Keystone Electronics has expanded its portfolio of ultra-flat surface mount thread inserts with the launch of metric (M2.5, M3 and M4) and inch (2-56, 4-40 and 6-32) threaded versions. With a protrusion of just 0.3mm above the board, particularly flat integration is possible. Tape-and-reel packaging means these ROHS-compliant products suit most vacuum and mechanical pick-and-place assembly systems. The inserts are available from Rutronik.
The packaging and design make it quick and easy to add the tin-coated steel thread inserts to printed circuit boards. The same technology used for other surface mount components is employed which optimizes handling time. This method also avoids damage that could be caused using conventional methods for threading printed circuit boards.