Crimp (joining)

Crimping is joining 2 pieces of metal or other ductile material (usually a wire and a metal plate) by deforming one or both of them to hold the other. The bend or deformity is called the crimp.

Typically, the metals are joined together via a special connector. Stripped wire (often stranded) is inserted through the correctly sized opening of the connector, and a crimper is used to tightly squeeze the opening against the wire. Depending on the type of connector used, it may be attached to a metal plate by a separate screw or bolt or it could be simply screwed on using the connector itself to make the attachment like an F connector.

Obtaining a good crimp requires using carefully engineered crimp tools and crimp connectors, and following the procedures specified by the manufactures. Examples of these procedures can be obtained from Molex,TE Connectivity, RS Pro, and other similar companies.

Crimping is most extensively used in metalworking. Crimping is commonly used to fix bullets in their cartridge cases, for rapid but lasting electrical connections, securing lids on metal food cans, and many other applications. Because it can be a cold-working technique, crimping can also be used to form a strong bond between the workpiece and a non-metallic component.

Overarching styles:

Crimp types:

As defined in AMP Standard Terminals and Splices

According to one of the crimp tool manufacturers, the development of standardized crimp tools and procedures occurred on this timeline.

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