Press-Fit Connector for Printed Circuit Boards

Press Fit Technology

A cost-effective AlternAtive to soldering processes

Press-fit technology, which has been around for some 25 years now, is a solderless connection method. It consists in force fitting an oversized contact pin into the plated through hole of a printed circuit board (PCB). The high radial pressure produces a deformation, resulting in a gastight electrical connection of high quality.

Compliant press-fit technology by PRECI-DIP

The specific design of our compliant pin is based on a modified eye of a needle principle with particular attention paid to material geometry, elasticity characteristics, and surface finish.
Its main features are:
• Plastic deformation over the total range of the hole tolerance
• High retention force, in spite of the low insertion force (well below generally admitted maximum values)
• Gas-tight contact zone without any damage (chipping) to hole metallisation
• Low, constant electrical contact resistance
• Complies with IEC60352-5 standard
They are available for plated hole diameters of 0.6, 0.9,1.0 and 2.44 mm, according to IEC standards. They are compatible with PCB finishes in tin, copper, or gold over nickel.

Advantages of press-fit over solder-based technology

The basic advantages of press-fit technology are obvious, in particular when it comes to adding contacts or connectors to a soldered SMD board:

Efficient, reliable and quick assembly of connectors, without any mounting accessories (screws, brackets, etc.)
No soldering problems (such as thermal load on PCB and components, degassing, hole filling on multilayer, bridging, cold soldering joints…)
No residues on PCB and connector contact area, affecting reliability
Complete reparability (connectors can be easily exchanged)

Product Finder

Custom-made array for flight control units

Press-fit multi-pin socket connectors, with mixed signal and power layout. These solderless connectors are integrated within the avionic electronic modules. High reliability and durability are ensured via the multi-contact point clip socket, and reliable elastic press-fit tails.

Press-fit pin connector: The press-fit side of the contact is tin-plated to ensure a solderless connection with the board. High reliability and durability are ensured via the improved shape of the elastic press-fit. The connection side is gold-plated to meet cycling, vibration, and environmental requirements.