Demanding Underwater Applications Require Reliable Underwater Connectors
As we know, water and electricity don’t mix. In fact, it is a deadly and disastrous combination; however, there are many applications that require electrical equipment to be in or near water. It is imperative that the right equipment is used to provide effectiveness and safety as a result of this factor.
One of our most specialized cable and connector series is designed and manufactured to 
meet the requirements of underwater applications. With a critical water sealing interface, the UWC Series provides the reliable performance needed in underwater cables and connectors. Featuring stainless steel hardware and water sealing over-molding, our components are the first choice for a wide range of industries, including water treatment to scientific research.
It is our work with numerous industry professionals that allows us to understand the specific and precise needs of working in a water environment. In a previous post we touched on our partnership with Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI). YSI develops global water monitoring solutions for clients concerned with climate change, drought, floods, clean drinking water, healthy ecosystems, and storm water runoff. Our 20-year connection (pun intended) has enabled YSI to develop instruments and data collection platforms for environmental testing and monitoring.
In order for these instruments to work effectively, the connectors must be secure and reliable. That is why YSI has chosen Connectronics as a partner. Our connectors can meet the needs of demanding underwater conditions. The cables have PVC insulation, a foil shield, polyurethane jacket and the plug, itself, is insulated with neoprene rubber. With a proper seal, the glass-filled epoxy, insulated receptacle, and stainless steel connector all work together to ensure that the connections are protected against water infiltration.
Applications for YSI and Connectronics equipment hit close to home as Ohio faces water
crisis’ such as blooming algae that threatens the water in Lake Erie. Last year was the first year the local area started to monitor the 
water quality and found large concentrations of blue-green algae. This ongoing threat continues to be a cause of concern for “conservation groups and Ohio business, farming, and government officials.” As an Ohio native business, we are just as concerned and have a stake in handling this issue successfully.
As the old saying goes, “Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink.” With the monitoring solutions of YSI and the interconnection components supplied by Connectronics, we feel confident that reliable and valuable information will be available to scientists, officials, and policymakers for a solution to keeping the water in oceans, streams, and lakes safe.
For further information on our products and services that we offer give us a call at 800-965-0020.
Revolutionizing the Material Handling Industry
Material handling is a large component of the manufacturing industry. Moving raw materials and finished goods through production and after assembly involves various methods, systems, and equipment. Automated material handling solutions are a large part of today’s manufacturing environment and is comprised of innovative products designed on improving competitiveness in fast growing markets.
One company making headlines in material handling applications is Grabit. This new startup utilizes electroadhesion technology that is ideal for handling delicate and difficult to grasp parts without needing custom or part-specific components. Patented 
electroadhesion is a disruptive technology that is highly flexible and provides gentle handling with uniform and non-compressive grasping. The reduced complexity of this system means lighter duty robots can be employed throughout the facility without the need for vacuum hoses and pumps.
Electroadhesion uses electrons on the top surface of grippers that are programmed to match the product that needs to be moved. The programmable gripper can handle a wide variety of products and sizes with ease. We were very impressed with the demo of the product. It could move 1 piece of material at a time and then be easily reprogrammed to move 3 pieces at one time. It effortlessly kept up with demand.
When a new technology enters the market it is often difficult to determine if it will be have an impact on current methods. Well, Grabit’s grippers and fixture solutions 
are sure to improve efficiencies in manufacturing and warehouse automation. The well designed and manufactured components include panel grippers, Each Pick (for unwrapped products), case picking solutions, and smart conveyors, all of which are supported by high voltage cables and connectors provided by Connectronics!
We are proud to be contributing to the success of this startup by working with Grabit to offer the market a new solution to improve automated material handling solutions. As a high tech but, low energy system, the electroadhesion technology supports adding collaborative robots into current systems and improving manufacturing operations across a broad range of industries.
