The Ultimate Guide to PCB hardware

Author: Jesse

May. 06, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to PCB Hardware

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When designing data cabinets, home appliances, office equipment, cable junction boxes, or anything involving electronics, PCB hardware is integral. This guide will help you understand the different components that can enhance the performance of your printed circuit board design.

We strongly recommend trying the PCB hardware you need before buying — request samples to ensure they’re right for your application. You can also download free CADs to assist with your design.

Hardware by Application

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

SolutionConsumer Electronics & Office MachineryConsumer AppliancesData CabinetsElectrical CabinetsAutomotive
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.

PCB Supports

PCB supports, also known as PCB support pillars and support posts, do what the name says: they support the mounting of a PCB. They connect your PCB board to the required surface, providing insulation, protection from electrical transmission, and a more secure hold. Options include plastic and metal, with plastic making your PCB lighter.

Mounting Options

  • Threaded: Secure with nuts; includes standard, undercut, and self-tapping types.
  • Snap-Fit: Quickly pushes into a panel or chassis hole.
  • Snap-Lock: Pushes into a panel or chassis for a secure, easily releasable fix.
  • Press fit/blind hole: Securely holds to binding holes.
  • Adhesive base: Eliminates the need for a mounting hole.

PCB Standoffs and Spacers

PCB standoffs and spacers help maintain space and positioning of components. Spacers are unthreaded, while standoffs are threaded. They can be made from plastic, metal, or ceramic, each suited for different temperature and mechanical strength requirements.

Card Guides

Card guides are used to mount circuit boards in tight spaces like PCB racks, preventing bending and adding stability. They come in vertical or horizontal types with locking and adhesive back options for easy installation.

Card Ejectors and Pullers

Card ejectors or pullers relieve stress on the PCB and its circuitry during removal from tight spaces. They provide a leverage mechanism to safely extract the card without damaging the circuitry.

PCB Mounting Blocks

Used for interconnecting solderless connectors to a PCB, mounting blocks provide electrical and mechanical connections between the chassis and the board.

Fuse Covers

Encasing electrical fuses, fuse covers provide insulation and protection from contamination and liquids.

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LED Mounting Hardware

LED components like LED spacers, mounts, and holders position and restrict LED movements, providing stability and height conformity. LED light pipes transmit light from the LED mounted on a PCB, offering excellent visual performance.

PCB Grommets

Used to secure panels, plastic screw grommets can securely fasten PCBs by expanding to lock heavy PCB components in place.

Materials Overview

Materials play a critical role in PCB hardware performance. Options include:

  • Nylon: Heat, corrosion, and abrasion-resistant.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Dense, impact-resistant, and strong.
  • Acetal: Strong, rigid, and low coefficient of friction.
  • Polystyrene (PS): Good electrical insulator with chemical resistance.
  • Polycarbonate: Strong, stiff, and maintains rigidity up to 284°F.
  • ABS: Impact, chemical, and abrasion-resistant.
  • Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant.
  • Brass: Copper-zinc alloy with various properties like strength and machinability.

If you're looking for more details, visit our pcb surface finish comparison.

Download Free CADs and Try Before You Buy

Free CADs are available for most solutions. Request samples to ensure you've chosen the right component. If unsure, our experts are always happy to advise.

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts at 800-847-0486.

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