Visit the Procter Machinery Guarding web site

Configurable connectors support air and fluid

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 7, 2005

Multi-Contact has expanded its CombiTac configurable connector range to support pneumatic and fluid interconnects alongside electrical power and signal connections in a unified, compact assembly.

Multi-Contact has expanded its successful CombiTac configurable connector range to support pneumatic and fluid interconnects alongside electrical power and signal connections in a unified, compact assembly.

The new options maximise opportunities for equipment designers to save space, reduce bill of materials, and streamline assembly and maintenance.

As a further benefit, Multi-Contact's fluid connectors completely prevent loss or contamination whenever a connection is separated.

The CombiTac range now includes two- and four--pole connector carrier modules, plugs and sockets compatible with 8 and 6mm tubes for pneumatic and fluid systems operating up to 6bar input pressure.

Three styles of fluid connection are available: through connection with no shutoff; single shutoff (one side only); and double shutoff for zero loss.

Potential applications include a wide range of production and process control equipment, appliances, rack-mount equipment and liquid cooled electronics such as power amplifiers and radar systems.

By using the pneumatic and fluid knowledge of parent company Staubli, Multi-Contact has created a system that enables easy attachment and disconnection of liquid cooling equipment, and ensures leak-proof connections during disassembly as well as throughout operation.

CombiTac fluid connectors may also be used with hoses that are prefilled at the factory, avoiding the need to purge and refill circuits.

This prevents ingress of pollutants into the fluid lines and ensures the correct fluid is used.

CombiTac pneumatic and fluid interconnects are compact and lightweight, and also enable connection under differential pressure.

The CombiTac range includes high quality electrical signal connectors such as coaxial connectors in standard sizes, Type K thermocouple, connectors for plastic optical fibres, and a wide range of pin contacts from 1.0 to 8mm diameter, spanning current ratings from 5 to 150A.

Contact carrier options include single-pole carriers for 6m and 8mm contacts, through two-pole carriers for 6mm contacts, up to a 26-pole carrier for 1.0mm diameter contacts.

All CombiTac contact carriers meet IEC60664-1 for creepage distance and clearances, withstand exposure to 2.21kV AC for 1min, and operate from -40 to +90C.

A web-based configurator tool helps customers quickly configure modular connector assemblies on screen, and also provides facilities to request quotes and review dimensional information.

CombiTac connectors can be secured directly on panels using the mounting flanges available, which incorporate guides and provide float.

IP65-rated DIN housings are also available, and allow Combi-Tac connectors to be built into cable assemblies.

Optional coding pins and sockets available for the DIN housings enable up to eight coding variants to prevent incorrect insertion.