Connecting the next frontier in factory and industrial automation
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Advancing industrial automation. Connected solutions from 3M.
Today’s factories and distribution centers are increasingly lean and nimble, able to respond as fast as their markets. Automation systems help manufacturers and logistics firms operate more efficiently – saving on labor and maintenance, while improving throughput. A critical consideration: what connects these systems together. Collaborate with 3M to put the latest in emerging technology, backed by bench-to-bench support, behind your most well-connected machine automation systems.
Explore industrial automation products
It’s not enough that today’s automation systems work seamlessly as originally designed. Wired signals must flow in real time – even as configurations for functions like machine vision and motion control become more varied and complex, often very quickly in the field. 3M delivers connectors, cables and combined solutions to you for reliable and versatile machine automation in every part of your process.
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Industrial cables for machine vision
Next-generation machine vision cameras and systems are integral to modern automation, providing clarity and enabling real-time responses as valuable product moves through the facility.
Robust cables with application-specific component assemblies maximize critical machine vision for assembly lines, pick-and-place operations, visual inspection, automated guided vehicles and more.
3M cable assemblies support major vision standards in industries such as Camera Link, USB3 Vision® and CoaXPress.
Featured industrial cables for machine vision
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Signal/Power IDC Connectors
You strive to reduce size, add power and optimise electrical designs – we’ll help you increase efficiency, keeping them cost-effective to install and maintain. 3M connectors feature Insulation Displacement Contact (IDC), a termination method that simplifies connectivity for signal, power, branching and splicing. IDC was invented by 3M in 1961. It can dramatically save wiring time – it eliminates the need for wire stripping and individual crimping.
3M IDC connectors allow technicians to terminate multiple wires simultaneously. That means fast field installation, maintenance and upgrades. You can make more connections in smaller spaces. Convert from parallel to serial connectivity, install branch networks, and add small devices such as sensors without additional signal and power lines. Streamline field maintenance. Pack in more features and intelligence system-wide.
Featured IDC connectors:
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Sensor connectivity
Sensors are the “nervous system” of the operation, tracking pressure, temperature, humidity and other conditions that impact automation performance. Keep your wired sensor networks well-connected – and keep your goods flowing smoothly – with next-generation technologies from 3M.
3M™ Mini-Clamp, 3M™ Mini Stack and 3M™ Link Connectors can add robustness and versatility to machine control systems. Insulation displacement contact (IDC) termination on 3M Mini-Clamp and double IDC on 3M Mini Stack eliminates wire stripping and special tools, so you can increase sensor reliability while simplifying installation and maintenance. One- and two-piece connectors allow you to make more connections in smaller spaces. Convert from parallel to serial connectivity, install branch networks, and add small devices without additional signal and power lines – reducing cost, while packing in more features and intelligence.;
Featured sensor connectivity products
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Cables and connectors
You can think of your cables, connectors and hardware as a high-speed digital data transmission system at the core of any factory or industrial automation solution. 3M offers robust, reliable interconnect systems for Mini Delta Ribbon (MDR), Shielded Compact Ribbon and IEEE-compatible applications. A wide range of components includes sockets, headers, plugs, junction shells and more. This broad selection helps add reliable connected power for motion control signaling, inter-cabinet signal transmission and other critical functions of automated industrial machines.
Also, 3M offers a wide variation of well-proven ribbon cable connectors, board-to-board connectors and flat cables for a variety of factory automation applications.
Featured cables and connectors
IDC connectivity from 30 - 20 AWG
Browse useful resources
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See how 3M Link Connectors helped reduce total system cost and connector assembly time for the AnywireASLINK network.
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Get our machine vision whitepaper.Achieving more effective interfaces, today and for the future
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The bench-to-bench advantage
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A supplier you can depend on for materials and support
When you choose 3M factory automation solutions, you get more than just components you can trust. Our team of application engineers will work with you every step of the way, guiding your deployment and helping you get the most from our solutions. Our “bench-to-bench” collaboration means our experts become part of your team, and the insights we gain by working together help guide the continuous improvements that set 3M solutions apart.
