WINTER 2021

108
THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
PENN ENGINEERING ADVANCEMENTS IN MICRO FASTENING TECHNOLOGY from page 26
An ideal replacement for threads, adhesives, rivets,
and other small fasteners, the ClampDisk fastener
presses straight onto a 1mm pin while the upward flanges
of the disk grip onto the pin and prevent push-off, while
the downward flanges flex and generate clamp load.
¤ microPEM ® Tack Fasteners like TackPin ®
and TackSert ® provide a smart alternative to traditional
micro screws, which can be a challenge to fit into smaller
profiles and may increase failed performance risk. Tack
fasteners are less expensive to install, fit within a smaller
envelope, provide better process control, and have a head
style that’s conducive to cosmetic applications. Their
design also allows for thinner applications – ideal for
consumer electronics.
Rounding Out The microPEM ® Portfolio
Below is a sample of other fastening solutions in the
microPEM® portfolio:
¤ Type MSO4 microPEM ® Self-Clinching
Standoffs mount and/or space components in
applications with extremely limited real estate for
attachment hardware. Standard types have been
developed with threads as small as M1 / #0-80 and in
lengths as short as 2 mm / .080”.
¤ Type MSOFS microPEM ® Flaring Standoffs
attach permanently in any panel as thin as 0.2 mm /
.008” of any hardness, including metal or stainless steel,
plastics, and printed circuit boards. The flaring feature
allows for installation into multiple panels and enables
reduced centerline-to-edge designs. Threads are as small
as M1 / #0-80.
¤ Type MPP microPEM ® Unthreaded Self-
Clinching Locating Pins ideally suit locating,
positioning, and/or alignment applications in stainless
steel assemblies. Standard versions are designed with
diameters as small as 1 mm / .040” and in lengths as
short as 2 mm / .080”. The pin’s head mounts flush into
stainless steel panels and these fasteners will exhibit
excellent corrosion resistance.
¤ Types MSIA/MSIB microPEM ® Symmetrical,
Thru-Threaded Inserts for Plastics will install (using
ultrasonic equipment or a thermal press) either in straight
or tapered mounting holes. Their symmetrical design
saves time during production by eliminating any need for
orienting the fastener prior to installation. The brass or
lead-free inserts can be specified in thread sizes as small
as M1 / #0-80 and in a variety of lengths.
¤ Type SMTSO microPEM ® threaded spacers
for printed circuit boards are engineered for nut and
spacer applications on boards. They install permanently
(in the same way and at the same time as other surface
mount components prior to the automated reflow solder
process) and are available in thread sizes as small as M1
/ #0-80 and lengths as short as 1 mm / 0.62”. Ultimately,
the spacers eliminate a need to place hardware manually
on a populated printed circuit board.
Recap
From a purely design and engineering perspective,
extremely small micro fasteners are in a world of their
own – they’re not merely scaled-down versions of larger
counterparts.
When fasteners are reduced down to lengths as small
as 1 mm, thread sizes as small as M0.8, and diameters
under 1 mm, issues relating to tight tolerances and
performance values, among others, become magnified.
Unique features engineered into a micro fastener become
both critical and essential with specialty design coming
into play.
This underscores the inherent benefits of partnering
with an experienced fastener supplier that’s equipped to
not only manufacture and deliver precision parts, but also
provide engineering expertise that delivers application
success and innovative customer solutions for next-gen
challenges.
PENN ENGINEERING