Understanding the True Cost of Connectors: Beyond the Purchase Price

When it comes to connectors, the decision-making process often revolves around the initial purchase price. However, a critical aspect that is frequently overlooked is the comprehensive cost associated with using these connectors. How much does a connector actually cost in the grand scheme of things?

Have you ever been enticed by the allure of a budget-friendly option, only to realize later that the overall cost of ownership far exceeded your initial expectations? This scenario is not uncommon when it comes to connectors. Often chosen based solely on their upfront cost, connectors can incur additional expenses that are not immediately apparent.

Regardless of whether they are wire-terminated or board-mounted, all connectors come with an array of associated costs, some evident and others concealed.

1. **Known Costs:**

   - **Piece-Rate Pricing:** This includes the list price, negotiated price, estimated annual usage (EAU), or special quantities. It's crucial to consider that connector assembly might be outsourced, masking the true purchase cost.

   - **Special Packaging:** Some applications may necessitate custom packaging, such as wrapping paper, spools, tubes, pallets, tapes, etc.

   - **Freight:** The cost of shipping, whether standard or expedited, domestic or international.

   - **Tooling Costs:** For custom-designed connectors, this expense can be paid upfront or incorporated into the connected device's price.

2. **Costs Determined After Efforts:**

   - **Registration Fee:** All connectors, whether wire-terminated or board-mounted, entail an application cost. This includes wire termination labor costs and associated tools, as well as labor and tool costs for PCB installation connectors.

   - **Wire Termination Labor Costs:** Encompassing wire cutting, stripping, terminal crimping, soldering, welding, screw clamping, insertion, IDC terminations, and more.

   - **Wire Termination Application Tool Costs:** Machinery and tools required for wire cutting, stripping, crimping, contactor application, IDC, hand tools, insertion tools, extraction tools, etc.

   - **PCB Installation Connector Labor and Tool Costs:** Manual or automated processes for picking, orienting, and placing connectors on the printed circuit board (PCB), along with the tools and machinery involved.

   - **Tooling Maintenance Costs:** Consumable tools like crimping machines, anvils, peeling blades, feeding mechanisms, guide rails, etc., which may need replacement over time.

Understanding the true cost of connectors involves looking beyond the initial purchase price and factoring in these known and effort-dependent costs. Only by considering the holistic expenses can one make informed decisions about the most cost-effective and efficient connector solution for their needs.