Contacts
Deutsch, TE, & Amphenol Pins and Sockets
What Are Contacts?
Contacts are the metal pins and sockets that are used to make electrical connections within connectors. These contacts are designed to securely mate with each other and provide reliable electrical connections. Contacts come in different sizes and styles to accommodate different wire gauges and current carrying capacities.
What is the Difference Between Solid and Stamped & Formed Contacts?
There are two types of contacts available: Solid and Stamped & Formed. Both contact types use a crimp style termination, eliminating the need for solder. The variation in the contact system are those dictate by wire gauge and contact style.
Solid Contacts: The solid contacts are designed for use with larger wire size and heavy duty applications. Solid contacts are manufactured used a cold heading process with solid copper alloy wire and are available with either a nickel or gold plating finish. Solid contacts terminate wire from 4 AWG to 20 AWG.
Stamped & Formed Contacts: Stamped & formed contacts are designed for use where wire termination costs are of primary concern without sacrificing reliability of electrical circuits. The stamped & formed contacts are made on a precision stamping machine using flat strip stock, then a durable and corrosion proof nickel, tin, or optional gold plating is applied. The stamped & formed style contacts terminate wire from 10 AWG to 22 AWG.
Crimping Your Contacts
Solid as well as Stamped & Formed contacts are designed for crimp style terminations – No solder is required or recommended. A crimp style termination displaces the wire strands creating a superior bond between the wire and the contact. WireCare® offers a wide range of crimping tools for both solid and stamped & formed contacts. Check out the different Crimper options.
When To Use Gold Vs. Nickel Contacts
Deutsch Contacts (pins & sockets) are manufactured from 98% pure copper and then plated with either Nickel or Gold. Nickel plating is commonly used for power & control circuits. Gold plated contacts are intended for use with low voltage and amperage circuits like sensors and data transmission circuits.
Rounded
FLEXO® Rounded is a premium process where FLEXO® products are rounded for improved aesthetics, spring, and installation time.
FLEXO® Rounded can retain its form for the lifetime of the product. It is commonly used in both retail and medical applications.
Notice: Longer lengths of product may lose some of its shape when applied to or shipped on a spool. Adding the Rounded option may increase the processing time of your order by up to 48 hours.