Surface Mount Threaded Standoffs: PEM® SMTSO
PEM® SMTSO (Surface Mount Threaded Standoffs) Fastening solutions for use with PC boards to satisfy component-to-board, board-to-board, and board-to-chassis attachment needs.
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) fasteners streamline PCB assembly by enabling quick, reliable placement directly onto the board surface. These fasteners utilize reflow soldering creating strong, conductive connections. As the solder solidifies, it provides the mechanical strength needed for pull-out and torque resistance.
SMT fasteners offer cost and time savings over traditional through-hole methods by eliminating concerns about potential damage to PC boards due to improper secondary installation operations. The SMTBSO can be placed directly on copper traces, enabling higher component density and more efficient PCB layouts.
ReelFast® surface mount fasteners are installed on printed circuit boards just like other SMT components—placed prior to reflow soldering and integrated seamlessly into the automated assembly process. Treated as standard board components, they eliminate the need for secondary installation steps, significantly reducing the risk of PCB damage. Supplied in tape-and-reel packaging, these fasteners are fully compatible with existing SMT pick-and-place equipment. Key benefits include faster assembly, less scrap and handling, and minimized potential for board damage.
Typical Server Application examples:
- Mounting daughterboards to motherboards in server blades and switches
- Attaching heatsinks or thermal modules to PCBs in high-performance processors
- Securing lightweight components like fans, sensors, or shields directly to boards
- Board-to-chassis spacing and grounding in compact server enclosures
- Creating rigid, stackable PCB assemblies for RAID controllers or modular compute nodes
- Mounting power supply boards within power distribution units (PDUs)
Broaching fasteners offer a robust alternative to traditional loose hardware. Featuring a knurled shank, these fasteners are pressed into a hole to create a strong, permanent threaded or unthreaded connection. The axial grooves on the shank displace material during installation, forming an interference fit that resists rotation. In addition to PCBs—where they are best suited for non-plated holes—broaching fasteners can also be used in aluminum, acrylic, casting, and polycarbonate components.