Binder has launched an M8 12-pin circular connector, offering miniaturization, flexibility, and performance advantages. The connector is ideal for applications in industrial sensors, measurement, control, regulation technology, camera technology, and robotics. Its compact design specification includes C coding, ensuring consistent plug compatibility. The connector’s high contact density and IP67 protection class make it suitable for harsh industrial environments. The M8 12-pin connector is already used in length measurement systems, laboratory automation, and industrial cameras.
Modern machines and automation systems are becoming smaller and more powerful. In order to make these devices efficient, all components, including the connectors, must take up as little space as possible. The industry’s requirements for compact connectors are driven by several factors: space savings, higher packing density, flexibility, modularity, cost efficiency, improved performance and reliability as well as user-friendliness and ergonomics.
Space-saving and consistent plug compatibility
“The future of automation lies in miniaturization, for which we are already very well positioned with our portfolio of smaller sizes such as M5 and M8. One of the advantages of M8 is that 20 percent less space is required for adjacent connectors than for the next larger series,” explains Guido Werner, product manager at binder.
Guido Werne says ” The new edition of the design specification for M8 circular connectors with screw or snap-in locking DIN EN 61076-2-104 also includes C coding. “This lays the foundation for consistent plug compatibility on the connector market. New possibilities for M8 in signal transmission arise,”.
Despite the high number of contacts, the M8 12-pin circular connector remains compact, which makes it ideal for applications with limited space. The high contact density enables versatile use in a wide range of industrial applications. With protection class IP67, it is ideally suited for harsh industrial environments. The support of C coding and the adaptability to future standards and requirements make it a future-proof solution.
Customer needs were the initial spark – and challenge
The development of the M8 12-pin circular connector was initiated by specific customer requirements. A major customer requested a new generation of length measurement systems that can transmit more than eight signals without increasing the compact size of the M8 circular connector.
“The development of the M8 12-pin connector presented our design and development with several technical challenges. One of the biggest tasks was to accommodate 12 pins on the compact M8 connector face. This was achieved by arranging the contacts symmetrically and introducing five small coding bars. This solution enables safe polarization and protects the sensitive contacts from damage. In production, manual pre-assembly requires a delicate touch. Ultimately, we were able to successfully overcome all challenges thanks to trained personnel and the use of color templates for the precise assembly of the strands,” explains Guido Werner.
Already successfully used in various applications
The M8 12-pin circular connector is now a logical addition to the binder standard product portfolio. The M8 12-pin connectors are already used in length measurement systems from leading manufacturers and by customers in laboratory automation for environmental analysis. M8 12-pin connectors are also already integrated in industrial cameras from well-known manufacturers.