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Intercompact connector series consolidates the strong partnership with Grafikontrol

Grafikontrol recently turned to Smiths Interconnect for an interconnect solution; this was for a new register control system for automatic graphic control in machines for commercial and newspaper printing.

Grafikontrol  needed a connector for the register control system utilizing automatic graphic controls
Grafikontrol needed a connector for the register control system utilizing automatic graphic controls

Background

Modern manufacturers of industry equipment always need to improve the quality and technology of their machinery to be able to keep up with the current market and competition challenges.
 
Smiths Interconnect and Grafikontrol have walked alongside each other for more than 40 years. They have been able to collaborate and evolve by developing new, highly innovative projects with a supplier-customer relationship based on trust and security to rely on each other’s competences.
 
Throughout the years, Smiths interconnect has supplied multiple highly reliable PCB connectors to Grafikontrol for their graphic industry equipment which primary objectives were to improve print quality, reduce downtime, and print waste.

The Challenge

Grafikontrol recently turned to Smiths Interconnect for an interconnect solution; this was for a new register control system for automatic graphic control in machines for commercial and newspaper printing. It was quite clear that the challenge for us was to find a product that could ensure the usual reliability our products are known for, while guaranteeing the demanding connection possibilities for all input and output signals that the new generation of graphic machines require.
 
In response, the new Intercompact connector Series was the natural proposal to the above demands as these new connectors had just been optimized and qualified by Smiths Interconnect for the new generation of Electronic Control Units.

41-way Intercompact Connectors

The Solution

Our 60-way and 41-way Intercompact connectors were selected by the customer for the technical performance with the possibility to support up to 220V and for dependable connection possibilities for all I/O signals of the machinery control unit. Correspondingly, the proven Hypertac® hyperboloid contact technology with its low insertion force and the reduced size of the connectors were a key factor for the customer choice.

Product Details

In addition, the Series is qualified in compliance with the main European Railway standards (i.e. EN45545-2, NF F61030, EN50155:2017, STM-S-001ind.D and more) and also in accordance with MIL-C-28748 and MIL-STD-202-301 standards, and EIA and IEC standards for Contact Resistance and Environmental testing. It is offered with insulators in Liquid Cristal Polymer material to provide an optimized insulation resistance for severe environment conditions. Combined, the contact technology, brand reputation and design flexibility of our new Intercompact series have contributed to consolidate a strong, long-standing business partnership. The continuous reciprocal willingness to innovate remains proudly alive within Smiths Interconnect.

“It is an honor for Smiths Interconnect to be an appreciated partner of recognized company like Grafikontrol, an excellence in the global scenery of the graphic industry” said Giuseppe Lancella, Commercial Director of the Connector Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect. “The choice of our new Intercompact connectors confirms that our companies are able once again to grow together to achieve the maximum reliability”.

 

"Our decision to use Smiths Interconnect was a winning one, we have obtained the needed results for reliability, mechanical resistance and quality of the power supply and input/output signals used."

RD&T Manager at Grafikontrol