AUSTIN, Texas -- For designers of industrial control systems seeking reliable performance for input/output (I/O) power and signal distribution applications, the 3M Electronic Solutions Division has introduced a new line of interconnects and complementary cables.
The 3M Power Clamp Wiremount Socket, 355 Series; the 3M Power Clamp Header, 356 Series; and 3M Power Clamp Branch Connector, 357 Series are designed to provide connection reliability and cost performance in I/O applications, commonly found in a wide range of industrial controls systems, networking systems, medical equipment and factory automation.
The complementary 3M Cables, Series 79100 provide the end-user with a material solution from one source in order to easily manufacture custom cable assemblies for not only the Power Clamp offerings, but also for the 3M Link Connector, 381 Series.
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The 3M Power Clamp products use insulation displacement connector (IDC) technology from 3M. The products use the IDC contacts to terminate to both flat ribbon and discrete wire. The wire and cables do not require special preparation such as stripping, tinning, etc. One simply cuts the wires or cable to length and places the wires into the cover, squeezing the cover into the body with a standard pair of pliers – no special tooling required - in order to achieve a quality and reliable termination. The simple installation process does not create material debris or waste and potentially saves labor relative to traditional interconnect wire termination alternatives, notes the company.
The 3M Power Clamp Connectors are designed with color-coded covers to allow for proper wire usage, wire alignment and retention, enabling proper wire termination. The connectors have an integrated wire guide built into the cover, which provides reliable positioning of the individual wires. Polarizing tabs help ensure proper mating and latching devices help provide a reliable connection, even under difficult conditions, such as mechanical stress and vibration commonly found in industrial environments.
The 3M Power Clamp solution is designed to provide reliable electrical connections between sensors, power supplies, drives and control units, helping to keep them running at peak performance. The company says the product line significantly reduces the amount of control and power wiring needed in today’s complex production lines, potentially saving both space and cost. In addition, the connectors are easy to install and do not require special installation tools.
The 3M Cables, Series 79100 are available in a both flat ribbon for the 3M Link Connectors, 381 Series, and round jacketed or round jacketed shielded discrete wire constructs for the 3M Power Clamp Series and 3M Link Connectors. The round jacketed and shielded are offered and designed for motion or flexing applications.
3M Power Clamp Connectors and Cables are also suitable for CC-Link Partner Association’s (CLPA) open technology field-level networking applications and protocols. Applications include integration of a wide range of automation devices from numerous suppliers on a single network. The connectors allow for flexibility in constructing production lines using CLPA-partner products.
For more information on the solutions available from the 3M Electronic Solutions Division, visit www.3M.com/automation.
