Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies

Z-Thru Connector

Z-Thru Connector Elements are made of a single row or multiple rows of tightly spaced wire filaments that make contact through a silicone core. When built with Z-Alloy wires, they are an internationally cost-effective method of connecting COGS display modules, speakers, and LED modules. When built with solid gold conductors, they are used in military avionics and missile applications.

To specify a custom Z-Thru Connector for your application, please complete a drawing template or contact us directly.

Z-Thru Connector Element Options

Wire Metallurgy

We maintain a stock of the following wire types:

  • Z-Alloy
  • Gold Plated Copper
  • Gold

We are able to build connector elements with almost any wire and will respond to special requests for materials such as Chromel, Alumel, Inconel, etc… We will also work with wire supplied by our customers, as long as the material is continuous. We also work with conductive polymer fibers.

Rubber Core

The standard core material for Z-Axis Connectors is 50 Shore A durometer silicone rubber, with a temperature range of -45o to 125oC [-49o to 257oF]. Other choices are available for higher and lower temperatures, softer or harder durometers, and rubbers other than silicone.

Outline Dimensions and Tolerances

Measurements of outline features in an unrestrained condition are subject to variation. If necessary, use mutually designed and accepted inspection fixtures for verification of finished dimensions.Because we build our own manufacturing equipment, if your application requries a longer, shorter, wider or thinner connector, please do not hesitate to contact us with such a request. It may be a relatively simple matter to go beyond the listed standard dimensions.

The minimum standard dimensions and typical tolerances are:

Length: 0.50 mm +/- 0.250 or 0.020 inches +/- 0.010
Height: 0.50 mm +/- 0.125 or 0.020 inches +/- 0.005
Width: 0.50 mm +/- 0.125 or 0.020 inches +/- 0.005

The maximum standard dimensions and typical tolerances are:

Length: 20 cm +/- 0.250 or 8.00 inches +/- 0.010
Height: 19 cm +/- 0.125 or 7.50 inches +/- 0.005
Width: 19 cm +/- 0.125 or 7.50 inches +/- 0.005

Wire Size and Pitch

The standard, in-stock diameter wire used for Z-Axis connector elements is 0.05 mm (0.002 inch). We are able to build connector elements with almost any size or shape wire (such as ribbon) and will respond to special requests for wire or ribbon as thin as 0.01078 mm (0.0007 inch).

The pitch of wires for most Z-Axis connector elements is 0.10 or 0.125mm (0.004 or 0.005 inch). We are able to offer closer or wider spacing depending on the requirements of the application. We are able to group wires on a repeatable basis and can place wires accurately from a reference edge or other physical feature.

Learn more about our products and capabilities.