3M Introduces New Mini-Clamp II Connectors
3M has announced three new additions to the Mini-Clamp family of connector products: the Mini-Clamp II Wiremount Plug 371 Series, Boardmount Socket 372 series and Wiremount Socket 373 Series. Target applications include factory automation and industrial controls. The 3M IDC termination process enables time savings of up to 80% per connection, compared to manual crimping techniques. No specialist tools are required and terminations can be carried out using just a pair of pliers, helping to reduce the overall cost of wiring projects. Together with existing 3M Link connectors, these new Mini-Clamp II connectors mean that 3M has a comprehensive range of field bus solutions. For further information, please call 0870 609 4639 or visit www.3M/UK/electronics.
As well as factory automation and industrial controls, typical environments for these connectors include semiconductor and LCD manufacturing machinery; medical equipment, packaging systems, conveyor systems, elevators and lift systems; flow meters; motion test and measurement systems; traffic light and control systems; base press control electronics; food and packaging industries; automotive and metal industries; solar and alternative energy; and sensors.
A key feature of the range is the use of 3M insulation displacement technology (IDC), which provides higher connection reliability, while at the same time eliminating cable stripping and tinning, as well as the need for repetitive screw-type wire terminations.
The 3M Mini-Clamp II connectors also have an integrated guiding and alignment feature built into the cover, which provides reliable positioning of the individual wires. Semi-transparent covers allow for visual inspection to check correct wire positioning prior to termination. Polarizing tabs help provide proper mating while latching features help provide a secure connection, even under severe conditions such as mechanical stress and vibration in industrial environments.
The new Mini-Clamp II Connectors by 3M are available in a 2mm pitch that use colour coding (red, yellow, orange, green, blue and grey) to ensure proper wire usage, wire alignment and retention of the cover. The 3M Mini-Clamp II Connectors are available in 3- and 4-pin wiremount configurations, in two socket styles and a plug version.
They are also available in boardmount socket configurations: a 3- and 4-pin single row socket connectors; and a 6-pin (2 x 3 pins), an 8-pin (2 x 4 pins), a 12-pin (4 x 3 pins) and a 16-pin (4 x 4 pins) multi-row socket connector. Dust caps are available for more harsh and dusty environments. The new connectors join the existing Link wiremount 381 series and boardmount socket series 382, both of which are available in 4-pin configuration and meet the industry-wide CC-Link standard.
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