Zero-profile press-fit receptacles keep components flush

Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp., Inc. today announces a new line of solderless zero-profile press-fit receptacles delivering flush mount solutions for achieving the lowest profile connections possible. Mill-Max now offers even more variety by adding 10 new receptacles capable of accepting a broad range of mating lead diameters to suit a variety of interconnect requirements, all while maintaining a zero above board profile.

The ongoing pursuit to reduce product and/or package size presents challenges for making connections between PCBs and devices. With the zero profile receptacles, Mill-Max has eliminated any above-board connector protrusion, enabling overall package height to be reduced. These receptacles have a precision machined, hexagon-shaped flange which is pressed into the PCB plated through hole until flush with the surface of the board. No soldering is required as the press-fit forms a gas-tight connection with a properly specified plated through hole. After installation, the zero profile PCB contacts enable a broad range of devices to be plugged in while minimizing overall interconnect height. They may be used on both traditional and rigid backed flex PCB’s.

The smallest of the receptacles has a lead acceptance range of just 0.008 – 0.013 in.(0.2 – 0.33 mm) diameter while the largest accepts 0.045 – 0.065 in. (1.14 – 1.65 mm). All the receptacles have an open bottom to allow leads to pass through and are designed to have a minimal overall length; useful features for low profile board stacking applications. The open bottom eliminates the need for precise lead trimming.