Bead Electronics specializes in manufacturing custom contact pins for a variety of applications, including contact pins to mate with Deutsch connectors. 

What Are Deutsch Connectors?

Deutsch connectors were originally developed by the Deutsch Company, now owned by TE Connectivity. However, the term “Deutsch connector” is sometimes used generically to describe similar sealed connectors from other manufacturers. These types of connectors are known for their durability, waterproofing, and reliability.

Features of Deutsch connectors:

• Sealed & Waterproof – Resistant to moisture, dirt, and chemicals
• Vibration Resistant – Ideal for vehicles and heavy machinery
•  High Amp Capacity – Can handle high electrical loads  
•  Easy to Assemble & Disassemble – Uses a locking mechanism for secure connections
•  Wide Temperature Range – Functions in extreme hot or cold environments

Types of Deutsch Connectors 

• DT Series - The most common type of Deutsch connector, DT connectors use size 16 contacts, accept 16 to 20 AWG wires, and are rated at 13 AMPs. These connectors are available in 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12-cavity configurations. 

• DTM Series - Smaller than the DT Series,  DTM connectors use size 20 contacts, accept 14 to 22 AWG wires and are rated at 7.5 AMPs. Often used in sensors, these connectors are available in  2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12-cavity configurations.

•  DTP Series - Larger than its DT and DTM counterparts, DTP connectors use size 12 contacts, accept 10 to 14 AWG wires and are rated at 25 AMPs. Often found in fuel pumps, fans and heaters, these connectors are available in 2 and 4-cavity configurations.

• HD Series - Ideal for heavy duty applications, the HD Series connectors use size 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 contacts and  accept 6-22 AWG wires. These connectors are available in a wide variety of configurations. 

• Quick Connect Series - These compact connectors use size 16, 20 and 22 contacts, accept 16 to 26 AWG wires and feature 3 contact arrangements (2,7 and 12). 

The Importance of Quality Contact Pins for Deutsch Connectors

While it’s true that Deutsch connectors have a number of qualities - heat tolerance, vibration, and shock resistance to name a few - that help ensure reliable performance,  your contacts must be also designed to perform in less than ideal conditions. 

Certain industries, such as heavy equipment, industrial, and military and aerospace are more likely to encounter harsh environments with their products. A harsh environment could be anything from extreme temperatures to physical stress to exposure to acids, humidity, or other corrosive environments. Some materials will perform better than others in these conditions. 

With custom connectivity options based on connector size, pin shape, base metal, plating, mounting options, and more, Bead Electronics makes it easy to create the right pin for the job.

How Bead Electronics' Custom Contact Pin Solutions Simplify Deutsch Connectors

Bead Electronics’ custom contact pins not only ensure a reliable connection when used with a Deutsch connector - they can even eliminate the need for the male Deutsch connector. By replacing the male connector with Bead Electronics’ Deutsch-compatible  1mm and 1.5mm diameter pins, manufacturers can install the connector directly to the printed circuit board and reduce costs. 

The PCB housing is also designed to function as the seal and lock for the female Deutsch connector when mating with the Bead male pins, creating a secure connection. 

Our Deutsch-compatible pins are typically made of C26000 Brass in either a tin or gold finish.

The chart below shows how Bead’s solution in pin diameters and Deutsch connector types come together.

Bead’s Deutsch-Compatible Pins in Action

When an industrial controls manufacturer was looking to reduce manufacturing and assembly costs for one of its drive controls, Bead Electronics was able to come up with a solution. The control used rugged Deutsch connectors to handle the extreme environmental conditions where the drive units typically would run. Our pin experts were able to redesign the control and eliminate the Deutsch male plug. Instead, our 1mm and 1.5mm Deutsch-compatible male pins were installed directly on the printed circuit board. 

Due to the space requirements of the PCB, there was very little distance allowed below the bottom of the board. Our experts designed pins with a knurl retention feature very close to the pin tip that provided engagement in the PCB hole for the entire length of the pin.

In addition to the elimination of components in the male plug, the manufacturing cost was also reduced. Delivered as a tandem, end-to-end pin, our Deutsch-compatible male pins could be easily inserted using automated, commercially available pin insertion equipment. 

Deutsch Connector Pin Solutions at Bead Electronics  

When it comes to manufacturing things like cars, airplanes, and medical devices, the stakes are high. The performance and integrity of your product could directly impact the lives and safety of others. It’s crucial that the contact pins used in these products ensure reliable electrical connections and maintain signal integrity, even when the environmental conditions are less than ideal. Deutsch-compatible pins not only give you that peace of mind but also help you reduce costs by eliminating the need for a Deutsch male connector.

Contact us today to speak with a pin expert about our custom Deutsch connector pin solutions!