ERNI, a leading supplier of interconnect technologies and products, today introduced a hydropneumatic press system aimed at limited-volume series production The new EPC 3x modular press system is designed for small- and medium-sized batches in series production of products that use press-fit technology.

This system enables fast and flexible assembly of plug-in cards or backplanes. The quick-change system for the press-fit tools also ensures rational assembly of printed-circuit boards (PCBs) to be equipped with different connector types. Limit values for the insertion force are monitored reliably via the touch-screen graphic display. PCB tolerances are also checked making it possible to achieve a high level of process reliability.

Designed For Flexibility

The press-in process using the EPC 3X has been designed to offer a great deal of flexibility, and it can be used with or without programming. Without programming, the component numbers can be entered directly, and the connectors can be selected right from the library. The connector library contains all the important information, such as the ID, process limits and tools. The process parameters are also entered directly at this point. The process is monitored and can be documented.

It is easy to program component insertion according to bills of materials or product programs. The press-in positions are displayed graphically on the PCB. A job-related production log (job number, serial number, connector position, etc.) ensures complete documentation.

More Press Details

The new press is 1400 mm (55 inches) long, 1100 mm (43 inches) wide and 1200 mm (47 inches high. It weighs approximately 300 kg (about 650 pounds). It is offered with insertion forces from 10 kN (just over 1 US ton) to 70 kN (almost 8 tons). The standard force is 30 kN (about 3.4 tons). The total travel for the upper die is 48 mm (1.89 inches); the power stroke is 5 mm (0.2 inches).

Availability

The EPC 3x is available now in different custom configurations. Customers can select the force element, sliding table, lifting table, simple step control, PLC control or PC control, and measurement of the PCB thickness. The new press is also network compatible (Ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s) and features two USB interfaces for connecting a printer, keyboard, barcode reader, etc.