Connectors stand up to corrosion

Vacuum impregnation locks out elements that lead to corroded connections. The vacuum-impregnation process starts with placing the electronic connectors, assemblies, or entire wiring harnesses in a wire basket that lowers into a resin chamber. The chamber is then evacuated. This forces air trapped within leak paths in the connector or assembly to the surface of the resin. The return to normal atmospheric pressure forces the resin into voids left by the evacuated air, sealing the leak paths. A water bath removes excess resin from the outer surfaces of the connectors after impregnation. Resin trapped within the leak paths remains embedded. Leak paths of even microscopic size allow moisture to penetrate. The resulting corrosion shortens the life of the wire and connector. After rinsing off excess resin, the connector assemblies go in another bath of hot water for curing. The now-hardened resin seals the potential leak paths that would promote corrosion. Anaerobic methacrylate polymer resins work well in this situation as they do not need air to cure. These are just a few of the many types and styles of electronic connectors that