By Patti Pool, new products editor
Connectors and toothbrushes have something in common. Everybody uses them. In the industrial market, connectors are used in anything from programmable controllers to robotics in a variety of industrial segments from automotive manufacturing to consumer electronics. All of these industries are large because of the scope of their missions. A recent report from Electronics.ca Publications indicates that, by 2010, the industrial market for connectors will reach $6 billion.
Because of the industrial environment, many of the connectors are robust. Examples include the use of stainless steel connectors in equipment that processes caustic chemicals. Stainless steel also finds applications in the manufacture of sanitary food processing equipment. Other manufacturers will choose materials that match their environments. Often, the connectors used in the industrial environment were designed for another purpose. In some instances, industry uses military-style connectors or converters developed for the medical industry.
A key focus in todays market is connectors for industrial Ethernet applications. As manufacturing of standard connectors shifts to China, Asia and India, the U.S. might have a better chance of dominating the market with industrial Ethernet connectors.
Ethernet typically uses RJ-45 connectors. These were great when they sat in the office environment, but as they have moved to the factory floor, many suppliers have made the connectors more robust; equipped them to withstand dirt, vibration, corrosives and other nasty conditions; and also made mounting more stable. Ethernet-enabled components also ease the ongoing controversy between the IT department and manufacturing. They are open and flexible enough to grow with present and future networks and add Internet, wireless and other settings. As standards are developed for these Ethernet products, implementation will become more common and save wiring and cable costs.
