Releases New Waterproof Version of IEC-Compliant ix Industrial™ Connector
- Next-Generation Industrial Communication Connector
Now Available with IP67 Protection—45% Smaller Than Standard RJ45,
Ideal for Harsh Environments - June 17, 2025
The ix Industrial™, which has gained attention as a high-speed communication interface for industrial equipment, is now available in a waterproof and dustproof (IP67-compliant) version. It enables stable communication even in harsh environments—such as manufacturing sites with high humidity and dust—while maintaining the conventional advantages of compact size, robustness, and high-speed transmission. Compared to general-purpose RJ45 connectors, the ix Industrial™ offers significant space savings, greatly enhancing design flexibility and wiring work efficiency.
● Waterproof and Dustproof Performance Supports the Evolution of Industrial Equipment and Smarter Manufacturing
The ix Industrial™ was first introduced in 2017 through a technology partnership between Hirose Electric and Germany’s HARTING Technology Group. Since then, it has been widely adopted across a range of industrial applications—including factory automation (FA), robotics, and machine vision—due to its compact size and high durability. The ix Industrial™ has been used as a communication connector by many major industrial equipment manufacturers, both in Japan and overseas, including for Ethernet-based systems.
In manufacturing environments, wiring is often required in areas exposed to high humidity or dust. Traditional RJ45 waterproof connectors tend to be large, creating challenges for mounting space and handling. To address these issues, Hirose has added a waterproof version to the ix Industrial™ Series—already well regarded for its compact form factor and rugged design. Compared to RJ45 waterproof connectors, the ix Industrial™ is significantly smaller and, with its IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof performance (when mated), offers greater flexibility for use across a wide variety of industrial equipment.
The waterproof solution is composed of a plug with a waterproof structure and a flange-type receptacle that can be mounted to the equipment’s panel. The plug integrates the ix Industrial™ interface with a push-pull locking style for easy insertion and removal. It also features a double-lock mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement. The receptacle can be used with existing upright, right-angle, or vertical models—allowing engineers to adapt to various applications and maintain flexibility in equipment design.
With the addition of waterproof and dustproof variants, the ix Industrial™ series now supports even more robust industrial wiring environments.
Applicable Applications: FA controllers, servo amplifiers, industrial robots, PLCs, and security systems.
【Plug waterproof Dimension Comparison】
Waterproof and dustproof, yet 45% smaller in volume compared to general-purpose RJ45 waterproof connectors.
【Before】
【After】
● Waterproof Dust-Proof Features
1.Waterproof/Dustproof: Mated Condition supports IP65/IP67
・Maintains stable connections even in harsh environments
・Optional dust caps available
2.Compatible with All ix Industrial™ Receptacles
・Existing receptacles can be used as-is, simplifying design
3.Supports High-Density Mounting
・Optimized flange design enables efficient, space-saving layouts
4.Push-Pull Lock for Easy Operation
・Double-lock mechanism prevents accidental disengagement and ensures reliable mating.
5.Supports a wide range of cables
・Compatible with AWG 22–28 to meet diverse application needs
● Future Product Development
To meet the needs of various industrial equipment usage environments, we plan to develop new variations, such as a high-current type.