Great Force, Smaller Space

Designed to ensure high payloads and, at the same time, fast and precise applications, the brand new EPS giga YZ and the EPS tera YZ systems launched by the Swiss specialist in handling solutions Afag broaden the existing range and provide users with sufficient power available for press-fitting tasks. Furthermore, the YZ stiffness is responsible for the high precision of the systems, made possible by
an optimum slide contour of the individual axes.

by Franco Parrino

Two new handling systems for higher force ranges now complement the portfolio of YZ standard systems from handling specialist Afag, the Swiss company specializing in developing and manufacturing assembly automation components and systems for feeding, handling, and transportation.
The EPS giga YZ and the EPS tera YZ are simultaneously designed for high payloads and fast, precise applications.

The portfolio now includes up to nine standard systems
With the new handling systems, Afag is expanding its range to nine EPS YZ standard systems. While the EPS giga YZ can apply 255 N press-in forces, the slightly larger EPS tera YZ can apply 1024 N. This means that the user also has sufficient power available for press-fitting tasks.
The new boom systems are ideal for fast movement of high payloads. The EPS giga YZ moves up to 15 kg and the EPS tera YZ up to 20 kg. The high payload does not influence the repeat accuracy of up to +/-0.02 mm. Standard weight compensation is available for Z-strokes of up to 500 mm, which ensures even shorter cycle times.

Small width and height to save space
Both systems are powerful and fast: In a 1.5-second pick & place cycle, consisting of six consecutive movements and a gripping time of two times 100 milliseconds, the systems move a payload of ten kilograms by 100 mm on the Y axis and 100 mm on the Z axis, for example.
The YZ stiffness is responsible for the high precision of the systems. It is made possible by an optimum slide contour of the individual axes.
Further advantages of the new handling systems are their very small width and height. This saves space. At just 180 mm in width, the energy chain, the optional external distance measuring system, and the weight compensation are all taken into account. With a Z-stroke of 500 mm including the energy chain, the EPS tera YZ is also probably the lowest handling system in its class.
Like all other handling systems from Afag, the two powerful new products contain the complete system wiring and parameterization, from the console up to the gripper jaws. They are immediately ready for use. Through the design, including cycle time guarantee and test runs before delivery, Afag guarantees the optimum functionality of the systems.