The Ultimate Guide to PCB hardware

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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.

 

Hardware by application

A good starting point is to see what solutions are commonly used for certain applications.

Solutions Consumer Electronics & Office Machinery Consumer Appliances Data Cabinets Electrical cabinets Automotive PCB supports ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ PCB standoffs and spacers ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Card guides, ejectors and pullers ✔   ✔ ✔   PCB mounting block ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ PCB fan accessories ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ PCB LED hardware ✔ ✔ ✔   ✔ PCB grommets ✔   ✔ ✔ ✔

 

PCB hardware components

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

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:

Threaded

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.

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 include 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.

Examples of PCB supports include:

Need

Fast and easy installation

Solution

Edge Locking Support - Rivet Mount

Why?

• Double-sided adhesive backed PCB support
• Release tab for quick installation
• Locks onto board, but is releasable with a pinch
• Nylon
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temp range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

Need

Easy installation for more mechanical strength

Solution

PCB Support Pillars - Locking/Teardrop/Threaded Male

Why?

• Threaded male end mounts securely with a hex nut
• Top end has a small, low-profile, snap-lock teardrop nose that holds the PCB in place
• Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temp range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

Need

Connect multiple boards or when back of the panel is not easily accessible

Solution

PCB Support Pillars - Two-Prong Snap-Lock/Two-Prong Snap-Fit

Why?

• Mounted on both sides with a low profile two-prong fastener
• One side is locking and the other is a releasable snap-fit
• Available in a variety of styles
• Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-2; can also be produced as a custom part in UL94 V-0
• Operating temp range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

PCB standoffs and spacers

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: Plastic, metal or ceramic?

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.

Examples of PCB standoffs and spacers include:

Need

Sturdy, insulated spacing for high-power electronic applications

Solution

PCB Standoffs - Round/Metric Threaded/Insulator/Nylon & Brass

Why?

• Female to female threaded round standoffs
• No assembly equipment required – apply by hand
• High mechanical strength
• Metric Nylon standoffs with brass inserts
• Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temp range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

 

Need

Good isolation for the fastening screw

Solution

PCB Spacer - Non-Threaded/Round/Through

Why?

• Non threaded spacer
• Round spacers available in:
• Nylon 6/6, operating temp range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C), UL94 V-2
• Heat Stabilised Nylon, black, UL94 V-2, operating temp range: -40˚F to 257˚F (-40˚C to 125˚C
• Impact Modified Nylon, UL94 V-2, operating temperature range: -40˚F to 149˚F (-40˚C to 65˚C)
• Acetal, UL94 HB, max operating temp: Up to 203˚F (85˚C)
• PVC, UL94 V-0, operating temp range: 32˚F to 122˚F (0˚C to 50˚C)
• Polystyrene, UL94 HB, max operating temp range: Up to 167˚F (75˚C)

Need

Sturdy, insulated spacing for high-power electronic applications

Solution

PCB Standoffs - Round

Why?

• Male round standoff spacers
• Installed by hand; no assembly equipment required
• Ideal when high mechanical strength is needed
• Round Nylon standoffs with brass inserts
• Available as male/female hexagonal standoff insulator
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

Need

Easy installation

Solution

PCB Standoffs - Hexagonal/Threaded/Self-Tapping

Why?

• Hexagonal female, with through hole
• Self-tapping standoff – screw threads the plastic for strong hold
• Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

 

You can learn more on how to choose your PCB spacer from our guide, A guide to PCB spacers.

Card guides

PCB card guides are used to mount circuit boards in tight spaces. One example of this is a PCB rack. Use a PCB vertical card guide or a horizontal one depending on the mounting direction of PCBs in your application. Card guides are often used to save space and prevent boards from bending. They’re easy to install and some come with adhesive backs while others give you a locking action. Both give your PCB more stability. In addition, some options help when your PCB needs protection against shock and vibration.

Examples include:

Need

Stand up to shock and high vibration

Solution

PCB Card Guides - Horizontal/Snap-In/Deep Channel

Why?

• Horizontal card guides Nylon 6/6
• Allows for maximum PCB retention
• Accepts PCB thicknesses: 1/16", 3/32" and 1/8"
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 149˚F (-40˚C to 65˚C)

Need

Added stability

Solution

PCB Card Guides - Vertical/Snap-In/Locking

Why?

• Vertical mount PCB card guide
• Snap-in locking tabs hold board in place more securely
• Tension guides with double channel enable side-by-side mounting
• Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

 

Card ejectors and pullers

A card ejector, also known as a puller, inserter and extractor, is fitted to relieve stress to the PCB and its circuitry by helping to remove the card from restricted spaces. It’s mounted onto the board itself, providing a handle, so that a technician can pull out the board, avoiding the circuitry. In essence, a card ejector performs as a lever. It uses mechanical force against a guide rack or chassis.

A circuit card puller attaches to a PCB to help pull it out and push it back into position. These are used when you’re facing difficult insertion and extraction problems, which means you’re probably dealing with having to remove large PCBs and tight-gripping multi-pin edge connectors.

Examples of card ejectors and pullers include:

Need

Ease of pulling out board and pushing back in

Solution

PCB Card Pullers

Why?

• Attaches to circuit board
• Curved tab for fingertip grip
• Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

 

Need

Aid in removing PCB from restricted space

Solution

PCB Card Inserters & Extractors

Why?

• Mounted directly onto board
• Handle allows board removal without touching circuitry
• Available in:

1. Nylon 6/6, UL94 V-2, operating temperature range: -40˚F to 194˚F (-40˚C to 90˚C)
2. Glass-Filled Nylon 6/6, UL94 V-0, operating temperature range: -22˚F to 284˚F (-30˚C to 140˚C)

 

Need

Easy card insertion and extraction

Solution

 

Circuit Board Ejector

Why?

• Optimum leverage to assist in extraction
• Includes roll pin for mounting
• Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

PCB mounting blocks

PCB mounting blocks are used for interconnecting solderless connectors to a PCB. The mounting block provides electrical as well as mechanical connection between the chassis and the board. They’re especially useful for mounting printed circuit boards and small panels at right angles within your application. PCB mounting blocks are popular in a variety of industries, including automotive, telecommunications and consumer electronics.

Example of a PCB mounting block includes:

Need

Electrical connection between chassis and board

Solution

PCB Mounting Block

Why?

• Nylon PCB mount screw terminal block connector
• Mounts into a #4 or M3 Self-Tapping Screw hole on chassis or other PC board
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

If you are a design engineer, using PCB in your projects, visit our Design Engineer's Guide to PCB Hardware.

Fuse covers

A fuse cover encases electrical fuses, providing insulation and protection from A fuse cover encases electrical fuses, providing insulation and protection from contamination and liquids.

Examples of fuse covers include:

Are you interested in learning more about drilling holes in glass insulators? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Need

Snug fit for fuse clips and blocks mounted to PCB printed circuit board

Solution

Fuse Covers - Quick Fit, Flexible, Transparent

Why?

• Can be used with screws, pin plugs and receptacles
• Flexible PVC
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Maximum operating temperature: 221˚F (105˚C)

Need

Hold and cover fuse

Solution

Fuse Covers - Holder & Cover

Why?

• Can be used with screws, pin plugs and receptacles
• Window in holder enables visual inspection
• Glass-Filled Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 266˚F (-40˚C to 130˚C)

 

Need

Protect fuse when maintenance is performed on surrounding components

Solution

Fuse Covers - Rigid, Solid

Why?

• Snaps into fuse and fuse holder
• Window in holder enables visual inspection
• Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 230˚F (-40˚C to 110˚C)

 

Need

Prevent obstruction and debris from falling into fan blades

Solution

Fan Guards, Plastic, Snap-in

Why?

• Plastic fan guard – ABS
• Easy to install with snap-in application
• Fan guard also protects user from bodily harm
• Rated UL94 HB
• Operating temperature range: 32˚F to 140˚F (0˚C to 60˚C)

 

Need

Protective seal while isolating noise and vibration

Solution

Fan Gaskets

Why?

• Silicone rubber material provides tight seal while reducing transmission of noise and vibration
• Prevents air leaks
• Operating temperature range: -94˚F to 302˚F (-70˚C to 150˚C)

 

Need

Remove particles suspended in air

Solution

Fan Filters, Mesh

Why?

• Stainless steel fan filter mesh
• Operating temperature range: -328˚F to 1598˚F (-200˚C to 870˚C)

 

Need

Protection from shock and vibration

Solution

Fan Mounts - Rigid

Why?

• Anti-vibration fan mount – ABS
• Prevents dust ingress
• Easy to install
• Protects user from bodily harm
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 203˚F (-40˚C to 95˚C)

 

LED mounting hardware

LED components, such as LED spacer mounts, position and restrict movement of your LED lights. LED spacers raise the LED from the board surface and provide more stability, rigidity and height conformity. This rigidity and stability make the manufacturing process easier. It’s also vital when the board is serviced, or when the PCB or other parts need repairs

Other critical components include LED mounts and holders. Your LED light mount will have holes to pass the leads through before soldering the LED to the PCB. While through hole LED sizes vary, your LED spacer must have the right number of holes in order to take the leads attached.

For applications where the LED is not mounted directly on the PCB, you’ll need an LED lens holder.

You might also need an LED light pipe, which transmits light from the LED mounted on a PCB. LED light pipe technology translates to excellent visual performance, providing uniform lighting. It also significantly reduces shadows and glare. Another big advantage: they’re easy to install.

For more information, read our Guide to LED Mounting Hardware.

Examples of PCB LED hardware include:

Need

Ease in guiding the lead wires and preventing leads from shorting

Solution

LED Spacers - Round, Imperial Spacers, Molded, T-1 3/4

Why?

• Internal tapered dividers guide lead wires, preventing shorting
• Fits a standard T-1 3/4 LED
• Minimizes shifting and height variation
• Nylon
• Rated UL94 V-2
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

 

Need

Auto insertion and pre-assembly

Solution

LED Spacers - Round, Metric Spacers

Why?

• Self-retaining feature for auto insertion and pre-assembly
• Available in three different styles to accommodate both T-1 and T-1 3/4 LEDs
• Provides height control and lead wire retention and stability
• PVC
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: 32˚F to 122˚F (0˚C to 50˚C)

 

Need

Transmits light at a 10˚ angle

Solution

LED Lens Holder

Why?

• Holds a standard T-1 3/4 LED
• Available with or without a sealing O-ring
• Polycarbonate
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 266˚F (-40˚C to 130˚C)

 

Need

Mount LEDs at a 90˚ angle

Solution

LED Mount – 90˚ angle

Why?

• Panel mount LED applied easily by hand
• Available in two styles that accommodate both T-1 and T-1 3/4 LEDs
• Nylon 6/6
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 248˚F (-40˚C to 120˚C)

 

Need

Make illumination crystal clear in desired location

Solution

LED Light Pipe

Why?

• Available with either a flat or domed front shape
• Provides LED ESD protection (electrostatic discharge)
• Polycarbonate
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 266˚F (-40˚C to 130˚C)

 

If you are a procurement or purchasing director or buyer, please visit our Quick Buyer's Guide to PCB Hardware.

PCB grommets

While these can be used to secure panels, plastic screw grommets can also be used to securely fasten PCBs.

Examples of PCB grommets include:

Need

Secure PCB through round hole

Solution

Secure PCB through round hole

Why?

• Nylon screw grommet
• Tightened screw provides a secure lock (self-tapping screw needed)
• Legs expand to secure heavy PCB components
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

Need

Secure PCB through round hole

Solution

Screw Grommets - Natural, Square Hole

Why?

• As self-tapping screw is engaged, the bottom legs are forced outward, eliminating need for a nut
• Square hole prevents rotation
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: -40˚F to 185˚F (-40˚C to 85˚C)

Transistor insulators

You’ll also need transistor insulators. These transfer heat efficiently between your transistors and heatsinks. Another option is thermal grease, but this is laborious and extremely messy. Instead, place your transistor insulators between your transistors and heatsinks. Not only will the transistor be electrically insulated, but thermally conductive as well. Call it transistor heat sink insulation if you want. The result is, your heatsink heats up and dissipates the heat.

To eliminate the chance of a short circuit or electric shock to your transistor insulator, use transistor covers to mount and protect transistors.

Examples of transistor insulator solutions include:

Need

Transfer heat efficiently between heatsinks and transistors

Solution

Transistor Insulators – Pad

Why?

• Silicone Rubber and Fiberglass specially formulated to act as thermally conductive insulator
• Non-toxic transistor insulator pads
• Rated UL94 V-0
• Operating temperature range: -76˚F to 302˚F (-60˚C to 150˚C)

Materials overview

Materials play an important role in PCBs and their components. Before designing your board, we recommend that you check out Your PCB substrate: a guide to materials.

Because PCB solutions come in a choice of materials, it’s important for you to know each of those materials’ properties. This knowledge will give you an idea of the performance you can expect from the solution. With that in mind, here’s an overview of common materials for PCB hardware:

Nylon

• Resists heat, corrosion and abrasions.
• Stands up to most chemicals well, though dilute acids pose a threat.
• Heat-Stabilized Nylon: shares the same mechanical properties as Nylon 6/6, but also has the advantage of heat stabilization. Stand up to 257˚F (125˚C) temperatures.
• Impact-Modified Nylon: extremely high-impact strength at low temperatures and resistance to heat distortion, compared to Nylon 6/6.
• Glass-Filled Nylon: gives materials tensile strengths of up to 32,000 psi, which is around 200% higher than the base resin. Also, heat deflection temperatures increase from 185˚F to 266˚F (75˚C to 130˚C). Read more in our guide Pros and Cons of Glass-Filled Nylon.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Dense and resists impact deformation.
• Very good tensile strength.
• Resists chemicals and alkalis
• Poor heat stability, which is why additives are put in during manufacturing. This helps stabilize the material at higher temperatures.
• Melt temperature of 212˚F to 500°F (100˚C - 260°C), heat deflection temperature of 198°F (92°C) and tensile strength of 1,000 to 3,625 psi (Flexible PVC) / 4,930 to 9,000 psi (Rigid PVC).

Acetal

• Strong and rigid.
• Low coefficient of friction against metals and other plastics – good choice when your priority is dimensional stability.
• Low water absorption and good electrical properties.
• Resistance to fatigue and organic solvents.
• Outstanding wear characteristics.
• Insulator with a maximum service temperature of 170°F to 206°F (76.9°C to 96.9°C).
• Melting temperature of 320°F to 363°F (160°C to 184°C).

Polystyrene (PS)

• Very good electrical insulator.
• Good chemical resistance to diluted acids and bases.
• Poor oxygen and UV resistance.
• Brittle and has poor impact strength due to the stiffness of the polymer backbone.
• Low crystallinity results in low, upper temperature limit for continual use.
• Some of its weaknesses can be offset by copolymerization with other monomers. For example, it can be copolymerized with ABS, giving it high stress and impact resistance and higher tensile strength.

Polycarbonate

• Strong, stiff and tough.
• Can maintain rigidity up to 284˚F (140°C) and toughness down to -4˚F (-20°C).
• Amorphous – excellent mechanical properties and high dimensional stability.
• Thermally resistant up to 275˚F (135°C) and rated as slow burning.
• Limited chemical and scratch resistance.
• Tendency to yellow with long-term exposure to UV light.

ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)

• Excellent impact, chemical and abrasion resistance.
• Excellent stiffness and strength.
• Easily machined and thermoformed.
• Good dimensional stability.
• Excellent electrical properties.
• Max service temperature 143°F to 170°F (61.9°C to 76.9°C).

Stainless Steel

• Corrosion resistant to salt spray and most oxidizing acids.
• High ductility.
• Excellent drawing, forming and spinning properties.

Brass

• Generic term for a range of copper-zinc alloys with various properties, which include strength, machinability, wear-resistance, ductility, hardness, electrical and thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance.
• Adding zinc to copper improves strength and other properties.
• Does not become brittle at low temperatures.
• Excellent thermal conductivity.
• Durable with aesthetic appeal.

 

Download free CADs and try before you buy

Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request samples to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.

Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your samples or download free CADs now.

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.

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