A plastic circular connector is a connector with a cylindrical basic structure and a circular insertion surface. The cylindrical structure of the connector is scientifically robust, with a strength-to-weight ratio higher than any other shape. Plastic circular connectors are easy to process and seal with universal machine tools. Insert and unload, locking mechanism is simple and firm. Plastic circular connector after decades of development, the process is complete and reasonable, high reliability. Therefore, various connectors are used to implement parts and cables. Plastic circular connectors are preferred for cable connections.The overall development trend of circular connectors is miniaturization. High density, high performance, high reliability. The demand for military equipment is the main driving force for the development of circular electric connector plug-in technology and market. The basic structure of the universal plastic circular connector plug-in consists of a contactor, a housing part, an insulation part and an accessory.
The contact part is the core part of the connector to complete the electrical connection function. Generally, the contact pair is formed by the insert PIN and the jack, through the Yin and Yang contact parts (the electrical connection of the male and female PIN is the key component of the electrical connector). The contacts are generally made of copper. The front end is the part that effectively contacts the plug and plug, and the back end is used for connecting with the wire, printing plate and so on.Pins and jacks are the key components of electrical connectors, which directly affect the reliability of electrical connectors. The surface is plated with silver and gold to achieve small contact resistance and anti-corrosion purposes. In order to adapt to the product’s high temperature resistance, low temperature, flame retardant, to ensure that the geometric size of the parts is stable and reliable. Insulators are mostly molded from thermosetting plastics. The interface sealing body and the sealing line body are formed by silicone rubber molding. The pin and jack is the general name of the contact body, which is divided into welding type, screw connection, etc., to achieve circuit connection. In this way, it is faster and safer.
Housing – M12 connector housing refers to the plug socket housing, connecting nuts, tail accessories. The function of the housing is to protect the internal parts of the M12 connector, such as insulators and contacts (common name for pin jacks) from damage. The upper positioning keyway ensures plug and socket positioning. Connection nuts are used for connector connection and separation. The tail attachment is used to protect the wire and contact end from damage and is used to secure the cable. The shell also has a fixed electromagnetic shielding effect and waterproof function. The shell is generally made of plastic processing (machine adding, cold extrusion, die casting). The steel shell is mostly used for glass sealing welding and high temperature resistance electrical connectors.
The insulator consists of a pin insulator, a jack insulator, an interface sealing body, a wire sealing body, etc. It is used to keep the pin jack in the set position and to insulate each contact and each contact with the housing. The sealing measures are obtained by adding the interface sealing body and the wire sealing body to improve the environmental resistance of the electrical connector.
The plastic circular connector is divided into two models, one is the M8 plastic circular connector and the other is the M12 plastic circular connector.The M8 and M12 plastic circular connectors are two commonly used types of connectors in industrial applications, known for their durability and reliability in extreme environments. While both connectors serve similar purposes of establishing electrical connections, they differ in terms of size, pin count, and application-specific features.
The M8 plastic circular connector, as the name suggests, has a form factor that measures 8 millimeters in diameter. It is characterized by its compact size and is often used in applications where space is limited. The M8 connector typically consists of 3 to 4 pins arranged in a circular configuration, which allows for the transmission of power or data signals. It is commonly used in sensors, actuators, and small control devices.
On the other hand, the M12 plastic circular connector is larger in size with a diameter of 12 millimeters. It is designed to accommodate a greater number of pins, ranging from 3 to 12, depending on the specific variant. The M12 plastic circular connector is often used in applications that require higher pin counts or the transmission of more complex signals, such as Ethernet or Fieldbus communications. It is commonly found in industrial automation systems, robotics, and machinery.
One of the key differences between the M8 and M12 plastic circular connectors lies in their pin counts. While the M8 plastic circular connector typically has 3 to 4 pins, the M12 connector offers a wider range of pin configurations, making it more versatile in terms of the types of signals it can carry. This flexibility allows the M12 plastic circular connector to be used in various applications that require different pin counts, such as analog, digital, or communication signals.
Another important distinction between the two connectors is their application-specific features. The M12 plastic circular connector is available in different variants, each designed for specific purposes. For instance, the M12 plastic circular connector can be found in A-coded, B-coded, D-coded, or X-coded versions, each with its own unique pin arrangement and coding to ensure compatibility and prevent mismating. This coding system is especially important in applications where multiple M12 connectors are used, as it helps avoid connection errors.
Furthermore, the M12 plastic circular connector is often designed to provide a higher degree of environmental protection. It is commonly available in IP67 or IP68 rated versions, which means it is dust-tight and can withstand temporary immersion in water. This makes the M12 plastic circular connector suitable for applications where exposure to moisture, dirt, or other harsh conditions is expected. In contrast, the M8 plastic circular connector may have lower IP ratings, typically ranging from IP65 to IP67, depending on the manufacturer and specific design.
The size difference between the M8 and M12 plastic circular connectors also affects their mechanical properties.
Due to its smaller size, the M8 plastic circular connector is generally more lightweight and compact, making it suitable for applications where space is limited or weight reduction is desired. The M12 connector, being larger, tends to have a more robust construction, allowing it to withstand higher mechanical stresses and provide greater resistance to vibration and shock.
In terms of installation, both the M8 and M12 plastic circular connectors are typically available in screw-type or quick-locking variants. The screw-type connectors provide a secure and reliable connection but require more time and effort for installation and removal. Quick-locking connectors, on the other hand, offer a faster and easier installation process, making them more convenient for applications where frequent connection and disconnection are required.
While the M8 and M12 plastic circular connectors are similar in their ability to establish electrical connections, they differ in terms of size, pin count, application-specific features, and mechanical properties. The M8 plastic circular connector is smaller and more compact, with a lower pin count, making it suitable for space-constrained applications. In contrast, the M12 plastic circular connector is larger, offers a wider range of pin configurations, and often includes additional features like coding and higher environmental protection. The choice between the two connectors depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as pin count, signal type, environmental conditions, and installation considerations.
