Ultra-Lock Connection System®

Molex Incorporated

We are all familiar with the typical consumer input/output (I/O) connection systems (how many times have you had to plug in your TV to a tuner? You push and screw hoping to get the connection so you can turn your TV on). In an industrial environment, there are sometimes hundreds of these types of connection systems on the manufacturing plant floor that require frequent connecting/disconnecting. Users must make sure that they make the connection each and every time or they run the risk of equipment downtime or even failure. In addition, users are at risk for physical harm due to the repetition of connecting (it takes time and effort to ensure accuracy). With the Molex Ultra-Lock Connection System, you push to connect, pull to disconnect, eliminating all the effort required to make the right connection. The risk of equipment downtime and harm to users is virtually eliminated. In addition, the patented “push-to-lock” system ensures a fast, reliable, and strong connection every time, saving time and money.

In industrial manufacturing environments sealed, rugged connectors are used to provide connections to field sensors and other I/O devices that are integral to highly automated machines. These connections are mission critical, as any fault at this level is very hard to detect and can bring down a production line with serious lost of productivity. Compounding this problem is the fact that it is not uncommon for fully automated machines to have a high concentration of I/O devices – oftentimes in the hundreds.

Traditionally, I/O connections are made with a connector featuring a threaded coupling that provides ruggedness and environmental sealing. However, the operator must completely thread down the connector to ensure optimal sealing performance. Due to fatigue and time to accomplish, this critical step is not always properly done.

The Ultra-Lock Connection System, developed by Molex Incorporated, is the next generation of connectors for I/O connectivity. Ultra-Lock is a push on, positive locking connector with a unique radial seal design that delivers a secure, consistent seal each and every time new with one simple push. It works by “pushing down” to connect and “pulling up” to disconnect.

The push-to-lock technology of the Ultra-Lock Connection System can eliminate manufacturing downtime, increase productivity and lower costs. Intermittent signals caused by the inconsistent tightening of threaded connectors can strike at the worst possible time. When a system goes down or is plagued by repeated troubleshooting, material can be damaged, machinery is at risk and productivity grinds to a halt. As a result, revenues and profits are lost.

With Molex’s Ultra-Lock Connection System – unlike traditional threaded connectors – there is no chance of under- or over-tightening and no need to turn, twist or even touch the coupler, making hard-to-reach connections a snap. With one simple push, the unique radial seal design delivers a secure, consistent seal each and every time. This reduces installation time by up to 93 percent.

The Ultra-Lock Connection System is also backward-compatible with existing M12 threaded connectors. It is available with materials and components specifically designed to withstand the harsh chemical, temperature and washdown environments of food and beverage industries and other plant sanitation requirements for pharmaceutical and personal care products.

The system is made with an IP69K industrial strength seal, the highest grade 316 stainless steel hardware, a 100 degree Celsius rated overmold, a cable jacket material and a chemical-resistant EPDM O-ring with a high-temp engineered plastic contact carrier.

Available from 3 to 12 circuits in a tight 18mm footprint, the Ultra-Lock Connection System covers a large array of possible applications that extend past more conventional automation machine I/O connectivity.

For more information on the Ultra-Lock Connection System, visit http://www.woodhead.com/ultralock/.

Discussion

Chuck EdwardsAugust 21st, 2009

A great industrial connector innovation. Once a machine or robotics builder uses Ultra Lock they love it!!

Andrew VeachAugust 27th, 2009

Let's keep the votes coming!

rose marie rojasAugust 27th, 2009

Let's keep the votes coming !!

Steve BogielAugust 28th, 2009

Molex makes GREAT products!

Shruti AndersAugust 29th, 2009

vote for molex

JankiAugust 29th, 2009

Yay Molex! :)

Vinod AradhyaAugust 31st, 2009

Vote for molex

Gururaj KulkarniAugust 31st, 2009

Really very innovative product.please vote.........

Rui SousaAugust 31st, 2009

Very good and innovative product

Geir KnutsenAugust 31st, 2009

Another brilliant product from Molex!

Jack SchaferAugust 31st, 2009

Molex does it again! These guys just keep coming up with one great idea after another!!!

Tom HArrisAugust 31st, 2009

Best Industrial On Machine Connector available.

Jerry SaldanaAugust 31st, 2009

Ultra Lock IP69K rated also save 80% on time instalation and easy to change!!!! great technology

Jim WoodAugust 31st, 2009

An absolute must product for the Food and Bev industries.

Melissa KladderAugust 31st, 2009

Secure, reliable, and time efficient. Great solution.

Michel MorinAugust 31st, 2009

A product that will save time & money on installion & repair. Nobody as these features.

Donnie SmithAugust 31st, 2009

Another great innovative idea from Molex!!

Alex CobosAugust 31st, 2009

It's a very good product. We used it all the time.

andrewAugust 31st, 2009

great product for one world and from one Molex.

Raju ChincholiAugust 31st, 2009

It is a very good product, reduce down time & increase the productivity.

Jennifer WilliamsonSeptember 1st, 2009

What an innovative product from Molex!!

Mindy MayfieldSeptember 1st, 2009

Excellent idea, Reduced downtime = Big Saving $

THOMAS LAM CHIAN WAHSeptember 1st, 2009

An innovative and user friendly product

Andrew ZouSeptember 2nd, 2009

vote for molex

Vivek HoysalaSeptember 2nd, 2009

Molex make Innovations…… VOTE FOR MOLEX

Trish PettroneSeptember 2nd, 2009

What a great way to save time and $$

Chris MuchaSeptember 2nd, 2009

Great product. Another great new product from Molex.

john ruppSeptember 3rd, 2009

innovation by design with the customer in mind

Adriana SanchezSeptember 8th, 2009

Awesome product! Great company! Vote for MOLEX

conor noonanSeptember 9th, 2009

The push to lock meets a clear customer/application need and represents an excellent example of market driven innovation

regina ClemensSeptember 9th, 2009

I am very impressed by all the hard work people put into these idea's. They do keep getting better and better. Vote Molex!!!

Tim SparksSeptember 9th, 2009

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Tim SparksSeptember 9th, 2009

Molex connects again

akhan01@molex.comSeptember 9th, 2009

simply the best

Ron KulakowskiSeptember 9th, 2009

Molex produces high quality at affordable prices

marek keherSeptember 10th, 2009

excellent solution

Joe ComerciSeptember 10th, 2009

Clever innovations like this typically go unnoticed by the general public. It's great to see the Molex team receive the recognition it deserves. Nice job!

Tan Sook LiSeptember 10th, 2009

Great innovation....

Arun PonnethSeptember 11th, 2009

Connection with Innovation---

ParthiSeptember 11th, 2009

One Company -> a World of Innovation

Randy GeilsSeptember 11th, 2009

They have a disc golf course on campus!!!

Melinda HughesSeptember 13th, 2009

Another no-brainer wish I had done it!

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