Why Press-Fit is Overtaking Traditional Soldered Connections
The EloPin Press-fit concept is based on the simple principle of pushing contact terminals into PCB plated holes, rather than fixing them with a soldering iron.
Suited to connector applications such as those found in the automotive industry, the popularity of Press-fit has grown rapidly in recent years as it offering greater reliability, cost-efficiency and flexibility to the electronics sector than it’s soldered predecessor.
Here we list four core advantages it offers over traditional soldered installations:
1. Easy implementation
Press-fit requires an extremely straightforward installation that takes away the lengthy process of soldering connector terminals and reaps a range of performance advantages that include:
● Removing the need to place heat on the header, alleviating issues associated with solder vapour and welding flux residues
● Leaving gold-plated connector pins unsoldered, allowing for use of rear mating connection
● Reducing the need of additional screws as the connector is fixed by the Press-fit pins
2. Can be used ‘in-house’
Rarely comprising anything more than a basic manual press (with or without pneumatic assistance) and a PCB support, Press-fit is cost-effective and easy to implement on site should this method suit the needs of your business.
3. Repairable and Cost Effective
Press-fit is readily repairable and allows the removal and reinsertion of components up to three times. This level of flexibility and ease of re-use is simply not possible with soldered elements, so Press-fit offers increased reliability and a reduction in the time spent reworking, not to mention reduced costs.
4. Environmentally friendly
Of course, because Press-fit connectors are so easily recycled and the installation process is chemical-free, it also boasts some pretty strong environmental credentials!
