Force & Displacement Testing for Connector Mating, Unmating, Retention and Durability
The ITM-LAB RS-6600A is designed for controlled insertion and extraction force testing of connectors, terminals and electronic components.
With selectable capacities from 5 to 100 kgf, a 150 mm test stroke and test speeds up to 600 mm/min, the system measures force together with displacement throughout the test. Different fixtures can be configured for complete connector assemblies, individual contacts and terminal retention applications.
[Request a Quote] | [Send Your Connector Test Requirement]
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Product Overview
More Than a Peak Force Measurement
Connector mating behavior is not defined by a single force value. As contacts engage and the connector moves through its mating travel, the force can rise, fall and peak at different positions.
The RS-6600A records force and displacement together, giving engineers a clearer view of the mechanical response during insertion and withdrawal.
A Panasonic servo motor provides controlled test motion, while the measurement system captures the force–displacement response for applications such as:
Insertion & Withdrawal · Terminal Retention · Single-Contact Testing · Durability Cycling · Connector QC
With the appropriate fixture, the same platform can be adapted to different connector geometries and test requirements—from individual terminals to complete multi-contact assemblies.
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Connector Tests You Can Perform
The RS-6600A supports several connector mechanical test configurations. The exact setup depends on the connector geometry, fixture, force range and applicable test method.
| Test |
What It Evaluates |
| Insertion Force |
Force required to mate a connector or insert a contact |
| Withdrawal / Extraction Force |
Force required to separate mating connectors |
| Full-Row Mating & Unmating |
Mechanical force during insertion and withdrawal of a complete multi-contact connector |
| Single-Contact Insertion |
Insertion behavior of an individual pin, contact or terminal |
| Pin / Terminal Retention |
Force required to dislodge or remove a contact from its housing |
| Compression Test |
Mechanical response of applicable connector spring or contact structures |
| Durability Cycling |
Changes in connector performance during repeated insertion and withdrawal |
| Dynamic Impedance |
Applicable electrical behavior during connector movement when configured with the required measurement setup |
How Connector Force Testing Works
A reliable connector force test starts with the specimen and fixture—not only the machine settings.
1. Mount the Connector
Secure the connector and mating component in the appropriate upper and lower fixtures.
2. Align the Mating Axis
Position the specimen so insertion and withdrawal occur along the intended mating direction.
3. Define Test Conditions
Set the required test speed, stroke, force range, cycle count and applicable limits.
4. Run Insertion / Withdrawal
The servo-driven system moves the specimen through the defined mating or unmating sequence.
5. Record Force & Displacement
Force and displacement data are collected throughout the test.
6. Review the Results
Evaluate the measured force response, displacement behavior and repeated-cycle performance.
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Understanding the Force–Displacement Curve
A connector test is more informative when force is evaluated together with displacement.
During an insertion or withdrawal cycle, the curve can show where resistance increases, where a peak occurs and how the force changes through the connector travel.
This makes it possible to compare:
Insertion Force Peak · Withdrawal Force Peak · Mating Travel · Cycle-to-Cycle Changes
For durability testing, comparing curves from different cycles can also help engineers identify changes in mechanical behavior as the connector is repeatedly mated and unmated.
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Key Features
| Feature |
Capability |
| Panasonic Servo Drive |
Provides controlled movement for insertion, withdrawal and repeated connector testing. |
| Selectable Force Capacity |
5 / 10 / 20 / 50 / 100 kgf options accommodate different connector and terminal force ranges. |
| Adjustable Test Speed |
Supports test speeds up to 600 mm/min, depending on the selected configuration. |
| Force + Displacement |
Measures force together with displacement throughout the defined test movement. |
| Curve Analysis |
Displays the force–displacement response for evaluating insertion, withdrawal and cycle-to-cycle behavior. |
| Repeatable Test Motion |
Controlled servo movement supports consistent test conditions when comparing specimens or repeated cycles. |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
RS-6600A |
| Force Capacity |
5 / 10 / 20 / 50 / 100 kgf, optional |
| Force Units |
N, kN, gf, kgf, lb |
| Equipment Accuracy |
Level 0.5 |
| Minimum Load Display |
0.001 |
| Test Stroke |
0–150 mm |
| Displacement Resolution |
0.001 mm |
| Effective Width |
310 / 400 mm |
| Test Speed |
0.01–300 mm/min or 0.01–600 mm/min |
| Drive System |
Panasonic servo motor |
| Machine Dimensions |
360 × 270 × 950 mm |
| Weight |
Approx. 70 kg |
| Power Supply |
AC 220 V, 3A |
Note: Force capacity, effective width, test speed and fixture configuration should be selected according to the connector and test requirement.
Relevant Connector Test Standards
The RS-6600A can be configured for connector mechanical testing based on applicable product specifications and test procedures.
| Standard |
Relevant Test / Application |
| IEC 60512-13-2:2006 |
Test 13b — insertion and withdrawal force measurement for applicable mating connectors |
| EIA-364-13E |
Mating and unmating force testing of electrical connectors and sockets |
| Connector-Specific Specifications |
Mechanical requirements defined for a particular connector, terminal or component |
| Customer / Internal Test Procedures |
Manufacturer-defined force limits, test speeds, cycle requirements and acceptance criteria |
For IEC 60512-13-2, the IEC describes Test 13b as a method for measuring insertion and withdrawal forces for mating connectors or a connector with a specified gauge.
Typical Applications
The RS-6600A can be configured for different connector and terminal designs, from individual contacts to complete connector assemblies. Typical applications include:
| Application |
Typical Test Requirement |
| USB & USB Type-C |
Insertion, withdrawal and repeated mating/unmating testing |
| Board-to-Board Connectors |
Mating/unmating force measurement for complete assemblies or individual contacts |
| Wire-to-Board Connectors |
Insertion, withdrawal and terminal retention testing |
| Terminals & Pin Contacts |
Single-contact insertion and retention force testing |
| Automotive Connectors |
Mechanical connector testing for development, supplier verification and production QC |
| Consumer Electronics Connectors |
Connector force and durability evaluation for electronic devices and assemblies |
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Why Connector Force Results Can Vary？
Insertion and withdrawal force depends on more than the force sensor itself. Test setup should be controlled whenever results are compared between specimens, production batches or laboratories.
Fixture Alignment
Angular or lateral misalignment can introduce additional resistance during mating and unmating.
Test Speed
Use the speed defined by the applicable test procedure or product specification when comparing results.
Connector Condition
New connectors and repeatedly cycled connectors may produce different force responses.
Mating Configuration
The connector, counterpart, contact arrangement and applicable locking or latching conditions should be clearly defined before testing.
Force Range Selection
Select a force capacity appropriate to the expected load instead of choosing the highest available capacity by default.
Fixture Consistency
Specimens should be positioned consistently to improve comparability between repeated tests.
How to Configure the RS-6600A
The RS-6600A should be configured around the connector, test method and expected force range. Before requesting a quotation, define the following:
| Define |
What We Need to Know |
| Connector Type |
USB, board-to-board, wire-to-board, terminal, pin contact or other connector |
| Test Type |
Insertion, withdrawal, retention, compression or durability |
| Expected Force |
Used to select the appropriate 5 / 10 / 20 / 50 / 100 kgf capacity |
| Test Stroke |
Required movement within the available 0–150 mm stroke |
| Test Speed |
Speed specified by the applicable product specification or internal test method |
| Cycle Requirement |
Number of mating/unmating cycles required for durability evaluation |
| Fixture Requirement |
Connector dimensions, drawings, photos or samples for fixture evaluation |
| Mating Direction & Setup |
How the connector and counterpart should be positioned and aligned during testing |
| Result Requirement |
Required force values, displacement data, curves or other test outputs |
| Applicable Standard |
IEC, EIA, customer-specific or internal test procedure, where applicable |
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Send Us Your Connector Test Requirement
Different connectors require different force ranges, fixtures and test conditions.
To configure the RS-6600A for your application, send us:
Connector type / part number
Connector dimensions or drawing
Insertion / withdrawal / retention / durability requirement
Expected force range
Required test speed and stroke
Number of test cycles
Applicable standard or customer specification
Connector photos or samples
ITM-LAB can evaluate the test requirement and recommend the appropriate force capacity, fixture and test configuration.
Request a Quote | Send Your Connector Drawing
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