NICOMATIC, a connector manufacturer that ranks among the top 100, designs and manufactures connector solutions, and is a leading manufacturer of metal dome switching technology—in the top three manufacturers worldwide—for membrane switches and mobile phones. The company positions itself as a supplier to the worldwide electronic industry for applications ranging from consumer products to the high-tech sectors. From its origin in 1976 as a micro screw machining company, NICOMATIC has taken advantage of its precision know-how to specialize in electronic connector developments. In recent years, the NICOMATIC brand has developed into a leader in harsh environment interconnections, mainly used in the aerospace and defense marketplace. The company has also diversified its activities to become one of the biggest metal dome manufacturers in the world, serving both consumer markets and membrane switch specialists.

NICOMATIC passive components (both connectors and domes) can be found in household appliances, and in specialized products for industries including automotive and aerospace. Like a LEGO® building block, these parts fit together to make up the interconnection system for an automobile’s dashboard, a dishwasher, a factory robot, a DVD player, or any of a wide variety of applications. They are the interface between electronic cards.

NICOMATIC, certified ISO 9001:2000, offers a wide range of interconnection and metal dome switching solutions:

 

  • Domes and arrays of domes—metal parts that are assembled under the keypad of mobile phones or other devices that comprise the switch portion of the device. The dome closes the circuit on the PCB when the key is activated by the operator.

  • Micro-connectors—miniature connectors offering a large combination of possibilities for contacts with an integral locking mechanism and a high-temperature insulator developed for the aerospace, defense, instrumentation and control, medical, and transportation applications. They can be used under the most extreme environmental conditions.

  • Connectors for flexible circuits—the CrimpFlex® connector system is one of the few connector systems available for flat conductor products, especially membrane switches, printed ink circuits, flexible PCBs, and flat flexible cable (FFC) jumper assemblies. NICOMATIC also manufactures flat cable and FFC card cable.

  • Connectors for printed circuits—connectors and related products, SMD female connectors, sockets, headers, and SMD test terminals.

By acquiring know-how as a subcontractor, and then in 1987 as a manufacturer, NICOMATIC has become a worldwide leader in connector design and manufacture for the electronic industry. A strong internal development plan and a global sales network have been put in place over the last 15 years to ensure the company’s continued position as a leader.

NICOMATIC, listed on the EuroNext French stock-exchange since November 25, 1997, was established in 1976 in the precision screw-machining industry by Paul Nicollin, an engineer in mechanics. Nicollin is now chairman of the company. A change of course saved the company from a screw-machining crisis and pushed it into the connector marketplace. It now specializes in the military field and is a well-known supplier for membrane switch manufacturers.

NICOMATIC has seen steady growth for the last few years. The company has positioned itself in the world market in two fast-growing and value-added product ranges:  SWITCH’AIR® domes, components for electric household appliances and other products, such as automotive and mobile phones; and CMM micro-connectors for defense.

NICOMATIC has an international network of distributors and partners. In 1998, Nicomatic opened global subsidiaries in the United States, South Korea, and Hong-Kong. In addition, Nicomatic has opened commercial offices in Brazil. In September 2001, Nicomatic announced the opening of the Brazilian subsidiary as a result of its existing commercial presence. Nicomatic China is the most recent subsidiary, which opened in September 2005.

 Why NICOMATIC?
 The electronic sector is constantly looking for miniaturization and versatility, and is demanding high quality passive components at the same time. NICOMATIC answers these needs with:

 

  • Metal domes that offer a very reliable technology, with good mechanical and electrical performance and significant design improvements. This technology has rapidly replaced polydome and carbon contact technologies. Metal domes are used in more and more interface product designs every year.

  • Miniature connectors that save 40 percent board space, and offer resistances under extreme conditions of use, like high temperatures or vibrations. These connectors are also cost effective by offering mixed layout combinations with signal, power, and coax contacts in the same connector, with unprecedented adaptability.

  • Connectors for flexible circuits that ensure excellent mechanical retention and electrical contact with a considerably reduced contact resistance, due to the crimping of the contacts obtained by piercing the conductor in six points.

 

Product Hightlights
 

SWITCH’AIR® Metal Domes, Dome Arrays and Components for Membrane Switches:

  • Arrays composed of metal domes (4-leg and/or round-shaped domes available in 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8.4mm, and 12.2mm) and an adhesive (polyester film), to be glued onto the printed circuit of the mobile phone.

  • Metal domes with activation forces ranging from 110g to 420g

  • Product supplied in bulk or assembled on high-speed assembly processes, uniquely formatted to your application. NICOMATIC also supplies machines to apply domes and LEDs.

  • Components for membrane switches—ultra-thin LEDs, spacer adhesives

Applications: mobile phones; electric household appliances, such as microwaves; automotive; air-conditioning; satellite command, radio, dashboard communications; office use, such as telephone, laptops and computers; industrial machines and controls; and leisure products, such as cameras, VCRs, TVs, and DVD players.
 

MICRO-CONNECTORS CMM 100/200/220/320/340 Series:

  • 2mm pitch miniature connectors with high mechanical and climatic resistance

  • Large combinations within the same connector housing, such as signal, high-density, and coax

  • Integral locking mechanism and high-temperature insulator  

Applications: defense, aerospace, instrumentation and controls, telecom, transportation, and medical.
 

CRIMPFLEX® Connectors for Flexible Circuits:

  • Male and female contacts in reel at final pitch of 2.54mm, corresponding housings

  • FFC card cable (0.5mm/1mm/1.25mm/1.27mm/2.54mm pitch) and flex cable jumpers

  • Assembly presses (pneumatic and manual)

  • Outperforms competitors on cost and reliability

 Applications: membrane switches, consumer electronics, automotive, industry, and computing
 

Connectors for Printed Circuits:

  • Male and female headers at a pitch of 2.54mm

  • Male and female headers at a pitch of 2mm

  • SMD connectors, test terminals, terminal pins

Applications: in any type of electronic module

 


In Brief, NICOMATIC:

  • An international business founded in 1976 by Paul Nicollin, chairman

  • 160 employees worldwide (82 in France)

  • Subsidiaries in the United States, South Korea, Brazil, and China

  • Direct and indirect sales in more than 30 countries

  • A consolidated turnover of +14 million Euros in 2005

  • Listed on the French Stock-Exchange EuroNext since 1997

  • Seven international patents and trademarks

  • NICOMATIC France is certified ISO 9001: v.2000

  • RoHS-compatible products since January 1, 2005

  • In-house manufacturing and design results in quality products and stable deliveries

  • Website: www.nicomatic.com
     

                 


                  

 
 
 

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