KRCONN has successfully developed an IPX8‑rated waterproof Type‑C female connector.

TWR38-18121605-G5 16-pin (double-layer housing, soldered, IPX8 waterproof) flush-mount female connector

Krconn has launched a major new product. Brand-new flagship-level IPX8 Waterproof Type-C connector ( Model: TWR38-18121605-G5 ) 。 This connector has now entered full-scale mass production and is a highly integrated interconnect solution specifically designed for smart wearables, high-end handheld devices, and demanding outdoor environments involving water exposure. Its key breakthrough lies in meeting the stringent IPX8‑rated advanced protection standard—withstanding continuous immersion at a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes without any leakage. Within an ultra‑compact, miniaturized form factor (with an overall length of just 7.10 mm and a plug‑end thickness of 2.40 mm), it ingeniously integrates a three‑layer shell laser‑welding process with cutting‑edge LIM liquid‑injection molding sealing technology. Additionally, it employs a premium SUS316L stainless steel inner housing, which not only delivers exceptional waterproofing, dustproofing, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance but also boasts unparalleled corrosion resistance and board‑mount strength.

This product is designed to provide the most reliable technological foundation, delivering industrial‑grade, robust quality to help global customers upgrade to next‑generation, highly protective, waterproof hardware.

  I. New Product Technical Specifications (As the culmination of KRCONN’s core technologies, this IPX8‑rated waterproof Type‑C connector incorporates the following seven groundbreaking structural and manufacturing innovations.)

(1) “Tongue‑plate” – an overall externally exposed, patent‑grade design

The product features a cutting-edge, integrated “tongue‑plate” external sealing structure. This innovative design eliminates the traditional reliance on bulky, heavy external housings in sealed waterproof connectors, significantly reducing redundant space within the interface and enabling ultra‑thin, compact, and densely stacked designs for end products.

           (2) Advanced LIM Liquid Injection Molding Ring

By eliminating the traditional assembly‑ring’s drawbacks—prone to displacement and aging—this product employs a high‑end LIM (Liquid Injection Molding) process. Coupled with precisely engineered shell‑material design—achieving a unilateral compression of 0.15 mm for the sealing ring—this creates an exceptionally tight molecular bond between the silicone ring and the metal housing, delivering outstanding waterproof sealing performance that remains durable and resistant to aging over time.

(3) T0.25 high-conductivity terminal design (supports 8A high current)

The internal contact terminal is crafted from a proprietary high-conductivity copper alloy with a thickness of T0.25, and has undergone meticulous optimization of its physical and mechanical structure. This design can handle an exceptionally high current of up to 8 A (with a nominal steady-state rated current of 5 A max.), providing outstanding hardware redundancy for the device’s high‑speed PD fast charging and stable power delivery.

(4) Precision laser welding process for the three-layer outer shell

To achieve ultimate mechanical rigidity of the housing, the product innovatively employs a “three-layer laser welding” technology. By using high‑energy‑density lasers to seamlessly weld multiple points on the inner and outer metal shells as well as the reinforcing steel plates, this approach comprehensively enhances the product’s overall rigidity and sealing strength, thereby preventing waterproofing failure caused by deformation due to external compression.

(5) Enclosure + Steel Plate DIP Composite Plug-in Board Design

On both the connector’s pin side and the mounting side, a composite design is employed that integrates the housing with a steel mid‑plate in a synchronized DIP (dual‑in‑line package) configuration. This mechanical retention structure significantly enhances the product’s post‑board‑mounting solder joint strength—both peel resistance and torsional resistance—thereby effectively preventing physical damage to the PCB caused by frequent plugging/unplugging or drop impacts experienced by end users.

(6) Integrated Stretch Shell (Dual Function: Waterproofing and EMC Protection)

The enclosure is manufactured using a high-precision, single‑step deep‑drawing process, resulting in a seamless interior. This design not only eliminates any potential micro‑leakage paths but also creates a 360° electromagnetic shielding shield with no blind spots, delivering exceptional waterproofing and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) performance, thereby helping end devices easily pass various industry association and national certification requirements.

(7) Two-shot molding ensures strong terminal bonding and high efficiency.

The manufacturing process strictly adheres to a dual‑injection molding technique: “1st injection + 2nd injection.” By performing two precise injection cycles, the bond between the plastic body (PA10T) and the contact terminals is optimized to its strongest possible state, significantly enhancing hermetic sealing and water resistance while ensuring high yield and efficiency during mass production.

II. Features and Advantages

(1) True submersible IPX8 with rigorous protection

Through rigorous testing, it delivers exceptional zero‑leakage performance, withstanding continuous immersion at a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes (30 min / 1.5 m), providing top‑tier, industry‑leading waterproof protection.

(2) Top-grade SUS316L stainless steel inner shell

On the critical inner shell (Shell 1), KRCONN has carefully selected a material whose acid- and alkali-resistance, as well as its resistance to pitting corrosion, far surpasses that of ordinary stainless steel. SUS316L medical-grade stainless steel, Ensuring that it remains rust-free and maintains its performance even in extremely harsh environments such as seawater, sweat, or chemical cleaning agents.

(3) Ultra-long mating/demating life and consistent extraction force

Supports up to 10,000 continuous insertion–extraction cycles. Insertion force remains steady at 5–20 N; initial pull-out force is 8–20 N. After undergoing tens of thousands of rigorous endurance tests, the pull-out force consistently stays within the optimal range of 6–20 N, effectively eliminating interface looseness.

(4) Comprehensive and Superior Electrical Protection

It features an ultra-low contact resistance of 40 mΩ max, reducing heat generation under high current; it also withstands a voltage of up to 100 VAC and exhibits an insulation resistance of no less than 100 MΩ.

(5) 48-hour salt spray corrosion resistance

It successfully passed the 48-hour high-concentration salt spray test, with the housing and plating demonstrating exceptional corrosion resistance and oxidation stability, enabling it to readily withstand harsh environments such as sweat, high humidity, and coastal areas exposed to heavy salt spray.

(6) Carefully selected high‑specification BOM materials

III. Target Market and Applications (Owing to its slim form factor, robust step‑by‑step waterproofing, and unparalleled cost advantages, this connector is widely suited for the following market segments and high‑protection applications.)

(1) High-end Smart Wearables and Outdoor Sports: Professional dive watches, swimming‑sport wristbands, professional‑grade GPS outdoor adventure trackers, smart sports glasses, and smart running‑shoe tracking modules, among others.

(II) Three-Defense Smart Terminals and Specialized Portable Devices: Industrial-grade, professional tri-proof smartphones, rugged tablets, logistics handheld PDA scanners, and surveying instruments for harsh outdoor environments.

(3) High-risk water-related consumer electronics: Waterproof smart shavers, high-end electric toothbrushes, premium water flossers, and other bathroom electronics that require rinsing directly under the faucet or submersion in water.

(4) Maritime Electronics and Outdoor Equipment: Marine handheld walkie-talkies, electronic fish finders for sea fishing, illuminance meters for harsh outdoor environments, high-precision area measurement devices, and network cable tracer terminals.

(5) In-vehicle Connectivity and Smart Hardware: Two-wheeled electric vehicle outdoor smart dashboard, waterproof central controller for shared bicycles, and outdoor waterproof security surveillance camera.

IV. Product Parameters, Specifications, and Production & Supply Information