Fujikura Starts Mass Production of Waterproof Membrane Connector for Cars

Fujikura announced on Wednesday the firm developed waterproof connector for membrane circuits, which is adoptable for vehicles, and started the commercial production. Membrane is metal paste circuits printed on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films. Membrane is expected to reduce component weight on a vehicle while membrane has been unable to connect directly with connectors due to low intensity. Fujikura successfully developed connector directly adoptable to membrane circuits and added waterproof function for vehicles.

Fujikura has tried to develop automotive membrane connector by its unique X-bead structure. The beads installed orthogonally on both sides of the contact ensure stable electrical performance enough for in-vehicle purposes. Membrane circuits had required cable contacts with connectors since membrane structure is weak with metal paste circuits covered by soft PET films. X-bead structure enables direct contact between connectors and membrane circuit boards.

Fujikura newly added waterproof function to the connector for in-vehicle applications. The firm aims to promote the connector and membrane for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles those which require weight reduction of the components.