| An extension to the variety of terminators, which can be fitted to its range of flexible connectors, has been announced by Mettex Electric Co. Ltd, UK, following the installation of new induction heating equipment. Flexible connectors are available from Mettex in a range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, including copper, tin-plated copper, stainless steel, etc., being made from either braid or stranded conductors. To maintain the integrity and current carrying capacity of the connector, it is important that the correct type of termination is employed. According to type, this can be a compressed ferrule, a crimped terminal, a swaged ferrule or an ultrasonically welded termination. Solder dipping is also used when appropriate but for critical high-current applications, such as earth connections, specially machined terminations are used into which the flexible connector is soldered.
The new induction heating equipment addresses this requirement by facilitating the soldering of individual connectors in bulk quantities. The induction heating process ensures the relatively high-mass of the terminal that is sufficiently heated to provide high-mechanical and electrical integrity between connector and termination. Mettex is the largest UK manufacturer of flexible braid and braid-related products, including screening braids, flexible connectors, busbar assemblies, flat and circular braids, cords and strands, as well as over-braiding and wire mesh.
Photo: Induction heating equipment installed at Mettex Electric Co. Ltd, with a typical end use of the terminated flexible connector |
