PennEngineering^® (Danboro, Penn.) now supplies standoff fasteners to hold printed circuit boards securely in Image credit: PennEngineeringassemblies without requiring mating screws or other loose threaded hardware to complete attachment. The unthreaded PEM^® SMTSSS™ ReelFast^® SNAP-TOP^® standoffs promote streamlined production by easily installing in boards in the same manner and at the same time as other surface-mount components prior to the automated reflow solder process.

Unlike loose parts with handling issues, PEM SMTSSS standoffs are supplied on tape and reel compatible with existing surface-mount technology automated installation equipment. Without a need for secondary installation operations that may inadvertently be performed improperly, board damage and costly scrap can be avoided.

The standoffs are manufactured from carbon steel and are available in unified lengths .250 in. or .375 in. and metric lengths 6 mm, 8 mm or 10 mm. They can be installed in boards and panels as thin as .060” and 1.53 mm.