1. Optimized Design Solutions:
Custom connectors allow for 100% custom design specifications, which can save money long-term by utilizing optimized design solutions. They can be designed to replace multiple catalog connectors, reducing the need for bulkier components and performing the job of several connectors at once. This not only simplifies the design but also cuts down on material costs and potential points of failure.
2. Faster Prototyping and Manufacturing:
Companies like Plastronics offer rapid prototype technology through in-house printing, milling, and molding. This makes it easier and more cost-effective to design a connector that fits the specific application and space, reducing development time to as quick as a couple of weeks. The fully integrated in-house manufacturing process also eliminates the threat of product or material supply delays, which can be a significant cost saver.
3. Space Saving:
Custom connectors can be designed to save space on the board, enabling the overall application to be smaller and lighter. This can free up space to increase functionality or reduce the size and weight of the final product, which can lead to cost savings in materials and shipping.
4. Reduced Assembly Costs:
Custom connectors can help reduce labor costs by simplifying the assembly process. For example, EDAC's custom connector solutions have been used to reduce the labor associated with installing a panel connector by creating a 90-degree panel connector that could be directly soldered to a PCB, reducing costs, labor, and improving reliability.
5. Cost-Effective Materials:
Custom connectors can be designed with cost-effective materials that meet the necessary environmental and performance requirements. Experienced connector manufacturers like EDAC can provide suitable choices for materials and connector styles that have been proven in the field, which can help reduce costs.
6. Enhanced Reliability and Durability:
Custom connectors can be built with high-reliability contacts and materials that resist shock and vibration, reducing the need for maintenance and replacement, and thus lowering long-term costs.
7. Modular Design:
Custom connectors can enable modular machine design, which is faster and less expensive to build. Pre-built, tested, and stocked modules can be used for installation, ensuring wiring integrity and reducing the potential for errors and associated costs.
8. Quicker Commissioning and Maintenance:
Connectorized machines have a true plug-and-play startup process, eliminating the need for rewiring in the field and the possibility of wiring mistakes. This reduces costly troubleshooting or replacement of damaged components. Additionally, maintenance is faster and simpler with connectorized systems, as replacing components is as quick as installing the new parts on the machine.
9. Avoiding Hidden Costs:
Hardwiring may seem to minimize wire installation costs, but it can lead to hidden costs such as disassembly and reassembly for shipping, field wiring errors, and complex testing. Connectorization avoids these costs by providing a more streamlined and error-free installation process.
By considering these benefits, it's clear that custom connectors can offer significant cost savings throughout the production process, from design and manufacturing to maintenance and machine downtime.
