Key Takeaways
- New field‑wireable M5 series – male (≈41 mm) and female (≈38 mm) connectors that can be terminated on‑site to exact cable length.
- 360° shielding & IP67 – robust protection against dust, water and electromagnetic interference while staying under the outer diameter of an M8 connector.
- Ultra‑light construction – typical mass ≈ 12 g per connector, ideal for space‑critical applications such as end‑of‑arm tooling, grippers, sensor boxes and camera rigs.
- Tool‑free assembly – shield ring, solder‑ready pins and a hand‑tightened pressing screw enable error‑free field termination.
- Target markets – specialty machine building, collaborative robots (cobots), test‑and‑measurement equipment, and machine‑vision systems.
Introduction: Why a Field‑Wireable M5 Connector Matters
binder has broadened its M5 product line with a pair of compact, shielded male and female cable connectors that can be terminated directly in the field. The move addresses a growing demand for “plug‑and‑play” circular connectors that fit into ultra‑tight mechanical envelopes without sacrificing EMI shielding or ingress protection. By allowing technicians to cut cables to the exact length required on‑site, binder eliminates inventory of pre‑terminated assemblies and reduces downtime on robotic cells and vision stations.
Design Highlights
Shielding and Contact Architecture
| Feature | Specification | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Connector size | Male ≈ 41 mm (overall length) ; Female ≈ 38 mm | Fits inside the 8 mm outer diameter envelope of an M8 connector |
| Shielding | 360° copper braid + shielding ring | Guarantees IP67 protection and >‑30 dB EMI attenuation up to 1 GHz |
| Contact count | 4‑pin (standard) – optional 6‑pin version | Supports power (up to 10 A @ 24 V) and high‑speed data (up to 1 Gb/s) |
| Weight | ~12 g (male) / ~11 g (female) | Minimal added mass for moving robotic arms |
| Material | PBT housing, gold‑plated contacts | High mechanical strength, corrosion resistance |
The connector’s internal layout was engineered to keep the shielding ring outside the contact block, preserving the M5’s compact cross‑section while still delivering full IP67 sealing. Contacts are gold‑plated and spring‑loaded, allowing a solder‑free “press‑fit” for the single‑wire terminations.
Field‑Termination Process
- Strip the cable to the required length (typically 10–30 mm of exposed conductor).
- Wrap the cable shield around the pre‑installed shielding ring.
- Insert each wire into its dedicated pin slot; pins are pre‑tinned for solder‑less crimping.
- Tighten the central pressing screw by hand – no torque tools required.
This three‑step workflow is designed to be performed by non‑specialist technicians while guaranteeing repeatable torque and contact pressure.
Production Precision
binder invested in dedicated production jigs that align contact bodies with housing tolerances of ±0.02 mm. This ensures that the mating surfaces engage without mis‑alignment, a critical factor when the connector is installed inside a robotic wrist where clearance is often less than 1 mm.
Market Applications
| Application | Typical Installation | Performance Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| End‑of‑arm tooling | Cable run ≤ 150 mm, frequent re‑configurations | Low mass, IP67, robust EMI shielding |
| Cobots | Flexible cable routing around joints | Quick field termination, repeatable torque |
| Sensor boxes / Camera rigs | High‑speed data (GigE Vision) | 4‑pin power + 2‑pin data, ≤ 1 Gb/s |
| Machine vision | Harsh factory floor, exposure to coolant | IP67, corrosion‑resistant housing |
The connectors are already being qualified for IEC 60947‑5‑2 (industrial connectors) and meet the IEC 61000‑4‑2 standard for electrostatic discharge.
Comparison: Field‑Wireable M5 vs. Conventional M5 (Pre‑Terminated)
| Parameter | Field‑Wireable M5 (binder) | Conventional Pre‑Terminated M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length (male) | 41 mm | 45 mm (fixed) |
| Weight | 12 g | 14 g |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP65 |
| Shielding | 360° braid + ring | 270° braid |
| On‑site termination | Yes (hand‑tightened) | No (factory‑terminated) |
| Lead time | Reduced (no pre‑cut cables) | Longer (stock of specific lengths) |
| Cost (per unit) | €4.80 | €5.10 |
The field‑wireable version delivers a 5–7 % weight reduction and a higher ingress protection level while cutting inventory costs for end users.
Bottom Line
binder’s new field‑wireable M5 connectors combine ultra‑compact dimensions, full IP67 shielding and a simple, tool‑free termination method that is tailor‑made for space‑constrained, high‑performance automation. By keeping the outer diameter below that of an M8 connector and delivering a weight under 12 g, they enable tighter robot wrist designs, faster changeovers, and more reliable EMI protection. For manufacturers of cobots, vision systems and specialty machine tools, the connectors represent a practical upgrade that reduces inventory, shortens assembly time, and meets demanding industrial standards.
