SCHUNK AGE-F Robotic Compensation Unit Review: Specs, Price and Applications
The SCHUNK AGE-F is a compensation unit with X-Y lateral compliance and integrated spring return. It lets the gripper shift sideways when a part meets a chamfer, pin or bore, then re-centres automatically with a repeat accuracy of 0.02 mm.
Cross-roller guides keep motion smooth at low compensation forces, three spring-reset strengths can be selected, and the compensation stroke is adjustable to avoid interfering contours. Grippers mount directly without adapter plates.
Quick Verdict
An effective way to absorb position tolerances in insertion and joining. It saves the cost of high-precision vision or force control when parts have lead-in chamfers.
SCHUNK AGE-F Robotic Compensation Unit at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Function | X-Y lateral compliance with spring return |
Repeat accuracy | 0.02 mm |
Spring reset | Three selectable strengths |
Stroke | Adjustable compensation stroke |
Guidance | Cross-roller guides |
Mounting | Direct gripper mounting without adapter plates |
Lubrication | Food-grade lubricant (NSF certificates available) |
Price | Request a quote |
Design and Operating Principle
Robots, fixtures and parts all carry tolerances. When a pin is inserted into a bore, a few tenths of a millimetre misalignment can jam the part. A compensation unit allows the tool to float sideways so the chamfer guides the part home.
The spring return re-centres the unit after each operation, with 0.02 mm repeatability, so the next pick starts from a defined position. Three spring strengths let engineers balance compliance against the stability needed during fast moves.
Cross-roller guidance provides low friction, so small chamfer forces are enough to shift the tool, which protects delicate parts.
Integration and Selection
Choose the spring strength based on tool mass and acceleration: too soft and the tool swings during moves, too stiff and it will not comply. Set the stroke to the expected misalignment.
Mount the gripper directly on the unit and validate insertion with worst-case tolerance stacks.
Industry Applications
Industry | Typical use |
Automotive assembly | Inserting pins, shafts and bearings |
Electronics | Placing components into fixtures |
Machine tending | Loading parts onto locating pins |
Consumer goods | Snap-fit assembly of plastic parts |
Functional Uses
Peg-in-hole insertion
Loading parts onto fixture pins
Compensating robot and fixture tolerances
Re-centering after each cycle
Pros and Cons
Advantages
0.02 mm repeatability on re-centering
Three spring strengths
Low-friction cross-roller guides
Direct gripper mounting
Limitations
X-Y only, no Z compliance
Spring choice must match tool dynamics
Adds height to the tool stack
Who Should Consider the SCHUNK AGE-F Robotic Compensation Unit?
The AGE-F fits assembly and machine-tending cells inserting parts with chamfers where small lateral misalignments must be absorbed.
Price and Availability
Price: Request a quote. SCHUNK prices the AGE-F by size, options and quantity, so the final figure depends on the exact configuration. Budget for the complete tooling package, including fingers or adapters, mounting, air or electrical connections and commissioning time, rather than the module alone.
Further Reading
SCHUNK AGE-F Robotic Compensation Unit FAQ
What does the SCHUNK AGE-F do?
It provides X-Y lateral compliance with spring return to compensate position tolerances.
How accurate is the re-centering?
Repeat accuracy is 0.02 mm.
Can the spring force be changed?
Yes, three spring-reset strengths are available.
Is the stroke adjustable?
Yes, the compensation stroke is adjustable.
Does it need adapter plates?
No, grippers mount directly.
How much does the AGE-F cost?
Request a quote from SCHUNK.
