When it comes to the Military / Aerospace industries, you probably think of products that are rugged and meant to take abuse. The products used in these industries are required to operate and last in extreme environments, and product testing is as important as the product itself.
Because of the extensive testing requirements, the cost of a product can be considerably higher and have a longer lead-time when compared to a commercial version of the same product.
Why Samtec for Mil/Aero?
The Military / Aerospace industries have become more open to using COTS parts, and Samtec has an almost endless number of parts (over 1.8 Trillion to put a number to it) to fit almost any need. When compared to a traditional Mil/Aero supplier, Samtec provides engineers and designers a cost-effective solution with COTS parts. For most part series, we can have samples in your hand in less than 24 hours.
Samtec also has some experience in the Mil/Aero world. At the time this blog was written, 10% of all sales for Samtec are in the Mil/Aero industries. Since 2009, Samtec has been ITAR registered with the DDTC.
Need products that meet a specific VITA standard? We have those as well. Samtec has been working hard to grow as a contributing member of VITA. At the current time we have products for VITA 42 – SamArray, VITA 57 – SEARAYTM Vertical, VITA 66 – FireFLYTM XT Micro Flyover SystemTM, VITA 67 – SMP and SMPM (coming soon), and VITA 74 – SEARAYTM right-angle.
Need something custom?
Samtec can do that as well. With the MAP series part numbers, we can modify any of our COTS parts while offering full product control; customized options including non-standard plating thicknesses (50 µ” gold), polarized positions, and different material options; and customized testing.
Many of Samtec’s COTS series can be ordered with 30 µ” gold in the contact area, and tin-lead is also available. The operating temperature of most series is -55°C – 125°C and -40°C – 125°C on THV/FEP cable assemblies. Samtec is also deeper diving into severe environmental tests for LLCR, shock and vibration, temperature cycling, DWV at 70K feet, and ESD for select series. The results of this testing will be released in the coming year.
What are some product offerings?
Samtec offers products with options such as metal latches, screw downs, shielding, tin-lead plating, and even some meeting IPC Class 3. Some of the COTS products that have shown to be popular in the MIL/AERO are listed below.
If you have any quesitons regarding these product series or others, please contact military@samtec.com.
