All Imperial custom connectors can be manufactured in accordance with RoHS & Decca-BDE standards
Custom Connector FAQ's
Please send your custom connector enquiry to: custom-connectors@imperial-connect.com or
call our dedicated sales team on 00 44 (0)1707 321122
Why would I need a custom connector?
I would like to use a custom connector but should I be concerned about the cost?
What types of connectors can Imperial design?
What is the minimum quantity required for a custom part?
What help & supporting information will you give us along the way?
How much does tooling cost and will I have to pay this in advance?
What if we find that the samples are not as we have specified?
Can I get my tooling money back at any stage?
Will you sell a connector designed for us to anyone else?
How long does the whole process take?
What design parameters do you consider when designing a custom connector?
Are Imperial's parts RoHS approved?
What quality processes do you use?
Where is your production facility & can we visit to perform an audit?
Can you deliver direct to my CEM?
What do you need from us to get the ball rolling?
Your questions answered:
Why would I need a custom connector?
There are a wide variety of reasons why a custom connector may be a perfect solution for your application. These include:
• If you need to have control of what is mating with your equipment (a standard connector is not suitable in such applications).
• If a standard connector is not available.
• If the connector that you are currently using is over-specified for your application and is, as a consequence, overpriced.
• If you are looking for a general cost-down.
• If the connector that you are currently using is not performing correctly in your application.
• If the connector that you are currently using is single sourced or due for obsolescence.
I would like to use a custom connector but should I be concerned about the cost?
No. It is our aim to design and manufacture a connector that not only suits your application but also your budget. There is no cost to you until you have approved detailed drawings of the product and we move into production of tooling. If this is not possible then the only cost to you would have been a little of your time.
What types of connectors can Imperial design?
All of our custom products are designed for electronic applications where metal pins or formed metal parts are either pressed or insertion molded into a plastic housing. We cannot offer metal cased or milled parts, circular connectors or high power connectors for electrical applications.
What is the minimum quantity required for a custom part?
We have the capability to supply custom parts into applications with volume requirements of between 50,000 and 12,000,000pcs per year.
What help & supporting information will you give us along the way?
We will take your brief and if we can meet it we will initially offer our quotation and 2D drawings in any electronic format required. After your approval we will supply 3D drawings and CAE analysis for your review and, if required full tooling drawings. Once these drawings are approved we will manufacture the tooling required and supply samples along with full testing and performance data. When the parts are fully approved we will move into full production.
How much does tooling cost and will I have to pay this in advance?
Tooling costs are dependant on the complexity of the project but typically range between US$10,000 and US$30,000. We do not require full payment in advance as we offer 3 staged payments as the project progresses (30% in advance, 40% on sample approval and 30% on delivery of first production batch).
What if we find that the samples are not as we have specified?
This has never happened and for this reason we are happy to promise a full refund should we be at fault and you do not approve the parts.
Can I get my tooling money back at any stage?
Yes, for high volume applications tooling costs can be refunded in full once an agreed volume has been delivered.
Will you sell a connector designed for us to anyone else?
No, not without your written consent.
How long does the whole process take?
Our aim is to be able to deliver products within 10 weeks of taking your brief.
What design parameters do you consider when designing a custom connector?
Are Imperial's parts RoHS approved?
Yes, all parts are RoHS approved unless you specify otherwise.
What quality processes do you use?
We use OQC (Outgoing Quality Control) quality control systems.
Where is your production facility & can we visit to perform an audit?
Our production facility is in Gong Ming Town, Shen Zhen, Guang Dong, China and yes, we would be very pleased to arrange a visit for you.
Can you deliver direct to my CEM?
Yes, we can deliver to any global location via our logistics sites in Taiwan, Hong Kong, UK & USA.
What do you need from us to get the ball rolling?
This depends on whether you need a completely custom design or a redesign of an existing connector. For a full custom design we will need an outline drawing and a mechanical and electrical specification. For a redesign we will need details of the incumbent part and of the changes that you require.