Buyer's guide to PCB hardware

Which PCB hardware solution best suits your application, while also being cost-effective?

When buying PCB hardware, there are lots of factors to take into consideration. Costs, managing space and heat, ease of accessibility and conductivity in your application are all important when building electrical solutions.

When it comes to circuit board hardware, material and mounting type are key. We strongly recommend that you try before you buy – request free samples so that your team can ensure they have the perfect solution for the application. They can also download free CADs.

This guide is designed to give buyers an introduction. For expert advice, we’re always happy to help. We can also help with our vast range of PCB standoffs and spacers, PCB support pillars, PCB card guides and LED mounts and holders.

PCB hardware components

Here’s a look at the printed circuit board components your team will need:

PCB supports

Often mounted on circuit boards within white goods

When your application is in constant use you require reliable components. Maintain functionality and end-user safety with our range of heat-stabilised and easy-to-apply PCB support posts.

PCB support types:

• Support types include Adhesive Base, Edge Locking, Reverse Locking, Screw Locking and Snap Lock
• Fixing methods are diverse, covering Fir Tree Mount, Locking Arrowhead, Locking Bayonet, Quarter-Turn and Flat Rest

PCB support materials:

• Available in Acetal, Nylon, EPDM, allowing operation in temperatures between -40˚C (-40˚F) and 85˚C (185˚F)

How to choose the right PCB mounting type?

Choosing the right spacing component as part of your PCB hardware design can be a challenge. Many considerations such as board substrate, application and material are key elements in the decision-making process. However, one of the most important choices you can make is mounting type. Here are some examples of circuit board mounting types:

What else should you know?

Understand all about PCB substrate materials, and their purpose.

Learn how you can efficiently design your PCB.

PCB spacers

Often used on circuit boards within data cabinets and consumer electronics

Applications often have limited space whilst needing to house lots of components. Our range of solutions provide versatility and space, giving your customers ease of access and peace of mind.

Types of spacers:

• Choose from varied internal diameter and length options to ensure the right position for your application. PCB standoffs available in Male-Male, Female-Male and Female-Female variants
• Bodies available: hexagonal standoff, round standoff – also, Round with Crossed Body, allowing for different tightening possibilities
• Also available: metric threaded standoff, standoff insulator, self-tapping standoff, and more

PCB spacer materials:

• Ceramic spacers, PCB plastic spacers (Heat-Stabilised Nylon, Impact Modified Nylon, Acetal, PVC and Polystyrene). Also, Nylon PCB standoffs, plus Glass-Filled Nylon and Nylon with Brass Inserts

PCB card guides

Often used for circuit boards within electrical cabinet

Access is essential in electrical cable enclosures and electrical cabinets. Ensure your circuitry is fully accessible with our range of easy-to-install- and -remove PCB card guides and circuit card pullers.

Card guide types:

• Available in different mounting directions. Mounting methods range from screw card guides, snap in card guides, adhesive card guides and push fit card guides, offering a semi-permanent or removable locking function

Card guide materials:

• Material options include Acetal, Stainless Steel, Polystyrene, Nylon, Polycarbonate, PVC, and ABS giving operating temperatures ranging between -40˚C (-40˚F) and 140˚C (284˚F)

LED Hardware

Often used on circuit boards within appliances, white goods, grey goods, black good

Ensure product quality and prevent malfunctions with a range of easy-to-install solutions that provide an impactful and attractive finish. This LED light guide shows you how: LED Light Guide for Product and Panel Building.

LED hardware types:

• Range built to get the most from LEDs, including these categories: LED Lens Holder, LED Light Pipe, LED Light Mount and LED Spacer
• LED Mounts provide an easy snap-in application and give users the opportunity to mount LEDs in an upright or 90° angle

LED spacers adaptability:

• Designed to give height control and wire retention with a number of LED types, designed to fit your PCB

Download free CADs and try before you buy

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

Request your free samples or download free CADs now.

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.

Download PCB Hardware Buyer's Guide