Page 10 - 2021 Connectivity Components: Everything but the Connectors eBook

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• Graphene composites, the introduction of graphene to existing materials, is currently in development for commercial use. Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon arranged in a dense, hexagonal pattern. While this forms exceptional strength per fiber (markedly smaller than a human hair), its comparatively high cost is delaying wide-spread commercial use.
Although the essential functionality of connector shells will remain unchanged, new applications, military requirements, and commercial regulations will dictate design and material modifications. The industry can expect to see an upsurge in demand for smaller sizes (sub-microminiature) and application-driven configurations. Also noteworthy is that low-volume specialty shells will be increasingly produced by end-users employing 3D printers.
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» 3D printing is becoming the dominant manufacturing process to fabricate low-volume specialty shells, including those which specify alternative materials.