Grease Formulated to Optimize Connector Performance
When selecting a connector lubricant, many factors such as material compatibility, operating conditions, and environmental conditions need to be considered. Nye's line of connector greases has been validated in our Applications Development and Validation Test Laboratory to ensure that they properly protect connectors against common causes of electrical failure like fretting wear and environmental corrosion.
Connector Life
In addition to atmospheric corrosion, tin/lead connectors are also subject to “fretting corrosion,” the result of low amplitude vibration caused by thermal expansion and contraction or nearby motion, as from fans, motors or merely opening and closing a cabinet door. Fretting corrosion continually exposes fresh layers of metal surface to oxidation. A lubricant film minimizes metal-to-metal contact during vibration, protecting the connector from metal wear. Nye's custom fretting test rig was developed to formulate greases with advanced fretting protection and validate the efficacy of our connector greases.
Fretting Cycles to Failure Point
Test Conditions: 2.8mm APEX Copper-Tin Terminals, CTM (10Hz, 100 microns), 50% Failure Values
Terminal Coupling Force
A thin film of lubricant can reduce mating force by as much as 80 percent, an important factor in connector assembly. For electronic connectors with dozens or even hundreds of pins, or for automotive connectors that are in hard-to-reach places, a low insertion force makes assembly more efficient and ensures solid connections. For gold-plated connectors, an effective lubricant, like our industry standard NyoGel® 760G reduces the potential for noble metal wear during mating and separation.
Initial Insertion Force
Test Conditions: 10 insertions on a single 2.8mm APEX Copper-Tin Terminal, CTM-70 (0.03±0.002 g), 20 terminal
Water Resistance
A common misconception surrounding connector grease is that it is absorbs water. Connector grease repels water from the connector surface. Because it is hydrophobic, connector grease stays in place rather than being washed away over time. Additionally, connector grease also prevents current leakage in conductive environments such as water to ensure consistent connectivity.
Material Loss Due to Water Washout
Test Conditions: ASTM D-1264 (79ºC, 1 hour)
Dielectric Performance
Voltage Breakdown Point
Test Conditions: CTM-9 (25ºC, Electrode Gap = 0.070 in)
| Product | Fretting Cycles to Failure Point | Voltage Breakdown Point | Initial Insertion Force | Material Loss Due to Water Washout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYOGEL 760G | 6.7 Million Cycles | 11.2 kV | 23.8 oz | 1.5% |
| RHEOTEMP 768G | 4.6 Million Cycles | 13.9 kV | 24.7 oz | 0.5% |
| RHEOTEMP 769G | 18.7 Million Cycles | 28.7 kV | 22.4 oz | 1.6% |
| UNIFLOR 8917 | 16.8 Million Cycles | 7.2 kV | 22.4 oz | >40 |
| UNLUBRICATED | 0.5 Million Cycles | - | 26.0 oz | - |
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