3M Crimp Contacts

Crimp contacts are specialised electrical components used to establish secure, metallic connections in wiring and electronic assemblies. Their design involves a tubular structure that allows a striped wire to be inserted. Once the wire is in place, the crimp contact is compressed (or crimped) using a specialised tool, ensuring a tight and mechanically stable connection that maintains optimal electrical conductivity. This connection method is favoured in various industries due to its reliability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. That is why crimp contacts are widely used in automotive, telecommunications, and consumer electronics, where secure and durable connections are essential for proper functionality.

How are crimp contacts used?

Crimp terminal contacts are used to create circuits in general PCB applications. They are attached to a wire or cable to create these connections. Crimp contacts are terminated using a crimp method. A crimp tool is essentially where the wire and connector are attached by compression and reshaping. The standard crimp method, when performed well, provides a secure and reliable connection. Where crimping is involved, it is important to use a quality crimping tool to create a secure connection.

Crimp contacts connect to wires which are compatible in size. Wires are measured using AWG standard or in mm2.

Where are crimp contacts used?

Crimp contacts provide a platform for PCB connectors to attach to. They are commonly used to make PCB sockets and for general PCB prototyping. The connector is mounted onto the printed circuit board, using the contact as an electrical connection. You will find these contacts in many electronics applications, such as household appliances, telecommunications, medical and automotive.

What is contact gender?

Crimp contacts come in different genders. Female connector contacts act like a socket, while male terminal contacts act like a pin or plug.

What are crimp contacts made from?

Crimp contacts can be made from and plated with a range of different materials, like bronze, copper or gold. The different material types will vary with conductivity and quality of connection. Contacts often have a plating of silver or gold for a reliable connection.

Here are some popular materials used for crimp contacts:

• Alloy: Alloys are commonly used for their superior strength and corrosion resistance. They can be tailored to achieve specific properties by combining metals like zinc, nickel, and copper, enhancing the longevity and reliability of crimp contacts.
• Brass: Brass is favoured for its excellent machinability and good conductivity. It is cost-effective and offers good resistance to corrosion. Brass crimp contacts are widely used in applications where a balance between performance and cost is required.
• Bronze: Known for its toughness and resistance to fatigue, bronze is often used in electrical connectors that require a robust material that can withstand mechanical wear. Its corrosion resistance makes it suitable for marine and industrial applications.
• Copper: Copper is one of the most conductive materials available, making it ideal for ensuring low-resistance connections. It is highly ductile, allowing for easy crimping without the risk of breaking. Copper's excellent conductivity makes it a standard choice for maintaining signal integrity.
• Nickel: Nickel is used primarily for its corrosion-resistant properties, especially in harsh environments. It is often used as a plating material over other metals to enhance durability and resist environmental and chemical degradation.
• Steel: Steel crimp contacts are known for their high strength and durability, which makes them suitable for heavy-duty applications. Often plated with materials like tin or nickel, steel contacts can resist high temperatures and mechanical stresses.

Which brands are available for crimp contacts?

When looking for crimp contacts, you have a wide variety of brands to choose from, each offering different features and specifications to suit various applications. Here's a list of the brands available at RS:

• 3M
• Amphenol
• Amphenol Communications Solutions
• Amphenol ICC
• Amphenol Industrial
• Delphi
• Deutsch
• EDAC
• FCT
• HARTING
• HARWIN
• Hirose
• Hirschmann
• ITT Cannon
• JAE
• JST
• Lumberg
• Molex
• Phoenix Contact
• RS PRO
• Samtec
• Souriau
• Stelvio Kontek
• TE Connectivity
• Wurth Elektronik
• Yamaichi

What are the delivery options for crimp contacts?

We offer free next working day delivery in Singapore for online orders of crimp contacts. Please note that deliveries to some regional areas in Singapore may require additional lead time. For more details or assistance, visit our delivery information page or contact our customer service at +65 6865 3400.