Quick attachment and removal of stacked components without using screws 08 May 2019

New PEM® SMTSK™ unthreaded standoffs from PennEngineering® permanently surface mount on printed circuit boards to enable quick attachment and removal of stacked components without requiring screws or tools.

Their unique barrel design allows for a stacked board or panel to be slipped easily into place and then detached by simply sliding the component sideways and lifting it off. These standoffs will effectively serve to attach and space components either horizontally or vertically using minimal hardware and fewer assembly operations.

The standoffs are supplied on tape and reel compatible with existing SMT automated installation equipment and will mount on printed circuit boards in the same manner and at the same time as other surface mount components prior to the automated reflow solder process. These hardware solutions ultimately can reduce handling issues, risks of board damage, and costly scrap, while promoting streamlined production and ‘screwless’ designs of subassemblies.

PEM SMTSK standoffs are manufactured from carbon steel and available in unified lengths 0.125 inches, 0.25 inches, and 0.375 inches and in metric lengths 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm. They will install successfully in boards as thin as 0.060 inches and 1.53mm.

These standoffs are the latest addition to the complete line of PEM® REELFAST® surface mounted fasteners, which also include other non-threaded and threaded standoffs, standard and micro nuts, right-angle fasteners, and captive panel screws.

Detailed specifications, drawings and 3D models, and performance data (Bulletin SMTSK) for these RoHS-compliant fasteners can be viewed online.

Claire Aldridge Deputy Editor t: +44 (0) 1727 743 889

Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.

Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.