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New connectors from those that know
 
 

 
 Sensor specialists ifm electronic improve M12 connector technology.


As sensor market leader ifm electronic has provided plug-in sensors for decades, and this has led to a deep understanding of the engineering requirement. So when it came to designing the new ecolink M12 socket , ifm electronic knew exactly what was needed.

If using tools it’s easy to overtighten an M12 connector, by hand it can be too loose. Either situation results in a poor seal. With the ecolink M12 socket the outer ring of the stainless steel sleeve serves as a seat for the sensor plug. This ensures that the sealing ring is protected against excessive pressure from the coupling nut and ensures permanently high efficiency. Moreover, the sleeve serves as vibration protection.

The cleverly designed saw-tooth type locking of the vibration protection operates asymmetrically. It ensures easy mounting of the connector and, at the same time, a higher locking. In this way an almost complete shock and vibration resistance is obtained. This is proven by tests with 1 million impacts at 750 g.

But even better, the connector can be fitted by hand and still give great performance.

A further improvement for the user has been made in the versions with LED. Most LED connectors consist of a transparent plastic housing through which the LED light is visible. Disadvantage: where there is sunlight or just bright light the LED no longer contrasts with the clear transparent background. Here ifm electronic has found new possibilities and uses black transparent plastic. Light transmission is extremely high so that the light is barely dimmed. The advantage: a very strong contrast between the LED colour and the black housing of the connector.

ecolink M12 is appropriate for operating temperatures of -25...90 °C. The product complies with the cURus approvals and is therefore accepted worldwide.
Manufacturing of the products takes place at the main production site in Tettnang (Baden-Württemberg). Due to the close proximity of the production site to research and development the company can guarantee permanent high quality and a corresponding high flexibility.

Typical demanding applications are in the manufacture of machine tools, in the automotive industry and in dockyard cranes where container spreaders are used. In these applications the connectors are exposed to extreme stress, e.g. oils, coolants, greases, high shocks and vibration.


For more information on M12 ecolink