In our February 2016 post we mentioned that the aerospace, military, and high-tech industries are growing rapidly and we are happy to report that Connectronics’ specialized connectors are following suit, keeping up in high demand!
Last fall we brought a new molding machine onto the production line to provide the high-power capabilities we need to help us keep up with orders for rubber insulators and molded components. With the extension of the new machine it was clear that we needed additional physical space for our operations. As a result, we have invested in the construction of a new building to increase capabilities.
Between Connectronics and Wiremax, we currently have 28,000 ft of operational space. The new facility will add approximately 18,000 square feet. This continued work space adds more capacity, storage, and flexibility in meeting the increasing demands for our products.
Overseeing the construction is local contractor Dunipace Building. The work is moving along nicely and we expect the building to be complete this coming September.
As the year rolls on we are looking forward to watching the new building take shape and the continued success of the products and industries we serve. Stay tuned for the next update and contact us in regards to any questions you might have!
New Push/Pull Connectors Feature Quick Coupling Mechanism
Responding to the needs of our customers and the industries we serve, Connectronics isannouncing the release of a new product—the Connectronics PNP Series connectors. This new connector is a product line extension of the High Voltage Lead (HVL) Assemblies ½ series.
As part of our Push N Pull connector series, the new PNP connectors offer a push-pull quick coupling mechanism that holds the connectors in a fully mated condition by use of a canted coil spring. The mated connectors have an operating voltage rating of 10 KVDC through extreme temperature ranges (-55°C to +125°C) and altitudes (to 70,000 ft.).
Although small in size, these lightweight connectors provide extreme reliability and peak performance in applications such as CRT/displays, power supplies, radar, lasers, medical equipment, and ECM equipment. This series does not permit field assembly, so lengths of cable/wire need to be specified prior to ordering.
With the introduction of a new PNP connector, Connectronics continues to be a leader in the design and manufacture of specialized electrical connectors and interconnection systems. Our broad industrial base includes fields such as avionics, aerospace, medical, analytical instruments, nuclear applications and more. Our commitment to excellence and continual product and process improvement ensures that we consistently deliver the highest quality products that meet the needs of our customers.
To learn more about our newest product and all other products in the HVL ½ line series, please view our online catalog or contact us directly.
The excitement of new possibilities always presents itself as we start the new year. It is also a time to plan for future events and prepare for how we will tackle upcoming challenges. Since making connections is what we do, we always have the knowledge to connect the industry to the power it needs.
Our focus on the aerospace and military industries will continue throughout the year as we remain committed to meeting the needs of such a high tech industry. Both industries expect to see continued growth as more manufacturing and innovations continue throughout the year. As technology increases, we will be ready to deliver products for the measurement systems used to keep operations running optimally and safely.
As we discussed in a previous post, specialized electronic systems require state-of-the-art components to handle the multiple functions of innovative aerospace and military designs. Heading into 2016, we are working on expanding our product lines to tackle even more technologically advanced electronics. For example, our SCID series is a redesigned connector system that runs at 30 KVDC operating voltage to handle higher operating conditions. The Nano MIGI hardnose connector is also redesigned to improve the functionality of this high voltage connector.
Wiremax, a Connectronics brand, will also continue to produce the high voltage products that companies have relied upon for years. Wire and cable options from Wiremax, such as Tuffsil Silicon Wire, SIL-Koat Wire, and high voltage wire products can be found on both the Connectronics and Wiremax websites. Ordering is available from both Toledo manufacturing facilities.
We are looking forward to continued success in supplying the specialized connectors and interconnection systems for aerospace and defense industry measurements systems. The radar systems, mass spectrometry units, specialized helmets, and all the other analytical instruments required to deliver efficient and effective operations can rely on the continued dependability of Connectronics and Wiremax components.
From all of us at Connectronics, we wish you a happy new year!
This month, we will be adding a new molding machine for silicone processing to our operations at Connectronics. Once in place and ready to run, the machine will expand our capabilities to provide specialized electronic connectors for the industries we serve. The list consists of: aerospace, defense, entertainment, medical, energy industries and more. The new molding machine will give us high-power production capabilities on site and enable us to keep up with the increasing demand for rubber insulators and other molded parts for our customers.
Our new molding machine is manufactured by ARBURG, a German manufacturer of machinery and technology for plastics processing. ARBURG says their molding machines feature “innovative, cost effective high-end injection molding technology […] to help you reduce unit costs and produce parts conveniently and flexibly […] with an extremely high level of precision.” At Connectronics, we’re looking forward to the cost and time-saving features our new molding machine will offer us. Features include:
• High-precision injection and holding pressure performance
• Energy efficiency
• Cycle-time reduction
• Flexibility through its pivoting clamping unit, and
• Ease-of-operation.
In the end, these features will also provide value and high-quality end results to our customers.
Our investment in this new molding machine is just the latest example of our mission to provide value to our customers. It also reflects our company’s commitment and continuous improvement philosophy. At Connectronics, we are dedicated to providing innovative designs and solutions for customers from all industries who are looking for electronic connectors and interconnection systems for a variety of applications. If you have any questions about our new molding machine, or about our capabilities, please reach out to us through email or call us at 800-965-0020.
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.
Cables for Electrostatic Filters for the Mining Industry: Critical for Worker Safety
Anyone who works within the mining industry can tell you it’s one of the oldest, most important industries out there. Take iron ore, for example: roughly 98% of the world’s iron ore mining/production is used to make steel, and steel is a material we simply can’t live without; it’s actually the most widely used metal in the world. It’s also a major export, and a critical part of manufacturing and our economy.
What many people don’t think about when they use the products that come from iron ore mining are the people who, every day, perform the challenging and labor intensive task of mining. In the past, this was an especially dangerous job, but luckily, new technologies are making the job safer for those who devote their lives to it.
One of these technologies is electrostatic air filters, which use static electricity to clean the air within mines. The air flows through static prone filters, which then create an electrostatic charge. The static charge holds onto any airborne particles, never releasing them until the filters are washed. In this way, air is effectively cleaned in a natural way, creating a safer environment within the mines.
As an added bonus, these types of filters typically are long-lasting and have low operating costs—their use is a win/win.
So where do we at Connectronics fit into this scenario? Connectronics is currently developing cables for the next generation mining filters that will have greater reliability, which leads to lower cost operation.
The client was in need of high voltage cables that would meet all of the needs of this particular equipment, and we were happily up for the task. Likewise, we’re very satisfied, knowing we’re doing our part to keep the air clean and safe for those who take on the crucial job of mining.
Getting Specific About What’s Acceptable – And What’s Not – In the Manufacturing of Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies
In our previous blog post, we started talking about the importance of IPC certification when you’re working with electronics manufacturers and contractors in the aerospace, automotive, military, industrial equipment, medical device, telecommunications, and just about every other industry. In this post, we’re continuing the same conversation while getting more specific about the IPC/WHMA-A-620B Standard.
As we mentioned last month, IPC Standards represent the best practices for the electronics industry on a worldwide basis. Overall, the IPC Standards are developed as industry-consensus documents which offer guidance to a broad audience: electronics suppliers, manufacturers, government agencies, and pretty much anyone involved in the electronics industry. Each of the IPC Standards is a highly focused compilation of guidelines and information pertaining to a specific subject.
The IPC/WHMA-A-620B Standard pulls together necessary inspection and quality acceptance requirements for cable, wire, and harness assemblies and it presents the information in a very visual format. It is a 400-page document that includes 682 detailed, full-color illustrations. It’s the B-revision of IPC/WHMA-A-620 – “Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies” and it contains significant technical updates, according to the Wire Harness Manufacturing Association (WHMA) website.
According to the WHMA, IPC/WHMA-A-620B is an important industry standard and is a joint effort of IPC – Association Connecting Electronics Industries and the WHMA. The WHMA reports, “The revision addresses more than 500 documented comments and recommendations from users throughout the industry and features 125 new or changed illustrations… Some of the most extensive changes appear in the molding and potting section, which has been expanded for increased coverage of Class 2 and 3 requirements… The document also provides new criteria for wires as small as 32 AWG…” The Standard reviews acceptable production practices related to producing soldered, mechanically secured, or crimped interconnections associated with cable and harness assemblies. The Standard covers molding inspection, crimp terminals, splices, twin axle cable assemblies, cable wraps, and more – everything involved with quality-control: design, inspection, and the overall production of cable assemblies and connectors.
That’s why it’s so important to us to have IPC-certified employees and trainers on our staff at Connectronics. During every step of the production process, our engineers and technicians perform in-process inspection of critical features and processes involved in the manufacturing of wire harness assemblies and cable connectors. With the extensive guidance IPC/WHMA-A-620B Standard certification offers we all benefit: Our customers from all types of industries know that they can rely on us to manufacture specialized electronic connectors and interconnection systems that meet and exceed both the industry standards and their own expectations!
Why IPC Certification Matters When You’re Working With Electronic Connector Manufacturers and Designers of Interconnection Systems
Whatever the manufacturing industry (whether it’s aerospace, automotive, military, industrial equipment, medical devices, telecommunications or something else), if you’re involved with electronics in some way, IPC certification definitely matters.
We know this first-hand at Connectronics, because we custom manufacture specialized connectors and interconnection systems for our clients from all types of industries. They appreciate (and we do, as well) the fact that we have IPC J-Standard certified (J-STD-001) professionals on our staff. Through active employee training and a commitment to high quality standards, our employees are specialists focused on the process control protocols and industry-consensus requirements outlined by IPC J-STD-001.
For those of you who might not be familiar with the IPC and the IPC Standards, the IPC was founded in 1957 as the Institute of Printed Circuits. Today, IPC is known throughout the world as the “Association Connecting Electronic Industry” whose primary mission is to serve the estimated $2.17 trillion global electronics industry. In the past six decades, IPC has expanded worldwide and grown to include more than 3,500 member companies. On its website, IPC says it is dedicated to furthering the “competitive excellence and success” of manufacturers and companies that make, use, specify and design printed boards and assemblies. IPC promotes itself as the electronics industry’s source for training, market research and public policy advocacy related to the industry. But, what IPC is best known for in the industry are its published “Standards.”
Overall, IPC Standards represent the best practices for the electronics industry and the entire electronics assembly market segment worldwide. IPC Standards are developed as industry-consensus documents and provide necessary guidance to manufacturers, suppliers, government agencies and everyone involved in the industry. While containing information related to the entire electronics supply chain – from incoming materials and components to final electronics assemblies – IPC Standards are highly focused on specific needs and requirements of the industry.
For instance, IPC J-STD-001 certification is based on the IPC Standard titled “Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies.” To explain IPC J-STD-001 in very basic terms, this standard provides the required process controls for soldering electrical and electronic assemblies in the most efficient and reliable way possible. And that’s why IPC certification matters: Any type of high reliability electronics, including those with high voltage connectors or high current connectors or other specialized connectors, need to be soldered the right way!
If you have any questions about Connectronics’ IPC certifications, please give us a call or email us through our website. [Also, stay tuned: In our next blog, we’ll be telling you more about the IPC WHMA-A-620B Standard for wire harness assemblies and connectors…]
We’re an ISO9001:2000 + AS9100C Manufacturer of High Voltage Connectors, High Current Connectors, Underwater Connectors, & Cable Assemblies
Integrity lies at the heart of any organization, regardless of industry. Level of professionalism and perception of reliability are determined by the talent to remain flexible and operationally effective while consistently hitting expectations and maintaining the highest standards. Although particular standards of quality may vary by activity, there are essential service intangibles that remain inherently constant.
The International Organization for Standardization ensures universally recognized and accepted service standards worldwide. Headquartered in Switzerland, ISO reaches globally to develop, maintain, and administer voluntary sets of standards for products, services, and best practices. Covering virtually any trade, industry, size, or scope, ISO sets the bar for accepted standards of business professionalism.
At the top of numerous standards for various types of services, production, engineering, and manufacturing is ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. An ISO 9001 designation provides a high level of uniform quality control specifications for any operation, public or private. Consistently meeting stringent requirements enables an organization, manufacturer, or service provider to deliver the absolute best product or service time after time and be recognized industry-wide.
In a similar vein, ISO AS9100 is a standardized quality management system covering the aerospace industry. Introduced in 1999 in America by the Society of Automotive Engineers and in Europe by the European Association of Aerospace Industries, AS9100 defines the most rigid and comprehensive requirements assuring quality and safety throughout space technologies and avionics.
The International Aerospace Quality Group drafted AS9100, and it sets the standards system–wide. AS9100 encompasses ISO 9000 as well as provides for additional requirements. To be able to do business in the industry of space aeronautics, an organization must be ISO 9000/ AS9100 compliant and specifically designated as such.
We fully recognize the benefit and necessity of following the AS9100 standards. Not only are we an AS9100C certified company, but we meet ISO9001:2000 certification as well. This certification is intended for use in any organization which designs, develops, manufactures, installs and/or services any product or provides any form of service. It provides a number of requirements which an organization needs to fulfill if it is to achieve customer satisfaction through consistent products and services which meet customer expectations. Learn more about ISO9001:2000 + AS9100C at NSF International.
Connectronics Corp. is a leading custom manufacturer of specialized connectors and interconnector systems with a heavy influence on the aerospace and avionics industries, as well as defense technologies. From research and development to design and fabrication, we produce some of the most durable and precise aerospace hardware found on earth.
This aerospace equipment is designed to operate within excruciatingly tight tolerances and to do so under extreme duress—subject to the most extreme environmental conditions imaginable. Aerospace engineering is a game of micro-, nano-, and even picometers. With the stakes so high and the line between success and failure so narrow, the strictest production standards possible must be met.
Welcome to Connectronics Corporation’s blog. For those who have been around our business from the beginning, we appreciate you tuning in, and for those just joining us, we wanted to talk a little bit about us and what you can expect from not only this blog—but the company as a whole.
Since Tom Ricketts and Al Mocek founded Connectronics in 1988, we’ve seen major expansion and a few changes. Starting out, the idea was to design and manufacture specialty connectors, which was something both men worked with in a previous company they worked for—but they were ready to branch out on their own. Connectronics was there to help satisfy customer demand when a major competitor, Rowe Industries, went out of business.
In 2004, Florida-based Heico’s Heico Electronic Technologies Corp purchased Connectronics to assist in growing the company’s offerings, and now, we’re publically owned. We’ve seen tremendous successes over the past 26 years, and currently, our products are in a variety of industries, including defense, industrial, satellite, and medical. Most notably, our products can function in extreme and harsh environment and, much like our company, can withstand rigorous challenges.
The next step in growing our company is happening right now—we’re getting more connected online. And we’re jumping in to boost our presence by launching this page in addition to our Twitter and LinkedIn profiles. For more information on what we’re about, head over to our website—but don’t forget to subscribe to our blog and check us out on social media.
industries are growing rapidly and we are happy to report that Connectronics’ specialized connectors are following suit, keeping up in high demand!
The new facility will add approximately 18,000 square feet. This continued work space adds more capacity, storage, and flexibility in meeting the increasing demands for our products.
