Cleaning the Flexibowl® Rotary Disc Proceed as follows to clean the Flexibowl® Rotary Disc: Step Action Picture Unscrew the flange fixing screws with an Allen key, and leave them in position. Turn the flange counterclockwise and remove it. Remove the Rotary Disc and clean it with alcohol or degreaser.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 7.2.4.1 General cleaning The machine must be kept in a good condition of cleanliness. Proceed as described below to give the machine a general clean: Step Action Disconnect the power and air supply of the machine. Manually remove any product residues.
CAUTION! Replacement spare parts must be ordered from ARS S.r.l. If the customer does not use spare parts that are original or authorised in writing by the Manufacturer, the latter shall be deemed free from any liability concerning machine operation and operator safety. Authorisation and/or instructions must always be provided in writing.
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 7.3.1 Replacing the backlight IMPORTANT! The infrared backlight shines an invisible light and therefore may not appear to be working. Use a camera with an infrared filter to check that it is working properly. Note: most smartphones can see infrared lights.
Instructions for use and warnings 7.3.2 Replacing the solenoid valve REPLACING THE SOLENOID VALVE Operator qualification Mechanical maintenance technician PPE required Tool to be used Allen key; Phillips screwdriver CAUTION! Disconnect the power supply before taking the cover off. Proceed as follows to replace the solenoid valve on models 200 and 350: Step Action Picture...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 7.3.3 Replacing the anti-vibration mount REPLACING THE ANTI-VIBRATION MOUNTS Operator qualification Mechanical maintenance technician PPE required Tool to be used Allen key Proceed as follows to replace the anti-vibration mounts: Step Action Picture...
Instructions for use and warnings 7.3.4 Replacing the Driver REPLACING THE DRIVER Operator qualification Mechanical maintenance technician PPE required Tools to be used Allen key CAUTION! Disconnect the power supply before taking the cover off. Proceed as follows to replace the Driver: Step Action Picture...
FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 7.3.5 Replacing the power supply unit REPLACING THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT Operator qualification Mechanical maintenance technician PPE required Tool to be used Allen key CAUTION! Disconnect the power supply before taking the cover off. Proceed as follows to replace the power supply unit: Step Action...
Instructions for use and warnings 7.3.6 Replacing the motor REPLACING THE MOTOR Operator qualification Mechanical maintenance technician PPE required Tool to be used Allen key CAUTION! Disconnect the power supply before taking the cover off. Proceed as follows to replace the motor on models 200 and 350: Step Action Unplug the power cable from the control panel.
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FlexiBowl® - Models 200 - 350 - 500 - 650 - 800 Proceed as follows to replace the motor on models 500, 650 and 800: Step Action Picture Unplug the power cable from the control panel. Take the cover off the Flexibowl®. Take the Rotary Disc off.
• Check that no parts prevent free movement of the Rotary Disc Note: if the problem persists, contact ARS S.r.l. • Check that the screws are tightened properly. • Check if the load of Flexibowl® is within the permitted parameters based on the model.
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Check operation of the backlight relay inside the interface. The backlight does not work. • Check the condition of the fuse inside the interface and replace it if necessary. Note: if the problem persists, contact ARS S.r.l. CHAPTER 7 - Maintenance...
Instructions for use and warnings 8 Decommissioning and disposal CAUTION! Decommissioning and dismantling operations must be assigned to personnel specialised in such activities. Namely, only the person in charge of dismantling and disposal at the end of the service life can: •...
Disconnect the power and air supply of the machine. CAUTION! For disassembly of trade parts or sub-supply materials that are part of the machine supplied by ARS S.r.l. please see the relative supplier’s manual. Pursuant to the “WEEE” Directive 2012/19/EU, if the component/equipment purchased is marked with the following crossed-out wheelie bin, it means that at the end of its service life the product must be collected separately to other waste.
Instructions for use and warnings 9 Attachment Attachments A: Flexibowl® Rotary Discs B: Flexibowl® 2.0: what changes CHAPTER 8 - Decommissioning and disposal...
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Istruzioni di uso e di avvertenza ARS S.r.l. Via P. Gobetti, 19 – 52100 Arezzo (AR) Italia Tel. +39 0575 398611 - Fax +39 0575 398620 info@arsautomation.com - www.arsautomation.com...
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