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 todayÂ’s 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.
TOOL-FREE ETHERNET CONNECTIVITYEight-pole 750-975 pluggable RJ-45 Ethernet connector decreases the time needed for wiring. The connector has insulation displacement contact that provides tool-free, in-the-field conductor wiring—simply insert a pre-stripped conductor and lower the locking mechanism. It is suited for applications in close proximity to machines, such as those in suspended ceilings or distribution boxes because there is no need for crimp tools or preparation of the conductor ends. Wago, 262/255-6222
NO TOOLS FOR ASSEMBLYVarioSub RJ45 QuickOn, eight-position connector for tool-free assembly is in accordance with CAT 5e. The push-pull connector provides a locked connection, resistant to vibrations and shock. It is available in both IP20 and IP67 versions and provides strain relief and is harmonica-jack capable. Phoenix Contact, 800/888-7388
RoHS-COMPLIANT CONNECTORStar-Line EX circular connectors are RoHS-compliant and certified for use in Zone 1-llc hazardous environments. The connectors are used in harsh applications such as oil drilling, petrochemical refineries, paint spray booths and other manufacturing and production environments. Dielectric strength is 1,800 V. Heat resistance is up to 750 °F. Amphenol, 607/563-5124
HEAVY-DUTY CONNECTORSMini-HMC heavy-duty connectors have a hard shell, but are 65% smaller than the companyÂ’s previous switches, making them suitable for applications such as small robots, industrial controls, factory automation and production equipment. The connectors have a crescent-shaped metal hood with a single-action lock and are rated to handle 7 A. Molex, 630/527-4815
Continue Reading
Leaders relevant to this article: