Accomplished history
Cambion Electronics has a long pedigree in manufacturing high-performance electro-mechanical and inductive components, with an illustrious history dating back decades. Back in 1961, the company was known as Cambion Electronic Products Limited successfully incorporated by USA company, Cambridge Thermionic Corporation. The aim then was to become a big player in the emerging market for electro-mechanical and electronic components in the UK and Europe.
Cambridge Thermionic Corporation was an unfortunate victim of the infamous 1990-1991 US recession and became insolvent. The UK experienced a similar economic downturn in 1991, with rising inflation, high interest rates, and overvalued exchange rate but despite this, Cambion UK continued to thrive as a single entity. Over the years, there has been a series of ownership and name changes, including Midland Ross, Interconnection Products, Hollingsworth, Wearnes, until 2016 when it finally became Cambion Electronics Limited, as it is known today.
Pole position
Cambion Electronics Limited is now part of a highly successful multi-billion-dollar conglomerate based in the Far East (Singapore), with a sole, autonomous 4,000 square metre manufacturing facility in picturesque Castleton, in the Peak District.
Cambion is autonomous in its manufacturing capabilities with stamping, machining, moulding, automatic assembly and an equipped toolroom all under one roof at its ISO9001, ISO14001 and AS/EN9100 certified North Derbyshire facility.
With a steadfast focus on innovation, world-leading products, customer service and sustainability, the company has maintained its pole position as industry-leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance electro-mechanical/electronic components, inductive assemblies, and interconnect solutions. Now, with an expanding global distribution network, Cambion is at the forefront of the electronics sector, with a diverse customer base across aerospace, civil aircraft, gas detection, industrial markets, oil & gas, medical,military and many others.
2024: Year in review
We caught up with Managing Director, Martin Stoneman, to see how the company has fared against a difficult geopolitical backdrop, supply chain delays, soaring energy costs and new UK Government, “Challenging is the single word that sums up the last year. Moving into 2024 it was clear that there were stormy clouds on the horizon, however Cambion results will be favourable when compared to like companies in the electronics industry, certainly those in the UK. Factors out of our control such as geopolitical issues not only effect the value of commodities like gold, but also the confidence of our customers. This stated I can already see green shoots appearing for 2025 and expect to have growth; whether it will surpass our record-breaking turnover of 2023, only time will tell.”
All that glitters is gold
Historically, gold has been the standard material to protect products used for joining electrical circuits, due to its inherent electrical conductivity properties and corrosion and wear resistance. The price of this precious metal has increased by more than 40% this year, with prices set to hit an all-time high in 2025, as Martin explains further:
“Gold has historically been seen as a ‘safe haven’ in time of troubles, so the rise in this commodity, caused by the geopolitical issues has been a major concern for Cambion. Trying to mitigate this against productivity has been a battle difficult to win, then when you add government legislation and tax burdens into the mix, it is one you know you cannot win, so price increase becomes unavoidable, which clearly creates risk. Cambion will continue to invest heavily in capital equipment though to improve productivity, and cutting-edge AI without losing sight of direct customer and supplier interface and its employees to upskill and develop new competencies to meet the changing environment.”
Despite these setbacks with the price of gold, Cambion continues to focus its R&D on additional contact technologies to ensure Cambion supports its customers’ future application developments. The company is busy implementing ongoing Net Zero plans, such as improving systems and practices to eliminate waste. Cambion continues to strategically focus on ongoing product development, invest in the latest machinery and nurture organic growth in its customer base, through its excellent distributor network.
Innovation at Electronica 2024
Electronica is a leading biennial electronics trade show and Electronica 2024 in Munich brought the whole industry together for four days. Cambion launched its new contact technology for high current applications: Louvered Sockets/Pins at the November show, which were greatly lauded by visiting industry delegates.
The sockets are ideally designed for high-current applications, due to its multi-point manufacturing from heat-treated Beryllium Copper. Plated in gold, silver or both, these sockets come in various terminations, solder bucket, crimp, and thread mount.
“Our Louvered Sockets/Pins received wide interest from all points of the globe during Electronica 2024 – giving excellent potential for growth in 2025 and beyond. We also exhibited our other leading contact technologies such as: Spring-Loaded Contacts, Tulip Clip and Hourglass Jack contact. With instantly recognisable sockets, connector pins, terminals, insulated/uninsulated chokes, and coils, it was our pleasure to make contact with many new and existing customers and peers from across the industry. The year has also seen a successful take-up of the previously launched non-magnetic and relay base ranges.”
Non-magnetic range
The non-magnetic range has undergone extensive R&D, with its sockets, pins, polygon pins, terminal and shorting links all making waves across the industry:
- Sockets: Extensive range of discrete sockets available in mounting styles such as: soldered, press fit, crimp, surface mount and stackable. These sockets are compatible with mating pin Dia. Ø0.41-2.06mm for seamless operations.
- Pins: Compatible with loose piece sockets, providing positive and lasting electrical connection with low contact resistance. Pin diameters are +/- 0.05mm (0.002”).
- Polygon pins: Available in various stand-off heights, a range of machined pins allow for press-fit termination to PCBs.
- Terminal: Wide range of slotted, forked and pin styles in varied sizes for standard board thickness. Available in insulated/non-insulated variations.
- Shorting links: Insulated and non-insulated links as standard come in colours: red, blue, and black, with other colours available upon request. In the following Pitch – 2.54mm (0.100”) to 12.7mm (0.500”)
In the medical sector, normal free machining grades of brass contain slight magnetic properties, with small traces of iron and nickel composition. This of course makes them highly unsuitable for MRI scanners or indeed industrial application such as Mine Detection Equipment. Cambion has taken care to use the latest advanced Magnetoscope technology to monitor magnetic permeability, whilst remaining mindful of raw material and plating selections.
Relay Base range
A range of lightweight Relay Bases utilising Cambion’s Tulip contact technology to suit generic round pin out configuration Relays:
- Available with and without mounting ears for optimum location possibilities.
- Pins have a solder relief feature to ensure excellent solder fillets when fixed to PCB.
- Carrier is moulded from high-temperature plastic, suitable for lead-free solder processes.
- Carrier ensures correct contact pitch.
- Contacts feature Gold plated, stamped Beryllium Copper clips, pressed into Brass, Gold plated bodies.
- Other styles and configurations available on request
- RoHS compliant
Looking to the future
As the industry moves towards Net Zero 2050, Cambion has accelerated its company goals by announcing that all company vehicles are now fully electric. With the looming 2030 UK ban on all new petrol and diesel cars, Cambion is helping employees convert cars to electric through a salary sacrifice scheme. The on-site free EV charging stations support the running of these cars, with the long-term goal to run the EV charging car park purely on renewable energy sources.
“With Cambion’s product range, our R&D team is looking at advanced additional contact technologies to futureproof customers’ application developments.”
For more information and to view the product brochure, see the links below:
T 01433 621555
sales@cambion.com
www.cambion.com