Press Center assembles complex backplanes.
Press Release Summary:
Accommodating large and complex backplanes, modular Model EPC III rapidly fits PCBs with power terminals, HM connectors, ERmet ZD, and DIN strips. Connectors up to 180 mm in length are fed from packaging trays to transport conveyors. Robot makes it possible to remove and feed special connectors up to 250 mm long from any packaging. With pressing force of 80 kN, machine handles 1,200 x 600 mm PCBs ranging from 2-10 mm thick.
Original Press Release:
Streamlined Assembly of Complex Backplanes
ERNI introduces the EPC III for fully automated, fast and dependable assembly of connectors to printed circuit boards
MORAGA, Calif., December 10, 2003 - The trend toward providing one-source integrated systems is gaining ground in the electro-mechanics sector. A completely automated EPC III (ERNI Press Center 3rd generation) is now available for rapidly fitting printed circuit boards with connectors, accommodating large and complex backplanes with hundreds of connectors and components.
Through its modular design, the EPC III can accurately press on power terminals (SVA), HM connectors (ERmet), ERmet ZD, DIN strips and more.
Features of the EPC III Basic Module include:
Cycle per connector: 4 to 6 seconds
Connector length up to 250 mm
Pressing force 80 kN (optional 120 kN)
Maximum printed circuit board size of 1,200 x 600 mm
Circuit board thickness of 2 - 10 mm
Joining force in the range of 8 N to 120 kN
Connectors up to 180 mm in length are fed from the packaging trays to the transport conveyors. A robot makes it possible to remove special connectors up to a length of 250 mm from any packaging and to feed them. Changeover elements such as guide rails, stoppers and light barriers of the feeder conveyors are designed to facilitate rapid adjustments to other connectors at any time.
The EPC III is equipped with a fitting head that can handle diverse changeover tools. Up to 10 different changeover tools are located in one tool change station. Several camera settings enable easy visual recognition of different connectors and any possible damage such as bent pins. Defective connectors are automatically rejected. The fitting head proceeds to the correct position on the printed circuit board and presses in the connector with a force of 80 kN (optional 120 kN), while sensors continuously monitor the pressing force.
As a system supplier, ERNI focuses on backplane assembly with emphasis on large-scale circuit boards with high-density connectors.
ABOUT ERNI
ERNI is a global manufacturer of interconnects. ERNI was the first company to manufacture DIN connectors and today is the leading supplier of 2mm HM connectors and HM-ZD high-speed connectors. Recently introduced products include integrated Modular RJ-45 jacks for gigabit Ethernet, remote power and a new 10 Gb/s MicroSpeed(TM) family of SMT mezzanine connectors. ERNI offers world-class backplane assembly and optical backplane solutions. The ERNI group of interconnect companies is headquartered in Adelberg, Germany and has sales and manufacturing operations and subsidiaries throughout Europe, North America and Asia. For further information please visit www.erni.com
