In the “press-fit technology” method for connectors, a press-fit pin with a diagonal larger than the hole diameter is pressed into a plated through hole (PTH) in the printed circuit board. In the press-fit zone, the connector pin is flexible so that the printed circuit board is not deformed by physical forces during the insertion process. This creates a cold welding between the contact pin and the metallized PCB hole, which is particularly robust and fail-safe even in harsh environments.

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Using the press-fit technology, we produce a highly robust and contamination-resistant PCB connector that withstands vibration, shock, gas, humidity, moisture, and dust. Robust connector for printed circuit boards at press-fit technology have a failure rate (FIT rate) that is ten times better than that of automatically soldered connector for printed circuit boards. They are used, for example, in airbag systems, ABS, and ESP modules, since signal transmission in these applications must not fail under any circumstances.
How? press-fit technology generates maximum retention forces between connector and the printed circuit board with minimal press-in force. During the press-fit process, a press-fit pin with a diagonal larger than the hole diameter is pressed into a plated through hole (PTH) in the printed circuit board. In the press-fit zone, the connector pin is flexible so that the printed circuit board is not deformed by physical forces during the press-fit process. This creates a cold welding between contact pin and the metallized PCB hole: a gas-tight, corrosion-resistant, low-resistance, and electrically conductive mechanical connection that is also suitable for the potting. It is also specified in DIN EN 60352-5 and maintains a secure connection even under very high mechanical and thermal stresses, such as vibration, bending, moisture, dust, and temperature fluctuations, and can even withstand acceleration loads from shock up to 200 G. G-forces define forces acting on the human body, an object, or a vehicle due to changes in the magnitude and/or direction of velocity. By way of comparison: Upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, a space capsule is subjected to a G-force of approximately 7 G.  

We manufacture several billion contacts each year 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 to meet your specific requirements.