For LAPP, the global market leader for integrated solutions in the field of cable and connection technology, connectors are an essential part of its product business. These are marketed under the brand name EPIC® and produced in Stuttgart. In order to capture new market shares, LAPP has given its connector division a thorough overhaul in recent months. The result is a cornucopia of innovations that LAPP is now presenting at the SPS trade fair (Hall 2, Stand 310).
Instead of relocating production to cheaper foreign countries, LAPP has made a conscious decision to retain its "Made in Germany" location. "We have highly qualified specialists and state-of-the-art technologies there. That is the key to success," emphasises Alexander Denk, Vice President of the EPIC® business unit. Together with Michael Zahl, Managing Director of Contact GmbH, he has reorganised the company and made it fit for the future. In the past financial year, more than 950 small improvements were successfully implemented in accordance with the principles of the Lapp Operation System (Lean Management), making a significant contribution to the efficiency and quality of production. In addition, investments were made in modern CNC machines, packaging systems and automation technologies as well as more than 80 new tools. "This enables us to modernise the entire EPIC® portfolio step by step and offer our customers the best possible products and solutions," says Michael Zahl.
New feel for the housings
The first big step was the redesign of the EPIC® rectangular connector housings in the H-B and H-A series. They are now more modern and easier to grip. The front and rear corners have been flattened and deeper ribs have been added to the front sides. This means that the rectangular connector is easier to grip and does not slip out of the hand during assembly, even in oily environments. The entire H-B and H-A series has now been converted to the new design. "With a whole package of measures, we want to get our customers excited about EPIC® again and are sure that they will order everything from a single source again in future - not just cables, but also the matching connectors," says Martin Hoffmann Vicente, the responsible product manager at LAPP.
Data connector with snap-in clip
There are also a number of other new products. For example, two new field-attachable data connectors EPIC® DATA RJ45 for assembly with Cat.6A or Cat.8.1 cables. They enable simple cable connection using insulation displacement technology. The metal housing made of die-cast zinc ensures the stability of the Cat.8.1 plug. The UL-certified plug is suitable for all LAN networks and Ethernet applications up to 10GBase-T or 40GBase-T. The new EPIC® DATA RJ45 Cat.8.1 enables transmission rates of up to 40 Gbit/s over a distance of 30 metres. This makes it particularly suitable for use in data centres. The new EPIC® DATA RJ45 Cat. 6A is also available with the matching EPIC® DATA RJ45 Crimp crimping pliers for installation.
"Express connection" as sensor-actuator interface
Further, cost-optimised versions of the EPIC® SENSOR M12 panel connector are now available. This is an "express connection" for sensor-actuator interfaces in the control cabinet. It already has 50 cm long individual wires and is screwed into the front of the housing. It can then be easily wired inside the enclosure. Its stability and tightness (IP 67) ensure secure connections in the sensor/actuator field.
Built-in plug with single wires
The EPIC® POWER M12 chassis connector is also available for the express connection of devices in the enclosure. It also comes with 50 cm long individual wires, is screwed into the front of the housing and can then be easily wired inside the housing. M12L/M12T are used to connect smaller devices in DC applications. The M12S and M12T variants, on the other hand, are used to connect three-phase motors up to 7.5 kW. All variants are UL-certified.
Battery plugs for energy storage systems
For the first time, LAPP is also launching battery connectors on the market. The EPIC® BATTERY M and the EPIC® BATTERY F are special connection technology for energy storage systems up to 1500 V. Battery modules are the most important components in energy storage systems. Their connection must therefore be extremely safe, fast and efficient. With this 360° rotatable battery terminal connector, the front and rear wiring of the battery terminals is completed particularly quickly.
Instead of relocating production to cheaper foreign countries, LAPP has made a conscious decision to retain its "Made in Germany" location. "We have highly qualified specialists and state-of-the-art technologies there. That is the key to success," emphasises Alexander Denk, Vice President of the EPIC® business unit. Together with Michael Zahl, Managing Director of Contact GmbH, he has reorganised the company and made it fit for the future. In the past financial year, more than 950 small improvements were successfully implemented in accordance with the principles of the Lapp Operation System (Lean Management), making a significant contribution to the efficiency and quality of production. In addition, investments were made in modern CNC machines, packaging systems and automation technologies as well as more than 80 new tools. "This enables us to modernise the entire EPIC® portfolio step by step and offer our customers the best possible products and solutions," says Michael Zahl.
New feel for the housings
The first big step was the redesign of the EPIC® rectangular connector housings in the H-B and H-A series. They are now more modern and easier to grip. The front and rear corners have been flattened and deeper ribs have been added to the front sides. This means that the rectangular connector is easier to grip and does not slip out of the hand during assembly, even in oily environments. The entire H-B and H-A series has now been converted to the new design. "With a whole package of measures, we want to get our customers excited about EPIC® again and are sure that they will order everything from a single source again in future - not just cables, but also the matching connectors," says Martin Hoffmann Vicente, the responsible product manager at LAPP.
Data connector with snap-in clip
There are also a number of other new products. For example, two new field-attachable data connectors EPIC® DATA RJ45 for assembly with Cat.6A or Cat.8.1 cables. They enable simple cable connection using insulation displacement technology. The metal housing made of die-cast zinc ensures the stability of the Cat.8.1 plug. The UL-certified plug is suitable for all LAN networks and Ethernet applications up to 10GBase-T or 40GBase-T. The new EPIC® DATA RJ45 Cat.8.1 enables transmission rates of up to 40 Gbit/s over a distance of 30 metres. This makes it particularly suitable for use in data centres. The new EPIC® DATA RJ45 Cat. 6A is also available with the matching EPIC® DATA RJ45 Crimp crimping pliers for installation.
"Express connection" as sensor-actuator interface
Further, cost-optimised versions of the EPIC® SENSOR M12 panel connector are now available. This is an "express connection" for sensor-actuator interfaces in the control cabinet. It already has 50 cm long individual wires and is screwed into the front of the housing. It can then be easily wired inside the enclosure. Its stability and tightness (IP 67) ensure secure connections in the sensor/actuator field.
Built-in plug with single wires
The EPIC® POWER M12 chassis connector is also available for the express connection of devices in the enclosure. It also comes with 50 cm long individual wires, is screwed into the front of the housing and can then be easily wired inside the housing. M12L/M12T are used to connect smaller devices in DC applications. The M12S and M12T variants, on the other hand, are used to connect three-phase motors up to 7.5 kW. All variants are UL-certified.
Battery plugs for energy storage systems
For the first time, LAPP is also launching battery connectors on the market. The EPIC® BATTERY M and the EPIC® BATTERY F are special connection technology for energy storage systems up to 1500 V. Battery modules are the most important components in energy storage systems. Their connection must therefore be extremely safe, fast and efficient. With this 360° rotatable battery terminal connector, the front and rear wiring of the battery terminals is completed particularly quickly.
