WHY WE WROTE THIS GUIDE

The practice of crimping appears to be a simple operation: squashing a wire into a crimp terminal until the two are firmly joined. However, achieving a good crimp, which combines maximum electrical integrity with high mechanical strength, is a scientific process which should not be compromised.

We determines a need for this ABC of crimping to give an insight into the procedures used to assure crimp quality in a market that demands increasingly higher standards from electrical and electronic products. This is not a comprehensive reference text. Instead it provides an overview and highlights the main issues involved in crimping in order to offer some food for thought.

WHY SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST?

It is possible to ‘get away’ with bad crimping and some terminals crimped without any regard for crimp technology last for years. It is only when subjected to high temperature, high current and/or a corrosive environment that a crimp may fail. The result may be electrical failure or even combustion. Figures from the home office show that a significant number of fires in dwellings are caused by faulty electrical appliances - however, in these days of advanced technology there is no excuse for this.

Usually the cost of a good crimp is the same as that of a bad one, so as a customer you have a right to expect the best.