Printed Circuit Board Fasteners
PSM’s Printed Circuit Board Fasteners are designed to provide metallic, serviceable threaded attachments in resin-based printed circuit boards (PCBs). These fasteners enable reliable mechanical connections in electronic assemblies, combining strength and durability without compromising the board integrity. They are especially important where repeated assembly/disassembly, vibration, or thermal cycling are present.
Advantages
- Simple press-in installation
- High pull-out
- Guaranteed not to crack brittle PCB
Key Features & Benefits
These fasteners provide metallic deep-tapped threads into resin boards, giving better strength than standard insert-in-plastic or threaded insert solutions.
They eliminate or reduce the risk of board damage by avoiding bulky hardware or tapping that imposes extra stress.
High reusability due to durable thread materials; suitable for applications needing frequent assembly and disassembly.
They allow reliable mounting of components, standoffs, nuts, or spacers in tighter designs with minimal board space.
Help simplify manufacturing processes, since many can be installed via press, clinch, or broaching operations, avoiding secondary operations.
Design Guide
Hole Preparation
Holes must be held to a tolerance of –0.000 +0.075 mm to ensure proper seating and to minimize stress on the board.
Holes should be clean, free of burrs, and chamfered where possible to reduce the risk of cracking.
Installation
All self-broaching fasteners are simple to install without the need for special tooling.
Installation must always be carried out using a squeeze action rather than a shock load, to prevent damage to the PCB.
Positioning the Fastener
Fasteners must be positioned according to the recommendations provided in the specification tables.
This ensures accurate alignment and helps prevent chipping at the edge of the board.
Tolerance & Stress Management
The fastener must be inserted squarely to avoid side loading that can distort or fracture the board.
Board thickness and resin/glass composition should be matched to the fastener geometry for long-term performance.
Environmental Considerations
Account for thermal expansion differences between resin boards and metallic fasteners.
Validate performance under vibration, temperature changes, and humidity to ensure long-term stability of the joint.
Printed Circuit Board Fasteners Technical Data
STANDARD MATERIAL - Mild Steel (Electrotinned)
Dimensions
Standoff - Lengths Available ('L')
How to Specify
Recommended Installation Sequences
How to Specify
The insert must be installed by a steady squeeze action press with tooling that will allow the insert to rotate.
Care must be taken during installation to ensure that the insert is kept axially square, avoiding side loads that may damage the boss.
Printed Circuit Board Fasteners
1. Form a hole in the material to size recommended and install the fastener square in the hole.
2. Apply pressure to the
head of the fastener sufficient to totally install the broaching feature into the board, locking the fastener securely in place.
3 . Insert fixing screw or bolt from side opposite to the fastener head.
Screw-Sert Inserts & Studs
The insert must be installed by a steady squeeze action press with tooling that will allow the insert to rotate.
Care must be taken during installation to ensure that the insert is kept axially square, avoiding side loads that may damage the boss.
Total Assembly Solutions
PSM’s philosophy is to provide a total package of fastener design, prototype production, application advice, installation systems and technical liaison for design and production engineers worldwide.