IFM Electronic has used it's experience to design the new ecolink M12 socket.
If using tools, it's easy to overtighten an M12 connector - whereas by hand, it can be too loose. Either situation can result in a poor seal. However, with the ecolink M12 socket, the outer ring of the stainless steel sleeve serves as a seat for the sensor plug. This ensures that the sealing ring is protected against excessive pressure from the coupling nut, and ensures high efficiency. In addition, the sleeve also serves as vibration protection.
The cleverly designed saw-tooth type locking of the vibration protection operates asymmetrically. It ensures easy mounting of the connector and, at the same time, a higher locking. In this way, an almost complete shock and vibration resistance is obtained. This is proven by tests with 1 million impacts at 750g.
But even better, the connector can be fitted by hand and still give great performance.
A further improvement for the user has been made in the versions with LED. Most LED connectors consist of a transparent plastic housing through which the LED light is visible. A disadvantage is that where there is sunlight (or just bright light), the LED no longer contrasts with the clear transparent background. Here, IFM Electronic uses black transparent plastic. Light transmission is extremely high, so that the light is barely dimmed. The advantage is a very strong contrast between the LED colour and the black housing of the connector.