Industrial connectors may be small components, but they play a critical role in the reliability and performance of modern automation systems. They form the essential link between sensors, actuators, networks, and power systems, ensuring that signals, data, and power are transmitted consistently across the production environment.
Different applications require specific connector types based on the service being carried. Factors including screw type, pin count, coding, gender, conductor size, current rating, shielding requirements, and mating compatibility must all be carefully considered to ensure reliable performance.
Environmental conditions are equally important in connector selection. Industrial connectors are often exposed to vibration, shock, temperature fluctuations, dust, moisture, chemicals, coolants, welding sparks, UV radiation, repeated flexing, and high-pressure washdown procedures. A connector must remain electrically reliable, mechanically secure, and environmentally protected throughout the life of the machine to prevent costly downtime and difficult-to-diagnose faults.
Reliable connectivity is the foundation of high-performing automation. Murrelektronik supports this requirement with a comprehensive portfolio of over 75,000 connection cable variants for signal, data, and power applications. Our solutions are designed for a wide range of industrial environments, sealed to IP67 standards, and tested to ensure dependable performance. Ultimately, the best connector is not simply the lowest-cost component, but the one that delivers long-term reliability, easy maintenance, and the resilience needed to keep modern production systems running smoothly.
Murrelektronik provides practical and innovative solutions across multiple layers of industrial automation, helping manufacturers simplify installation, improve operational efficiency, and increase system reliability. Our field I/O devices, these solutions enable true plug-and-play installation, reducing wiring effort and commissioning time.
For decentralized automation architectures, Murrelektronik's Cube family system brings I/O modules closer to the machine and process, significantly reducing cable runs, installation complexity, and potential points of failure. Inputs can receive signals from limit switches, position sensors, pressure sensors, and diagnostic devices, while outputs can directly control valve solenoids, actuators, and other field devices. This decentralised approach improves machine design flexibility while simplifying troubleshooting and maintenance.
At the core of the Cube family is Cube67, an IP67-rated system designed for installation outside the control cabinet in demanding industrial environments. Additional protection ratings are available to meet specific application requirements. The modular design reduces installation effort, simplifies maintenance activities, and increases overall machine productivity.
In assembly and handling technology, Cube67 modules can be installed directly on machines and production equipment due to their compact footprint. Multifunctional ports support IO-Link devices, digital and analogue I/O, actuators, and valve manifolds, dramatically reducing wiring requirements and improving operational efficiency. The system also supports Machine Option Management (MOM), enabling rapid machine modifications, upgrades, and product changeovers with minimal downtime.
Cube67's integrated I/O technology, modular architecture, automated addressing, and advanced diagnostic capabilities further enhance production flexibility. In robotics and other high-movement applications, the system is designed to withstand torsion, vibration, and mechanical stress. Fully potted modules resist oils, lubricants, and harsh environmental conditions while supporting high current loads for demanding applications.
Hygienic IP69K-rated versions are also available for washdown environments, making Cube67 ideal for food and beverage processing. Overall, the Cube platform delivers a standardised, scalable automation solution that improves flexibility, reliability, and efficiency across industries including automotive, logistics, packaging, robotics, machine tools, wood processing, and food and beverage manufacturing.
