The raw materials for connectors primarily consist of plastics and metals.
Plastic materials:
PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): Commonly used in connector products, it offers crack resistance, impact resistance, good electrical properties, wear resistance, a low coefficient of friction, self-lubricating qualities, and resistance to oil and chemicals. It has a shrinkage rate of 0.6%–3.0%, a temperature resistance of around 230°C, and exhibits good moldability and flame retardancy.
Nylon (e.g., Nylon 66, Nylon 6T): Known for good toughness, self-lubrication, chemical resistance, and wear resistance. Nylon 6T offers superior toughness compared to Nylon 66 and is suitable for SMT connectors.
ABS: Features good impact toughness, oil and wear resistance, ease of molding, and rigidity. With a temperature resistance of around 100°C, it is generally used for auxiliary connector components.
PC (Polycarbonate) and LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer): These materials possess excellent electrical insulation and heat resistance, maintaining stable electrical performance at high temperatures, alongside good corrosion resistance and thermal stability.
Metal materials:
The selection of metal materials is primarily based on characteristics such as yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, hardness, and the R/T ratio. These parameters are crucial for connector design and material selection; specifically, when miniaturization is required, choosing materials with excellent bending performance is particularly important.
Material selection depends on the specific application of the connector; for instance, automotive connectors may require superior temperature resistance, whereas connectors for standard electronic devices might prioritize cost-effectiveness and ease of molding.