| The term crimping means to press, make an impression, fold or even
deform by folding.
In electrical installation the term crimping is used to describe the
mechanical compression of a sleeves around a conductor to make a firm mechanical
connection between the conductor and the connector.
Crimp connections have to a large extent replaced soldered connections
and have proven extremely suitable for the task over the years in which
they have been in use. They are only permitted, however, if they satisfy
the required DIN values.
The prerequisite for this is that the conductor, contact, crimping
tool and tool setting are all coordinated.
This means:
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The conductors and connectors must match each other in terms of their capacity
values. The stripping length and positioning of the conductors in the connector
should comply with the requirements of the various connectors.
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Conductors and connectors must be inserted into the crimp profile which
suits the type and capacity and be positioned correctly in this. For some
crimp connections there are locators which make precise positioning simple.
Using control markings it is possible to check on some crimp inserts after
the crimp whether the crimping has been completed with the correct profile.
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The crimping pressure should be applied evenly over the crimp profile.
This is best achieved by means of a parallel crimping motion. Crimping
pliers are generelly adjusted for a defined crimping pressure. The fact
that this is also applied completely to the contact is ensured by a locking
device. That means that the pliers cannot be opened until the crimping
has been completed properly.
The assessment criteria for the quality of the crimp contact and observance
of DIN regulations (DIN IEC 352 Part 2) include the control of crimp width,
crimp hight and the level pull-out force which is required to pull the
conductor out of the sleeves or to tear it off. |