Board spacers and standoffs are specialized hardware components used to create controlled spacing between printed circuit boards (PCBs), panels, or structural elements. They provide mechanical support, electrical isolation, and thermal management in electronic assemblies. Their importance in modern technology includes enabling compact designs, reducing vibration stress, and improving heat dissipation in devices ranging from smartphones to industrial control systems.
| Type | Functional Features | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical Spacers | Simple tubular design with uniform diameter | PCB layer separation in consumer electronics |
| Hexagonal Standoffs | 6-sided structure for wrench tightening | Industrial equipment panel mounting |
| Self-clinching Standoffs | Permanent installation with threaded compression | Sheet metal enclosures in servers |
| Adjustable Spacers | Variable length through threaded adjustment | Prototype development and testing |
| Insulated Spacers | Non-conductive materials for electrical isolation | High-voltage power supply assemblies |
Typical construction includes:
| Parameter | Importance |
|---|---|
| Material Hardness (HV) | Determines wear resistance and load capacity |
| Thread Engagement Length | Affects vibration resistance in dynamic environments |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m K) | Critical for heat dissipation in power electronics |
| Dielectric Strength (kV/mm) | Safety factor in high-voltage applications |
| Installation Torque Rating | Prevents over-tightening damage to PCBs |
Primary industries include:
| Manufacturer | Representative Product |
|---|---|
| PEM | S-8900 Series self-clinching standoffs |
| RS Components | 486-8826 insulated hexagonal spacers |
| Mouser Electronics | 925206-12 adjustable PCB spacers |
| McMaster-Carr | 91285A102 stainless steel standoffs |
Emerging developments include: