Connectors suit factory automation and industrial controls.
Press Release Summary:
Featuring insulation displacement technology to eliminate cable stripping and tinning, Mini-Clamp II Connectors have integrated guiding and alignment feature built into cover, which provides positioning of individual wires. Polarizing tabs help provide proper mating, while latching features help provide secure connection. Connectors are available in 3- and 4-pin wiremount configurations, in 2 socket styles, and plug version, as well as boardmount socket configurations.
Original Press Release:
3M Introduces New Mini-Clamp II Connectors
19 May 2008, UK - Diversified technology company 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.
Typical applications
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.
Technical details
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.
About 3M in the electronics market
3M, the diversified technology company, provides a comprehensive range of solutions for the electronics market in the UK and Ireland, from components through to chemicals. Covering multiple applications - including medical device technology, ICT, PCB, semiconductor, automotive and military/aerospace - 3M supplies products that aim to address the challenges designers and manufacturers face today.
About 3M
3M is a $24.5 billion diversified technology company which, since 1902, has been creating innovative products that help make the world healthier, safer and more productive. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.
3M employs 76,200 people worldwide, producing thousands of innovative products for customers in dozens of diverse markets in some 200 countries. Its 45 technology platforms touch nearly every aspect of modern life - the company has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and its digital signage offerings are revolutionising the way businesses communicate with their customers, their employees and the general public.
The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 4000 people across 18 locations, including 12 manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, occupational health and environmental safety equipment, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.
3M is a registered trademark of 3M
