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Connecting the Working Robot
In industrial robotics, doing more in the same space, keeping downtime to a minimum and ensuring the safety of human operators is paramount. Engineers look for ways to raise product quality and performance, address safety and communication protocols and optimize design footprints in space-constrained assembly lines.
The path to these improvements often intersects with the trends in connectivity solutions. Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology, for instance, can double the data transfer rate in industrial settings while supplying consistent power quality. Other developments have resulted in ultra-rugged connectors for compact assemblies and sensors, protected against factory hazards while also miniaturized through advanced engineering and precision machining.
Molex is an industry leader in industrial connectivity and communication solutions. Our broad product line of industrial robot connectors enables smart manufacturing with the long-term reliability that ensures safety, space-saving designs that foster production-line flexibility and “plug and play” options that reduce downtime.
Featured Products
Robot Arm Cables and Connectors
To create flexible manufacturing environments, system planners employ adaptable robot arms that can meet changing needs in space utilization and assembly line tasks. Molex industrial-grade connectors feature optimized performance and miniaturized form factors, offering various circuit sizes, plating options, mounting choices, and mating heights to meet dynamic requirements. Shielded cables are available in a range of configurations, all designed to withstand harsh conditions and accommodate constant movement and bending to enable use with robotic arms.
Power & Signal
Configuration | Circuits | Voltage (max.) | Current per Contact (max.) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
GWConnect Heavy-Duty Connectors | 2 to 216 | 830V | 100.0A | |
CRC Connectors | I/O Connectors | 4 to 50 | 250V AC (RMS)/DC | 1.0 to 15.0A |
Industrial Data Connectivity
Coding | Poles | IP Rating | Field Attachables | Shielded | Cable Material and Length | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Micro-Change M12 Connectors | X-Code, D-Code | 4, 8 | IP67/IP68 | Yes | Shielded or unshielded | PUR, PVC, weld-slag oil-resistant (WSOR) TPE up to 100m |
Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) Connectors and Cable Assemblies | T1 | IP20, IP65/IP67 | Yes | Shielded | PUR and TPE up to 40m |
Internal Data Connectivity
Pitch | Circuits | Current (Max per Contact) | Wire Gauge | Operating Temperature | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SL Connectors | 2.54mm | 2 to 25 | 3.0A | 2 to 50 AWG | -40 to 105°C |
Squba Connectors | 1.80, 3.60mm | 2 to 10 | 14.0A | 16 to 24 AWG | -40 to 105°C |
High Power
Pin Size | Circuits | Current (Max per Contact) | Voltage | Operating Temperature | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sentrality Pin and Socket Connectors | 3.40, 6.00, 8.00, 11.00mm | Single | 350.0A | 600V | -40 to 125°C |
SW1 Connectors | 6.00, 8.00, 11.00mm | Single | 300.0A | 1,000V | -40 to 125°C |
Industrial Cables
Insulation / Jacket Material | Torsion | Data Speeds / Data Transmission |
Network Protocols |
Voltage (Max) | Certification | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cables for Industrial Automation | TPE or halogen‑free PUR | Cycles 5 Mill Range up to 270°/m |
Up to 10 Gbps / Up to 600 MHz |
EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, SPE |
1,000V | UL/CSA, UKCA, CE, RoHS |
Servo Motors and Drive Connectors
Servo motors and drives for factory floor robotics demand robust, high-resistance components capable of enduring vibration and harsh conditions, including temperature extremes, dust and moisture. Molex industrial solutions offer rugged, compact connector systems with Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) locks to mitigate the risk of terminal backout and disconnection in high-vibration environments. Our IP-rated sealed connectors prevent dust and moisture from interfering with connection points.
Power, Brake & Encoder I/O
Circuits | Voltage | IP Rating | Current (Max per Contact) | Field Attachables | Shielded | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GW Connect Heavy-Duty Connectors | 2 to 216 | 250V 10.0A/16.0A, 230/400V 16.0A, 500V 16.0A, 830V 35/80.0A, 460/690 + 250V 4x40.0A + 2x10.0A |
100.0A | x | Shielded | |
M23 Connectors | 6 to 19 | IP67 | 28.0A | x | Shielded | |
Brad Power | 3 to 4 | 600V rated | IP67, IP68, IP69k | 32.0A | x | Shielded or unshielded |
Encoder Internal Connections
Pitch | Circuits | Current (Max per Contact) | Wire Gauge | Voltage (Max) | Operating Temperature | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zero-Hachi Connectors | 0.80mm | 2 to 20 | 1.5A (2 to 6 circuits), 1.0A (7 to 20 circuits) |
28 to 32 AWG | 30V | -40 to +105°C |
FFC / FPC Connectors | 0.20 to 2.00mm | 2 to 120 | 0.5A | 50V | Up to +150°C | |
Mini-Lock Connectors | 2.50mm | 2 to 15 | 3.5A | 20 to 26 AWG | 250V | Up to 120°C |
Servo Drives Internal Connection
Pitch | Circuits | Current (Max per Contact) | Wire Gauge | Voltage (Max) | Operating Temperature | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SlimStack Connectors | 0.35 to 1.25mm | 6 to 240 | 15.0A | 100V | Up to 125°C | |
KK Connectors | 2.50, 3.00, 3.96mm | 1 to 16 | 6.5, 11.0A | 18 to 28 AWG | 350V | -40 to 105°C |
Micro-Fit Connectors | 3.00mm | 2 to 24 | 10.5A | 18 to 30 AWG | 600V | Up to 105°C |
Mini-Fit Connectors | 4.20mm | 4 to 18 | 20.5A | 14 to 28 AWG | 600V | Up to 105°C |
Peripheral & Network I/O
Configuration | Circuits | Current | Data Speed | Voltage (Max) | Operating Temperature | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USB Connectors | Up to 24 | 3.0, 5.0, 6.0A | Up to 40 Gbps | 48V | -30 to +85°C -40 to +85°C |
|
Magnetic and Modular Jacks and Plugs | 4, 6, 8 | 10 to 1,000 Mbps | ||||
2.00mm I/O Connectors | Wire-to-board Wire-to-wire |
6, 8, 10 | 0.5 to 2.0A | 40V (6 circuit) 125V (8, 10 circuit) |
-25 to +85°C (6 circuit) -40 to +85°C (8, 10 circuit) |
End-of-Arm Connectivity and Communication Solutions
The factory robot needs exceptionally flexible hardware to minimize downtime during upgrades, maintenance and configuration changes. I/O modules for end-of-arm applications provide this agility while delivering superior performance and reliability in diverse working conditions. The Molex Industrial Automation product line features quick connect and rapid startup capabilities, enabling fast swapping of multiple end-arm tools with protocol connections within 250 to 750 milliseconds.
Industrial I/O Modules
Input Voltage | Current | Power Consumption (Max) | Data Speeds | Network Protocols | IP Rating | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Industrial I/O Modules | 24V DC, -15/+20% | 1.0A (4 sourcing outputs) 2.0A (2 bipolar outputs) |
240W | 100 Mbps | CANopen, CIP Safety, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, |
IP67 |
Power & Signal Connectivity
Poles (Circuits) | Voltage | Current (Max per Contact) | Field Attachables | Shielded | Cable Material & Length | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DIN Valve Connectors | 2, 3 | 24V DC / 230V AC | 16.0A | x | Unshielded | PUR, PVC, weld-slag oil-resistant (WSOR) TPE up to 10m |
Nano-Change M8 | 3, 4, 5 | 60V AC / 75V DC up to 4.0A | 4.0A | x | Shielded or unshielded | PUR, PVC, weld-slag oil-resistant (WSOR) TPE up to 100m |
GWConnect Heavy-Duty Connectors | 2 to 216 | 250V 10.0A/16.0A, 230/400V 16.0A, 500V 16.0A, 830V 35/80.0A, 460/690 + 250V 4x40.0A + 2x10.0A |
100.0A | x | Shielded or unshielded | |
Mini-Change Connectors | 2 to 12, 14, 19 | Up to 600V AC | 10.0A | x | Shielded or unshielded | PUR, PVC, weld-slag oil-resistant (WSOR) TPE up to 100m |
Brad M12 Power L-Code Connector System | 4, 5 | 63V AC/DC | 16.0A | x | Shielded or unshielded | PUR, PVC, weld-slag oil-resistant (WSOR) TPE up to 20m |
Industrial Data Connectivity
Coding | Poles | IP Rating | Current (Max per Contact) | Field Attachables | Shielded | Cable Material & Length | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Micro-Change M12 Connectors | X‑Code, D‑Code |
4, 8 | IP67, IP68 | x | Shielded or unshielded | PUR, PVC, weld-slag oil-resistant (WSOR) TPE up to 100m |
|
Brad M12 Ultra-Lock 2.0 | A‑Code, D‑Code |
3, 4, 5, 8, 12 | IP69k (22 AWG shielded cable), IP67 (all other cables) |
4.0A | x | Shielded or unshielded | PUR, PVC, weld-slag oil-resistant (WSOR) TPE up to 100m |
Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) Connectors and Cable Assemblies | T1 | IP20, IP65, IP67 | x | Shielded | PUR and TPE up to 40m |