USPS BEGINS DEPLOYMENT OF NEW AFCS MACHINES
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| The new AFCS 200 machine. |
The Postal Service has purchased 550 new advanced facer canceler system (AFCS) machines to replace equipment first deployed in 1990.
AFCS machines have long been the backbone of letter processing. They postmark stamped mail and properly orient mailpieces for automation processing. Over the years, the technology has evolved, incorporating such improvements as optical character readers.
The new “AFCS 200” machines have improved control system electronics, circuit boards, gray–scale cameras and phosphorescent indicia detectors. In addition to performing the same tasks as the equipment they’re replacing, the newer models are easier and less expensive to maintain and are more energy efficient.
According to Brent Raney, manager, Technology Development in USPS Engineering, the new AFCS machines are 15 percent faster than the old ones and can handle thicker mailpieces. Another time– and expense–saving benefit is the ability of the AFCS 200 machines to sort mail to eight more separations. “This improvement will reduce downstream handling for about 20 percent of processed mail,” said Raney.
USPS plans to begin deployment next month. All new machines are scheduled to be in place by August 2011.
