Against the backdrop of the rapid expansion of new energy vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, and automated equipment, the safety and autonomy of the connector industry chain, as a key component for energy and signal transmission, have received extensive attention. This article takes the well-known connector brand Sumitomo (Sumitomo) as a reference, combining its technical characteristics and market performance, to explore whether the domestic connector industry chain has the conditions to achieve "self-sufficiency" and the implementation path.
One, Technical Advantages and Industrial Status of Sumitomo ConnectorsSumitomo connector products cover a wide range of fields such as automotive, industrial, and communication, and numerous series can be found on its official website: such as sealed waterproof, engine compartment high-temperature resistant, and high-frequency signal types.
In the field of automotive wiring harness and connector products, Sumitomo covers a complete range of components from shell, terminal, seal, to cable material. Among its automotive connectors, the "Sealed" series and automotive-grade series are important deployments.
●For example, its high-voltage/aluminum conductor automotive wire products can withstand high temperatures of up to 120℃ and above 150℃, demonstrating its leadership in materials and technology.
On the product specifications, the Sumitomo website lists its various "Way (Pitch)" / terminal specifications / sealed / unsealed models, and provides a large number of models for search.
These data indicate that in the connector field, Sumitomo has a complete product system, rich model coverage, and high-end application capabilities. From the perspective of the industrial chain, it is not only a component provider but also has advantages in standards, R&D, and supply systems.
Chapter 2 Current Status and Challenges of the Domestic Connector Industry ChainShift the perspective to domestic connectors and their alternatives, and we can observe the following aspects:
●Advantages: The domestic industrial chain is increasingly完善, with manufacturers in the plastic, copper alloy, terminal, mold, and automatic assembly links. Cost advantages are evident, and response speed is fast.
●Challenge: Compared with international brands, key materials (such as high-temperature-resistant plastics, special copper alloys, and high-precision plated terminals) still have gaps. In the face of requirements for high reliability, high-frequency signals, high voltage resistance, and extreme environments of automotive undercarriages, domestic products still need to be verified.
●Structural compatibility: If replacing high-end brands like Sumitomo with connectors, not only do the parameters need to match (such as the number of poles, wire gauge, waterproof grade, insertion and extraction life, etc.), but also the structure, lock mechanism, and sealing form must be completely compatible. Sumitomo's listed Sealed series, High-Frequency series, and Ethernet series have many unified names for their lock mechanisms, shell structures, and models.
● Industry chain self-sufficiency: From raw materials in the upstream to assembly and testing systems in the downstream, domestic manufacturers need to have a complete capability from mold making, terminal processing, plastic part processing, assembly to reliability testing in order to truly achieve self-sufficiency.
Therefore, although the domestic connector industry chain has the foundation for accelerated development, it still needs to continuously break through multiple links to truly fully replace or independently meet the high-end market demand.
Why is now the "window period" for localization?In combination with Sumitomo's technological layout and the domestic industrial status, several favorable factors can be observed:
Market demand explosion: The demand for connectors has surged due to new energy vehicles, 5G base stations, energy storage systems, and automated equipment, and these fields have higher requirements for domestic production, cost sensitivity, and controllable supply chains.
Policy orientation and local supply chain reconstruction: National industrial policy supports the domestic substitution of electronic components and encourages the independent control of key components. Connectors are at this critical link.
3. Domestic manufacturers are advancing in technology rapidly: some manufacturers are already able to produce vehicle-grade sealed connectors, high-temperature-resistant connectors, aluminum conductor cable harness components, etc., which has narrowed the gap with international brands.
The international brand standards help improve domestic products: by studying the specifications, structures, and materials of brands such as Sumitomo, domestic manufacturers can quickly develop counterparts. The various series listed on the Sumitomo official website (such as TS seals, DL series, HX series, etc.) can serve as learning models.
In summary, if the domestic connector industry chain can seize the current opportunities and break through in materials, processes, and structural compatibility standards, the goal of self-sufficiency may become realistically achievable in the medium term.
Connectors may seem like "small pieces," but they are the "hub" of the system. Referring to Sumitomo, for domestically produced connectors to move towards self-reliance, self-sufficiency, and self-control, it is not as simple as just changing "brands." Instead, it involves an integrated upgrade from materials to structure to technology to testing to supply chain. The current market and industrial environment have provided an opportunity, the key being who can improve technology, quality, scale, and service all at once. Although the goal of self-sufficiency in the domestic connector industry chain presents a significant challenge, the path is clear and the momentum strong, making it worthy of accelerated layout by all parties in the industry.
If you are interested in the domestic substitute products for Sumitomo brand connectors or have procurement needs, or if you have production or sales channels for these brand connector domestic substitutes and wish to engage in in-depth cooperation or communication, please contact via the following contact information:
Manager Zhang (18665383950, WeChat number same)Contact us, we look forward to working together with more industry partners.
