When designing data cabinets, home appliances, office equipment, cable junction boxes or anything that involves electronics, PCB hardware are integral components for your project. This guide will help you understand the different components that can enhance the performance of your printed circuit board design.
We strongly recommend that you try the printed circuit board hardware you need before you buy – request samples so that you can ensure they’re right for your application. You can also download free CADs to help with your design.
In the following sections we have provided information on the different types of PCB hardware, materials, and applications that you might need to consider. If you already know what you’re looking for, you can go there now:
A good starting point is to see what solutions are commonly used for certain applications.
Before choosing your hardware, you might find it helpful to read How to ensure a smooth PCB assembly. The information could help you decide which components you should use. Otherwise, here’s a look now at the hardware you need.
PCB supports, also known as PCB support pillars and PCB support posts, do what the name says: they support the mounting of a PCB. They do this by joining your PCB board to the required surface. They also add an element of insulation and protection from electrical transmission, while providing a more secure, stable hold. For materials, you can choose between plastics and metal. Plastics make your PCB lighter, and you might prefer the ease of installation that most of these supports offer.
Mounting options vary, and include adhesive, edge locking, reverse locking, screw locking and snap lock. Here’s a look at the primary categories:
1. Standard: Held in position with the use of a nut to give a very secure fixing that can be released and re-tightened. 2. Undercut: Provides a more secure connection by being fixed into the thread. 3. Self-tapping: No closing washers or nuts necessary due to self-tapping thread.
Quickly pushes into a panel or chassis hole, giving a strong but efficient mounting that saves you time when undergoing installation. Different types available include edge lock, bayonet and fir tree.
Pushes into a panel or chassis hole, giving a secure but easily releasable fix.
Fins hold securely to a range of binding holes with a painted style that drives easily into applications with space restrictions.
Adhesive tape eliminates the need for a mounting hole, providing time and space efficiencies.
Fast and easy installation
Edge Locking Support - Rivet Mount
Easy installation for more mechanical strength
PCB Support Pillars - Locking/Teardrop/Threaded Male
Connect multiple boards or when back of the panel is not easily accessible
PCB Support Pillars - Two-Prong Snap-Lock/Two-Prong Snap-Fit
PCB standoffs and spacers help maintain space and positioning of components within your PCB. Both can have the same shapes. You can get a hexagonal standoff or a hexagonal spacer. You can also choose a round standoff and round spacers.
So what exactly is the difference? Spacers are unthreaded, with a through hole. Standoffs are threaded on both ends and come in both male and female designs. Sometimes you’ll see the description “threaded round spacer”. This is a standoff, because it’s threaded. The bottom line is, they have the same purpose. The difference is in whether or not they’re threaded.
Materials vary. Use ceramic spacers for extremely high-temperature applications. PCB plastic spacers, such as a Nylon PCB standoff, offer good corrosion resistance and are cost-effective for mass production, while still having good mechanical properties. They’re also the preferred choice over metal if you need a lightweight alternative.
Sturdy, insulated spacing for high-power electronic applications
PCB Standoffs - Round/Metric Threaded/Insulator/Nylon & Brass
Good isolation for the fastening screw
PCB Spacer - Non-Threaded/Round/Through
PCB Standoffs - Round
Easy installation
PCB Standoffs - Hexagonal/Threaded/Self-Tapping
You can learn more on how to choose your PCB spacer from our guide, A guide to PCB spacers
