We all understand connectors are an integral part of heavy equipment used in the harshest environments or in heavy-duty off-road applications.
Chances are we've taken their importance for granted—they're unsung, but connectors can be one of the first items put to test and, of course, must be strong and reliable. Over the course of use, these connectors might be coated in grime or caustic materials and exposed to extreme heat or cold operating temperature ranges (-55°C to +125°C).
Yet, these connectors are tasked with doing a vital job—routing electrical signals and maintaining a positive connection at all costs. Obviously, design engineers need the most reliable connectors for their projects.
In this week's New Tech Tuesdays, we'll look at the Amphenol Sine’s DuraMate™ family of connectors and their applications.
Amphenol Sine Systems’ DuraMate™ family features heavy-duty plastic (AHDP) and metal (AHDM) multi-pin circular connectors with a 3 key-way quick-connect, bayonet locking system manufactured to withstand the complexities and challenges of harsh environment off-road applications. The low insertion force stamped & formed or machined terminals offer improved manufacturing efficiencies and standard WTA (Wide Thread Adapter) provides maximum access to rear grommet and improved serviceability. When in the mated condition, the connectors are vibration resistant and compliant with IP69K protection from dust, water, mud, and other contaminants. A high-temperature silicone seal provides an additional barrier from lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and fossil fuels. The water-resistant connectors are ideal for commercial and heavy-duty off-road vehicles, agriculture, construction, and marine applications.
The connectors' backshells, the mechanical device threaded into the rear of an electrical connector, offer standard or compression-fit design to resist maximum pull-out forces and facilitate strain-relief for jacketed cable ranges. The backshells are available in several options (Figure 1). Some backshell options allow for moisture evaporation or weep holes. Accessories include protective caps, additional lock washers, panel nuts, and rubber flange seals.
Figure 1: Amphenol Sine offers a wide range of backshell options. (Source: Amphenol Sine)
DuraMate uses the standard A Series™ Contacts. The A Series™ Contacts are precision connector contacts designed for increased reliability and available in a wide variety of plating combinations and contact types. The machined contact option accommodates wire sizes from 4AWG to 24AWG and current ratings up to 100A. Available in wire sizes from 10 to 22AWG and current ratings up to 25A, the precision-engineered stamped & formed A Series Contacts offer effective wire processing, while ensuring high reliability conductor termination and performance.
The DuraMate AHDP Environmentally-Sealed, Multi-Pin, Heavy-Duty, Circular Connectors have high-strength, impact-resistant lightweight thermoplastic housings and are available in size 24 with 13 insert arrangements and size 18 with six insert arrangements. AHDP includes the new PanelMate™ receptacles for fixed position and secure mounting (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Image of Amphenol Sine PanelMate™ receptacles (Source: Amphenol Sine Systems)
The AHDM metal connectors are designed with zinc-alloy metal housings and are available in size 24 with 13 insert arrangements and in size 18 with six insert arrangements.
Amphenol Sine has connections covered with its diverse array of products. They're a good fit for heavy-duty and harsh-environment applications. Being a good fit is the ultimate solution for connectors.
Tommy Cummings is a freelance writer/editor based in Texas. He's had a journalism career that has spanned more than 40 years. He contributes to Texas Monthly and Oklahoma Today magazines. He's also worked at The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, San Francisco Chronicle, and others. Tommy covered the dot-com boom in Silicon Valley and has been a digital content and audience engagement editor at news outlets. Tommy worked at Mouser Electronics from 2018 to 2021 as a technical content and product content specialist.