Turnkey Solutions

Design and Production of Customized Elastomeric Connectors

Z-Axis is able to design connectors in response to customers' challenges with over 12 years of expertise and know-how in this field.

The starting point for all design work is the straight-line flex circuits which are formed, filled, wrapped or embedded in an elastomeric core to create the connector. Standard density is 50 micron conductors on 100 micron centres but higher densities can be achieved if required. The elastomeric connector is then compressed against two substrates to produce the electrical connection. See the Design Centre for further details.

The production facility holds a stock of silicon rubber in various forms which enables a fast reaction time to new requests from the market. This includes those types most commonly used in LCD to PCB interconnections. These can be processed in turn into dimensions based on L x H x W and can be finished as a solid strip or with foam or insulating silicon on one or both sides.

Furthermore, any additional customer requirements relating to wire types; for larger or smaller diameters, flat wire and customized patterning or grouping can be met.

The production set-up is completed by the utilization of fast prototyping techniques which enable plastic shells and holders to be manufactured quickly.

Z-Axis forms rubber to precise tolerances and can create stepped connector elements for sealing or for mechanically complex situations, picture frame elements for peripheral connections, triangular frames to give self-locating capabilities and round or hollow forms for universal placement or to reduce deflection forces. Z-Axis will do their best to accommodate any customer wishes.

Applications

Elastomeric Connectors can create a gasket-like seal for harsh environments, excel in shock or anti-vibration applications and contain redundant electrical paths which permit high-reliability connections. They can be found in cell phones, flight data recorders, radar systems, test equipment and many other electronics assemblies.