Achieve flexible manufacturing with robust connector solutions

AS THE industrial manufacturing landscape continues to evolve following the disruption of the last couple of years, the requirements for connectors become more challenging. In order to meet the demands of modular manufacturing, businesses now need the ability to change configurations quickly and efficiently.

However, this process needs to be as uncomplicated as possible as unscheduled downtime in production is extremely costly for businesses.

In addition, the connections themselves need to be secure and durable in order to withstand the rigours of demanding environments. Harting Technology Group is skilled at producing robust industrial connectors and their latest connectivity solutions give manufacturers simple yet reliable solutions.

Han-Eco B is a new series of hoods and housings, available in a range of designs including bulkhead, surface mount, and cable-to-cable. Han-Eco products are manufactured from high-performance polyamide plastic, which complies with standards IEC 61948 and EN 45545-2.

Time-saving applications

The range offers IP65 protection and substantial weight savings compared to traditional metal housings. In addition, the hoods and housings are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

The main advantage of using Han-Eco in control panels is the time-savings that can be achieved, thanks to the option of rear mounting inserts. Engineers no longer need to install cables through the bulkhead mounted housing before assembling the contact inserts. Instead, pre-assembled inserts are directly snapped into the housing from the rear, simplifying assembly and saving time. This design feature also allows user to pre-assemble the switch cabinet units and cable harnesses separately, further improving efficiency and time-savings.   

Han-Eco housings are compatible with both monobloc and modular inserts, the latter in conjunction with the Han-Modular hinged frame, offering a variety of data, signal and power options. Additionally, Han-Eco is entirely compatible with standard metal Han housings, meaning both variants can be integrated into production equipment.

The role of modularisation

Modularisation is a key factor in the move towards smart factories and versatile production processes. Modular machinery and facility units can be easily connected to each other and modified, meaning manufacturers can benefit from adaptable production processes and speedier maintenance and servicing.

Nearly 30 years after releasing the Han-Modular range, Harting is launching the next stage of the modular connector. Han-Modular Domino modules offer significant improvements for control panel installations by providing up to 50% space savings against existing designs.

Just as dominoes have two separate squares, a domino module is made up of two building blocks or ‘cubes’. The Han-Modular mating face is divided in two, resulting in an almost square surface in which even larger contacts can be accommodated. 

These cubes allow users to configure customised connectors which are exactly tailored to their design requirements. Power, signal, data or compressed air as well as male and female contacts can now be combined in one module, reducing the total number of interfaces required.

Small is better

Also, as the connection technology becomes smaller and more lightweight, users can now fit more modules and module types than before into one connector. As a result, assembly areas and control panels which are difficult to reach can be equipped more efficiently or even opened up for assembly in the first place. 

With the addition of the new Domino range there are now over 250 modules to choose from and many thousands of potential combinations available, increasing design flexibility. The new Domino modules are also compatible with standard components of the Han-Modular series, so they can be easily integrated into existing systems.

Brian Coyle is product manager at Harting

For more information: 

www.harting.com

Tel: 01604 827500