Electronic connectors are referred to as the electric cable wires that are used to connect hardware to the circuit. There are two ways in which the wires can be connected. One is crimping, and the other is soldering. The main purpose of the electronic connectors is to join the circuit together. The connectors are usually available in a vast range of sizes and shapes, including different formats.
Right from the standard format, i.e. in USB, to the custom formats generally designed for a specific application. The demand for the connectors is based on the dimensions of the end-use cases. The different kinds of connectors available include single insertion connectors and multiple insertion connectors.
The single insertion connectors are connected only once during the product assembly and then remain in place for a lifetime, i.e. till the product lasts. On the contrary, the multi insertion products should maintain electrical conductivity during insertions, irrespective of the number.
Customers, when using connectors, get several choices offered in terms of the metal finishes of the Dupont connectors. However, the type of connector used is determined based on the demand of the application. There are several solutions for consumers to choose from and make the most of their connections.
Crimping vs Soldering; Which Solution is the Best?
When it comes to connecting dupont connectors, you will have to decide between soldering and crimping. Both these methods are used to create connections for the cables. For instance, the ethernet cables generally have RJ-45 connectors at the ends. When connecting the RJ-45 connector to an ethernet cable, you have two options, either soldering or crimping it.
Though both methods produce quality, long-lasting cable connections, they are much different from each other.
The Dupont Connectors features a 2.54mm pitch available in two variations, with male and female terminals. The connectors are generally used with Arduino microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi, and several other applications that include prototyping. When it comes to prototyping, the Dupont connectors are the most common type of connector used.
What is Crimping?
The crimping process is carried out with the help of a special tool, known as the crimping tool. The tool helps the user install a connector at the end of the cable. You will have to place the dupont connector that you want to attach to the tool for the process. Then it would help if you placed the wire exposed at the end of the cable into the connector. The last step involves squeezing the handle of the crimping tool at the point to which the cable’s connector will be joined.
What is Soldering?
Talking about soldering, it is the process in which two or more objects are joined together using a heated metal called solder. Unlike the welding procedure, the objects of this process are the dupont connector and a cable, and they are not heated. Instead, during the process of soldering, the filler metal only gets heated. Just as the filler metal, the solder gets heated up and applied between the wire and the connector.
When the metal cools, the solder hardens, and it connects the cable to the connector. Several archaeological evidence suggests that the process of soldering has been there for several years now, i.e. they were there for thousands of years now. The process is now used for many applications, such as while producing pieces of jewellery, creating stained glasses, computer repairs, cable connections and cookware.
Why Crimping is Better Than Soldering for Dupont Connectors?
You must have heard that the cable connectors are crimped together. That said, crimping is preferred more than soldering for a dupont connector, and what is the reason behind this? There are a few key reasons why crimping outperforms soldering. The major one being that crimping enables a connection to last longer than expected, and they also prevent the connection from the intrusion of dirt, moisture and debris.
The crimping tools are designed to establish an airtight seal between the dupont connector and the cable. Hence, dirt, dust and moisture will not be able to the crimped cable. As far as soldering is concerned, the same level of protection is not offered. That said, with crimping, you get more reliable and stronger connections than soldering.
During the process of soldering, a heated metal is used to join the cable to the connector. Even connector manufacturers don’t recommend soldering too often, and for the connection to last long, they always suggest going with crimping.
The Bottom Line
The electricians also say that the method of crimping is much easier than soldering. The filler metal used in soldering can degrade over time, and hence the reliability of the connection can be lost. Soldering is not particularly difficult, but you will still have to heat the solder to carry out the procedure. Also, you will have to place the metal between the connector and the cable carefully.
Crimping is a very easy process, and the dupont connector used in the crimping tool can be squeezed into the handle to form the connection.