Availability of new Molex connector series

[Skerved]

Hi. I just want to see if someone has some more experience of how the connector market works. I have found a new connector series from Molex that I would like to try, Zero-Hachi: https://www.molex.com/en-us/products/connectors/wire-to-board-connectors/zero-hachi-connectors.

The problem for me is that the MOQ for the variants I want is 30 000 and 40 000 pcs on Digikey, Mouser etc, where I need perhaps 1000-5000 pcs per year. Of course, I also need samples. I have contacted Molex, but they just refer to their distributors, Digikey, Mouser etc. I have contacted Digikey, but have not got an answer in a few days. I also asked one of my regular supplier for electronic components, but he also referenced MOQ of 30k and 40k.

So I thought I might ask here. How does it normally work with relatively new connectors, specifically Molex, am I at the mercy of Digikey and the like?

[tooki]

I don't have any concrete suggestion as far as MOQ, but the product page's FAQ contains this tidbit:

Is the Zero-Hachi connector system compatible for use with market equivalents?
Yes, the Zero-Hachi connector is designed to be a drop-in-replacement for certain competing equivalents and is compatible for use with these. Please contact sales for more information.

So it's a clone of something else. Maybe that original product has better availability.

[Skerved]

So it's a clone of something else. Maybe that original product has better availability.

Thanks! I will try to find out what it is a clone of.

[tooki]

It just occurred to me that the name could be a clue of the potential origin: thanks to Hachiko, the famously loyal Akita, I know that “hachi” means “eight” in Japanese.

(I was hoping there was some 08-series from Hirose, but no such luck.)

[Someone]

Catalogues (particularly electro-mechanical parts) often have line items which have never been manufactured before. The huge MOQ is you paying for the minimum manufacturing batch.

[Skerved]

I found a pretty similar connector, but it seems slightly larger. https://www.hirose.com/en/product/series/DF52

Edit: Does anyone have experience with Hirose connectors? Reliable?

[ejeffrey]

Hirose is one of the big names in connectors.  They have a wide range of products, but generally if you use them as intended they should perform as advertised.

[MarkT]

My question would be how wide a range of cables is available - if they are all bespoke and MOQ that could be an issue(!)

[tooki]

My question would be how wide a range of cables is available - if they are all bespoke and MOQ that could be an issue(!)

What do you mean? You buy the connectors and wires yourself and assemble them to cables. The DF52 datasheet says to use UL1571 style wire, which means there are tons of manufacturers of compliant wire.

[Skerved]

Thanks for your useful comments on this. I am getting closer to a solution!

Regarding cables: We have a supplier that makes custom cables for us and I always check with them before settling on something new.