We produce several billion high-precision stamped contacts annually for the automotive industry—manufactured entirely and exclusively within the EU. Thanks to their extremely robust properties, our press-fit connector are ideal for high-security applications as well as wherever maximum mechanical strength is required.
press-fit technology (Press-fit Technology): How It Works
press-fit technology
In the press-fit technique (press-fit technology), an electrical connection between the connector and the printed circuit board is created by pressing a contact pin into a through-hole in the board.
The press-fit technique is based on a simple principle: The cross-sectional diagonal of a contact pin’s press-fit zone is larger than that of the metallized through-hole in the printed circuit board. The deformation that occurs during insertion is mitigated by the flexible zone on the contact pin. As a result, the PCB sleeve is deformed only to a very small extent. During the press-fit process, a cold welding forms between the contact pin and the metallized PCB hole: a gas-tight, corrosion-resistant, low-resistance, and highly electrically conductive mechanical connection. It remains reliable and stable even under very high mechanical and thermal stresses, such as vibration, bending, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
We recommend process-monitoring during the press-fit process: force-displacement monitoring and camera monitoring allow for an assessment of the connection point.
In addition to the proven press-fit technology (press-fit technology) with our Tcom press® press-fit zone, ept also offers many other connection options (termination technology). Whether through-hole soldering, THR, or SMT—we have the right solution for every application.
press-fit technology (insertion technology): Easy to use
Traces (press-fit technology)
When the specifications are followed, the “press-fit technology” is easy to implement. Four parameters play a key role here: the drill diameter, the diameter of the metallized through-hole, the thickness of the copper sleeve in the through-hole, and the PCB surface.
If both SMD components and Einpress-connector are to be mounted on a printed circuit board, a specific sequence must be followed: Components with solder terminations must be mounted first. Once all components have been soldered to the PCB using a suitable method, the press-fit connections can be installed. This order is important: Reversing the process sequence would subject the press-fit connections to high thermal stress. This would lead to subsequent (uncontrolled) soldering of the “press-fit zone,” thereby compromising the integrity of the gas-tight zone.
In addition, the correct distance from the edge of the printed circuit board and from sensitive electronic components (e.g., ceramic components), as well as the connections to the traces, must be observed. Maintaining the minimum distance prevents the printed circuit board material or electronic components from being damaged by the forces exerted by the “press-fit zone” and prevents the layers of the printed circuit board from being destroyed.
press-fit technology: Advantages
Most robust and reliable connection technology
; long-term durability
; gas-tight connection
; high retention forces
; no soldering defects, flux residues, or similar
issues; no additional cleaning required
; recycling possible
by simply pressing out; efficient and cost-effective assembly process
; ideal for PCB coating or potting of the entire assembly
press-fit technology: ept’s offerings for the automotive industry
We manufacture several billion contacts per year, exclusively within the EU, , for various sectors and applications within the automotive industry. Our press-fit zones are available in strip thicknesses ranging from 0.2 to 1.2 mm for hole diameters of 0.56 to 2.0 mm, or can be customized entirely to your specifications.
Free white paper on the basics of “press-fit technology”
Are you looking for in-depth technical knowledge about press-fit technology? For detailed information on the fundamentals of press-fit technology, download our free white paper here.
