Custom cable assembly
3M IDC and MDR assemblies, built to print.
Pecko terminates 3M IDC and I/O connectors onto ribbon, discrete wire and shielded cable: wiremount sockets for board links, Mini-Clamp leads for sensors and lighting, and MDR cables for cameras, all built to your drawing and tested to the plan agreed in your quote.
- Since 1981Manufacturing experience, founded in Singapore
- 25,000+Projects completed
- 20Industries served
- 3Factories in Singapore, Malaysia and China
Overview
What is a 3M cable assembly?
A 3M cable assembly is cable terminated in 3M connectors, many of which use insulation displacement (IDC) contacts. Closing the connector forces each wire into a slotted contact that displaces the insulation and grips the copper, so no stripping is needed. 3M wiremount sockets terminate flat ribbon cable, Mini-Clamp wire-to-board connectors do the same for discrete wires, and MDR (Mini Delta Ribbon) connectors add metal shells for shielded I/O, such as machine-vision camera links.
- No-strip IDC termination
- Ribbon, discrete-wire and shielded I/O styles
- Polarized housings and strain relief clips
- Latching and screw-lock options
Features
Strengths of 3M connector systems
3M's connector systems are built around fast, repeatable termination. These are the properties we rely on, and check, in every 3M assembly we build.
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Gas-tight IDC contacts
A properly made IDC termination forms a gas-tight joint between blade and conductor, keeping out the oxygen and moisture that cause corrosion.
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Shielded MDR shells
Metal shells on MDR connectors carry the cable shield through to the equipment chassis, helping keep noise out of camera and instrument signals.
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No-crimp discrete wiring
Mini-Clamp connectors terminate individual wires by insulation displacement, so sensor and LED leads need no stripping or crimping before they latch into place.
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High-density I/O
Closely spaced MDR contacts fit many circuits into a small plug, saving panel space on cameras, frame grabbers and controllers.
Capabilities
Our 3M assembly capabilities
IDC is quick, but it only works well when cable, connector and press are matched. We control all three in our own factories.
Cable-to-connector matching
Ribbon or discrete wire chosen to suit each 3M connector's conductor size and spacing, so contacts land squarely on every wire.
Controlled IDC pressing
Presses set to close each connector fully and evenly, with seating checked on first articles and by sampling through each run.
Shielded MDR assembly
MDR plugs terminated and closed in their shell kits, with the cable shield bonded to the metal shell as your drawing specifies.
Mini-Clamp discrete leads
Discrete wires cut to length and terminated in Mini-Clamp connectors, with each wire fully seated under the integrated cable retention.
Parts sourcing
Genuine 3M connectors and accessories sourced through our supply network, with approved equivalents used only where your drawing allows.
Electrical verification
Continuity, short and pin-orientation checks, plus shield continuity on MDR cables, run to the plan agreed in your quote.
Why Pecko
Why OEMs choose Pecko
A manufacturing partner should make your program simpler. These are the reasons customers bring their assemblies to Pecko, and keep them here.
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Expertise and experience
Wire harness and cable assembly work since 1981, across 20 industries and 25,000+ projects.
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Quick turnarounds
Clear quotes, confirmed schedules and regular updates, from the first prototype to every production release.
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High flexibility
Engineering changes, revisions and schedule shifts handled without starting your program over.
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Cost-effectiveness
Design-for-manufacture advice, global sourcing and efficient processes keep your unit cost down.
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Small and large volumes
From a handful of prototypes to high-volume production, with capacity across three factories.
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Caring customer service
A team that answers technical questions quickly and follows your program from quote to delivery.
Applications
Where 3M assemblies are used
3M's IDC and I/O connectors suit equipment that needs many reliable connections made quickly and consistently.
Machine vision
Shielded MDR cables linking industrial cameras to frame grabbers and vision controllers.
Factory automation
Mini-Clamp sensor leads and ribbon links inside PLCs, I/O modules and motion controllers.
LED lighting
Discrete-wire leads connecting drivers, modules and light strips in fixtures and signage.
Instrumentation
Board-to-board ribbon and shielded I/O cables inside analyzers, data loggers and lab instruments.
Semiconductor equipment
Ribbon and I/O cabling inside wafer handling, inspection and process tools.
Kiosks and terminals
Display, keypad and printer connections inside kiosks, ticket machines and payment terminals.
Quality
Quality built into every connection
Quality is designed into the process rather than inspected in at the end. Every program follows the same four steps, in an ISO-certified manufacturing environment.
Agree the specification
We review your drawing, materials and acceptance criteria with you before anything is built.
Prove the first article
A prototype or first article confirms fit, form and function before production starts.
Build to documented processes
Production follows documented work instructions at every step, from cutting to final assembly.
Test before it ships
Every order is tested against the plan agreed in your quote before it leaves the factory.
FAQ
Questions buyers ask
Can't find your answer? Send us your drawing and questions, and our engineers will come back to you.
Which 3M connector families can you build with?
We build with 3M IDC wiremount sockets for ribbon cable, Mini-Clamp connectors for discrete wire and MDR connectors for shielded I/O, along with other 3M parts named on your drawing. Send the part numbers or a sample, and our engineers will confirm the cable and connector combination.
Is IDC termination as reliable as crimping?
Each method has its place. With cable, connector and tooling correctly matched, IDC gives consistent, gas-tight terminations and is widely used for ribbon and fine discrete wire. Crimping covers a wider range of wire sizes and higher currents. Our engineers can recommend a method for each circuit when they review your drawing.
Can you build MDR cables for machine-vision cameras?
Yes. We build shielded MDR cables to your drawing, with the cable, pinout and shield termination you specify. If your system must meet a camera interface standard, tell us which one, and we will specify cable and connectors to it and agree the test plan with you.
How are 3M cable assemblies tested?
Every order is tested to the plan agreed in your quote. Typical checks include continuity, shorts and pin-one orientation, shield continuity on MDR cables, and visual checks of connector seating and strain relief against your drawing, all completed before the order ships.