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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

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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.

Machine vision interconnect

  • industrial cables for machine vision

    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

Sensor connectivity

  • mini stack connectors for industrial sensor

    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

Industrial cables and connectors

  • IEEE-1394 industrial connector products

    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

Blueprint-style line art graphic of mini stack connectors.
Discover Mini Stack

3M™ Mini Stack Connector Series. Faster connections. Reduced board footprint.

3M™ Mini Stack Connector Wiremount Socket 3S5 Series

3M™ Mini Stack Connector Boardmount Header 3S6 Series

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The bench-to-bench advantage

  • Engineers walking through automated manufacturing facility

    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.