PCB Hardware - A quick buyer's guide
From managing space to conductivity in your application, there are lots of factors to take into consideration when building electrical solutions.
When it comes to circuit board hardware, material and mounting type are key. We strongly recommend that you try before you buy – request free samples so that your team can ensure they have the perfect solution for the application. They can also download free CADs.
This guide is designed to give buyers an introduction. For expert advice, we’re always happy to help. We can also help with our vast range of PCB standoffs and spacers, PCB support pillars, PCB card guides and LED mounts and holders.
PCB hardware components
Here’s a look at the printed circuit board components your team will need:
Supports
Perfect for: white goods
When your application is in constant use you require reliable components. Maintain functionality and end-user safety with our range of heat-stabilised and easy-to-apply PCB support posts.
Features:
- Support types include Adhesive Base, Edge Locking, Reverse Locking, Screw Locking and Snap Lock
- Fixing methods are diverse, covering Fir Tree Mount, Locking Arrowhead, Locking Bayonet, Quarter-Turn and Flat Rest
Material:
- Available in Acetal, Nylon, EPDM, allowing operation in temperatures between -40˚F (-40˚C) and 185˚F (85˚C)
PCB Support Pillars - Two-Prong Snap-Lock/Two-Prong Snap-Fit
- Mounted on both sides with low-profile two-prong fastener
- One side locks and the other is a releasable snap-fit
PCB Support Pillars - Arrowhead Snap-Lock/Bayonet Nose Snap-Fit
- Snap locking PCB support
- Quick assembly in stacking applications
- Snap-lock and snap-fit features add a secure hold
PCB Support Pillars - Flat Rest Mount
- Self-adhesive PCB support
- Release tab for quick release
- Flat rest mount provides secure support option
PCB Support Pillars - Hexagonal/Threaded Male/Mini
- Male end mounts securely using hex nut
- Releasable snap-fit fastener with low profile
PCB Support Pillars – Reverse Dual-Locking/Snap Fit/Two-Prong
- Snap locking PCB support
- Reverse mount supports are reinstalled from the underside of the chassis.
- Thin button head for minimal protrusion under the chassis.
Spacers & Standoffs
Perfect for: data cabinets and consumer electronics
Applications often have limited space whilst needing to house lots of components. Our range of solutions provide versatility and space, giving your customers ease of access and peace of mind.
Features:
- Choose from varied internal diameter and length options to ensure the right position for your application. PCB standoffs available in Male-Male, Female-Male and Female-Female variants
- Bodies available: hexagonal standoff, round standoff – also, Round with Crossed Body, allowing for different tightening possibilities
- Also available: metric threaded standoff, standoff insulator, self-tapping standoff, and more
Material:
- Ceramic spacers, PCB plastic spacers (Heat-Stabilized Nylon, Impact Modified Nylon, Acetal, PVC and Polystyrene). Also, Nylon PCB standoffs, plus Glass-Filled Nylon and Nylon with Brass Inserts
- Retaining Nylon PCB spacer designed to grip the screw shank, holding it in place
- Available in different spacing and screw options
PCB Spacer - Non-Threaded/Round/Through
- Non threaded spacer
- No assembly equipment required – apply by hand
- Round spacers available in a range of materials
PCB Support Pillars - Self-Retaining
- Snaps into the printed circuit board design
- Maintains spacing even when the screw is removed
PCB Standoffs - Round/Metric Threaded/Insulator/Nylon & Brass
- Female to female threaded round standoffs
- Metric nylon standoffs with brass inserts
- No assembly equipment required – apply by hand
- Ideal for when high mechanical strength is required
- Provides sturdy, insulated spacing for high-power electronic applications
- Also available as male to male round standoff spacers and male to female
PCB Standoffs - Hexagonal Bottom/Insulator/Nylon & Brass
- Male hexagonal standoffs
- No assembly equipment required – apply by hand
- Ideal for when high mechanical strength is required
- Provides sturdy, insulated spacing for high-power electronic applications
PCB Standoffs - Hexagonal/Threaded/Self-Tapping
- Female through standoffs
- Self-tapping screw threads the plastic for a strong hold
- Hexagonal body
Female To Female Standoff - Hexagonal Bottom, Metric-Threaded, Insulator, Nylon/Brass
- Round Nylon standoff with hexagonal bottom
- No assembly equipment required – apply by hand
Which is the right mounting type?
Choosing the right spacing component as part of your PCB hardware design can be a challenge. Many considerations such as board substrate, application and material are key elements in the decision-making process. However, one of the most important choices you can make is mounting type. Here are some examples:
Threaded
- Standard: Held in position with the use of a nut to give a very secure fixing that can be released and re-tightened.
- Undercut: Provides a more secure connection by being fixed into the thread.
- Self-tapping: No closing washers or nuts necessary due to self-tapping thread.
Snap fit
Quickly pushes into a panel or chassis hole, giving a strong but efficient mounting that saves you time when undergoing installation.
Different types available: edge lock, bayonet and fir tree.
Snap lock
Pushes into a panel or chassis hole, giving a secure but easily releasable fix.
Press fit/blind hole
Fins hold securely to a range of binding holes with a painted style that drives easily into applications with space restrictions.
Adhesive base
Adhesive tape eliminates the need for a mounting hole, providing time and space efficiencies.
What else should you know?
Card guides
Perfect for electrical cabinets
Access is essential in electrical cable enclosures and electrical cabinets. Ensure your circuitry is fully accessible with our range of easy-to-install- and -remove PCB card guides and circuit card pullers.
Features:
- Available in different mounting directions. Mounting methods range from Screw, Snap In, Adhesive and Push Fit, offering a semi-permanent or removable locking function
Material:
- Material options include Acetal, Stainless Steel, Polystyrene, Nylon, Polycarbonate, PVC, and ABS giving operating temperatures ranging between -40˚F (-40˚C) and 284˚F (140˚C)
PCB Card Guides - Vertical/Threaded/Metal Pin
- PCB vertical card guide
- Secure, locking threaded metal pin holds PCB boards in place
- Pins easily engaged and disengaged with a finger press
- Tension guides support boards vertically in tight spaces
PCB Card Guides - Vertical/Snap-In/Non Locking
- Vertical mount PCB card guide
- Holds PCBs of any width
- Tension guides with double channel permit side-by-side mounting
- Fast, easy slide in and slide out
PCB Card Guides - Horizontal/Adhesive/No Mount
- For mounting a PCB board assembly in tight spaces
- Supports horizontal mounting
- Adhesive-based mounts provide an added stability
LED Hardware
Perfect for: appliances, white goods, grey goods, black goods
Ensure product quality and prevent malfunctions with a range of easy-to-install solutions that provide an impactful and attractive finish. This LED light guide shows you how: LED Light Guide for Product and Panel Building.
Features:
- Range built to get the most from LEDs, including these categories: LED Lens Holder, LED Light Pipe, LED Light Mount and LED Spacer
- LED Mounts provide an easy snap-in application and give users the opportunity to mount LEDs in an upright or 90° angle
Adaptability:
- LED Spacers give height control and wire retention with a number of LED types, designed to fit your PCB
- LED lens holder designed to hold a standard T-1 3/4 LED while transmitting light at a 10˚ angle
- Available with or without a sealing O-ring
- Available with either a flat or domed front shape
- Provides LED ESD protection (electrostatic discharge)
LED Spacers - Round, Metric Spacers
- Three different styles to accommodate both 3mm and 5mm LEDs
- Provides height control
- Lead wire retention and stability
LED Spacers - Round, Imperial Spacers, Molded, 5mm
- Internal tapered dividers guide lead wires and prevent the leads from shorting
- Minimizes shifting and height variation
- Ensures product uniformity and production ease
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download for free. You can also request free samples to ensure the solutions you’ve chosen are exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which product will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
You’ll like our flexibility too, if it’s just a small order you need, no problem. Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch.
Request your free samples or download free CADs now.