Binder has expanded its M8 circular connector portfolio with new flange connectors that use solder bucket terminations instead of pre‑molded cables or crimp contacts.
These compact, panel‑mount parts target applications where engineers need custom cable lengths, manual assembly, or small production runs while still meeting industrial protection and interface requirements. For designers and purchasing teams, they close the gap between fully customized wiring and standard cordsets in tight installation spaces.
Key features and benefits
The new M8 flange connectors extend the existing Binder M8 range with a version specifically optimized for manual wiring and flexible cabling strategies. Instead of being constrained to predefined leads, users can bring their own cable and terminate it directly at the connector.
Key characteristics include:
- Flange connector design with solder bucket terminations for direct cable soldering.
- Compliance with IEC 61076‑2‑104, ensuring mechanical and interface compatibility with standard M8 sensor and actuator systems.
- Protection classes IP65, IP67 and IP69K when properly mounted and sealed, supporting washdown and harsh industrial environments.
- Compact, industry‑grade construction suitable for space‑constrained machine and robotics applications.
- Full compatibility with common M8 sensor and actuator interfaces, simplifying integration into existing architectures.
- Availability in both flange plug (male) and flange socket (female) versions, with multiple contact counts.
For engineering teams already using M8 connectivity, the main benefit is the ability to stay within the established interface standard while tailoring harness lengths, cable types, and routing to the real mechanical constraints of the machine.
Typical applications
The solder‑connection M8 flange connectors are aimed at environments where installation space is tight and cable routing is highly application specific.
Typical use cases include:
- Automation and conveyor technology, where sensors and actuators must be wired into compact control panels or machine frames.
- Sensor/actuator cabling on distributed I/O modules and field junction boxes that require flexible cable entry and direction.
- Measurement and test systems, including fixtures, jigs, and custom test setups that frequently use short or unusual cable lengths.
- Robotic systems with limited installation space in joints, wrists, or end‑of‑arm tooling where connector depth and cable exit geometry must be controlled.
- Retrofit and repair scenarios where existing assemblies need to be re‑cabled or adapted without replacing whole cordsets.
Because the parts are designed for manual wiring, they are well suited to low‑to‑medium production volumes, prototyping, and project‑specific machine builds where fully customized overmolded cables would not be economical.
Technical highlights
From a specification standpoint, the new M8 flange devices are standard interface parts with an emphasis on environmental robustness and flexible mounting.
Key technical points:
- Standard M8 interface according to IEC 61076‑2‑104 for signal‑level sensor/actuator connections.
- Protection classes IP65, IP67 and IP69K when used with appropriate sealing and mounting hardware, supporting outdoor use, washdown cleaning, and high‑pressure environments.
- Compact flange design that keeps the connector footprint small on panels and housings.
- Solder bucket terminations sized for direct soldering of individual conductors, enabling the use of customer‑specified cable types (for example, PUR or PVC jacket, shielded or unshielded).
- Designed and laboratory‑tested for industrial mechanical loads and environmental conditions, focusing on long‑term reliability.
In practice, IEC 61076‑2‑104 compliance means that the mating face dimensions, contact arrangement, and locking system are controlled, so an M8 sensor or cable from a compliant ecosystem will mate reliably with these flange connectors. The IP69K rating indicates that, with correct panel sealing, the connector can withstand high‑pressure, high‑temperature spray cleaning, which is important in food, beverage, and similar demanding environments.
Design‑in notes for engineers
When designing in the new M8 flange connectors, a few practical aspects help ensure reliable installations:
- Front vs rear mounting: Front‑mount versions are inserted from the outside of the enclosure and fixed from the inside, while rear‑mount parts are inserted from the inside and secured from the outside. The choice affects assembly sequence, sealing strategy, and serviceability.
- Panel cut‑outs and sealing: The M10×0.75 thread is used to secure the connector in the panel. Correct hole dimensions, flatness, and suitable seals or O‑rings are important to achieve the specified IP protection classes.
- Cable selection and strain relief: Because the termination is via solder cups, you can freely choose cable type and conductor size within the connector’s specified range. For industrial use, combine this with appropriate internal strain relief or potting so that mechanical loads are not transferred to the solder joints.
- Contact count and pin assignment: The available 3‑ and 4‑pole variants fit typical sensor and actuator pinouts (for example, 3‑wire or 4‑wire sensors). Maintain consistent pin numbering and color coding with your existing M8 ecosystem to avoid wiring errors.
- Assembly process: These connectors are intended for manual soldering, which is advantageous for small batches and repairs. Define work instructions for stripping length, soldering temperature, and inspection to keep contact resistance low and ensure repeatable quality.
For purchasing teams, the fact that both male and female, front and rear mount versions share the same interface simplifies stocking and second‑sourcing inside the M8 connector family. The solder‑bucket design also reduces dependence on specific overmolded cable assemblies, which can mitigate lead‑time and minimum‑order‑quantity constraints in project business.
Source
The information in this article is based on the official Binder press release on the M8 flange connectors with solder connection and the associated product detail listings. For full electrical and mechanical specifications, users should always consult the latest manufacturer datasheets.
