When designing and choosing a Standoff for your next application, it is easiest to think of standoffs as 3 separate sections; the two threaded ends and the main body. The below guide will help you think through those 3 sections and provide the common information needed for finding the right standoff.
-
Threaded Standoffs and Spacers
Spacers and Standoffs are two common types of positioning electronic hardware. Look inside an assembled circuit board, and you will be greeted by a bevy of Standoffs and Spacers, because in the world of Electronic Hardware, they are the standard for connecting and mounting circuit boards, panels, doors, and gears providing sturdy support and alignment.
Both are commonly used to properly position parts within an assembly, to reduce component contact, to elevate stacked sections, to ensure enough room for heat to dissipate, and to separate or create space between two objects. These guys are workhorses!
Threaded Standoffs and Spacers
Standoffs are threaded hollow Hex or Round fasteners that separate and position components while also fastening them together. The standoff hardware screws onto bolts or screws by hand. Also called standoff mounts, these fasteners are commonly used to raise one assembly above the other, such as elevating a circuit board above a surface. They can also be used to extend thread options or as an adapter to join male-threaded parts to female-threaded parts (and vice versa).Types:
1) Through Internal Threaded Standoffs.These are Female-Female type also known as hex spacers with internal thread or F-F Spacers.
2) Male-Female (E.T.) StandoffsThese are Male-Female type also known as ET spacers or M-F Spacers.Step 1 – Thread Type
Standoffs are divided into a few different styles and named after the type of threads on each end.
Female-Female Standoffs
These are also referred to as a Threaded Spacer and come with female threads on both ends of the part. This allows for a screw or male standoff to be installed on either side.
In shorter lengths, standoffs will be threaded through the entire part, where longer standoffs are threaded to a minimum thread depth.
Male-Female Standoffs
These have one end with a male thread and the other end has a female thread.
These are excellent for use when stacking circuit boards as each male thread can be installed into the mating part’s female thread.
This quickly reduces the number of fasteners needed in the assembly while also reducing installation time.
Male-Male Standoffs
This has male threads on both ends and are used to connect 2 female threaded components.
These are also commonly utilized as thread adapters to convert a female thread to a male thread.
Male ends can be the same or a different thread for a wider range of applications.
Step 2 – Thread Size
Standoffs are readily available in all common thread sizes, in both inch and metric series. While most commonly found with each end having the same size thread, different thread sizes can be manufactured on specific order.
Step 3 – Body Length
The third part of the standoff once the thread sizes have been determined is the body.
As standoffs are commonly used to separate 2 components, the body of the standoff is what will separate the components.
As each application will require a unique body length, all standoffs come in a wide range of length options.
Parts are machined to a tolerance for a secure and consistent fit.
Custom lengths and tolerances can be manufactured on special order.
Through Internal Threaded Hex Standoff F-F
A hexagonal, mechanical device which has a partial or complete internal thread, used to hold two components at a given distance from each other.
Advantages – Standoffs are usually chosen over spacers when longer sizes are required. Hex standoffs can be installed with a nut-setter or other wrenching device.
Suitable for using with screws at both ends providing a clean finish.
Materials
Brass
Brass is used in making high-quality standoffs. It is conductive, resists corrosion, and is non-magnetic. It is costlier and heavier than Nylon and is usually plated nickel
-
Unthreaded Spacers
Spacers are fasteners used to connect, separate, or position parts in assemblies.
The hollow body of a spacer is designed to allow the shaft of a screw to pass completely through it before entering the surface material. This forces a gap to be kept between the screw head and the material or component below, while still allowing the fastener to be properly torqued.
They can have a hex or round shape, and are not threaded. They are made of steel, stainless steel, nylon, or aluminum and can have a male or female body style.
They are generally installed over the top of screws to space out or stack circuit boards or paneling. Spacers can be stacked to cover longer screws if needed. Because they are un-threaded and placed over the top of the screw, there is no torque involved. The spacer can spin or twist without affecting the application in which they are used. Also used to calibrate the height of a sensor or switch, or provide heat or electrical isolation.
Heavier Stainless Steel Spacers are commonly use to install lightweight signs or to separate glass tops on a table.
NYLON SPACERS
Nylon is a lightweight, non-conductive material resistant to impact, wear and abrasion. It is ideal for electrical applications or where corrosion is a concern.
These provide sturdy support, alignment and spacing to a variety of applications such as circuit board assemblies, panels and doors.
In the world of electronic components and electronic hardware, these standoffs are typically used to space circuit boards, panels, doors or gears.
A very useful addition to Drone design.
These offer a smooth surface finish that will not erode the insulation of wires that rub against the nylon spacers.
It is also incredibly lightweight for its overall strength, although it can be prone to shearing in high torque installations. While nylon is highly chemical resistant, it is less suitable for use in damp or humid environments, due to its tendency to absorb moisture over time.
Available in Round Body and Hexagonal Body shapes.
Round Body Spacers
Female unthreaded round circuit board spacers do not have threads and resemble a plain, cylindrical tube.
These Round Unthreaded Spacers can be used for separation and insulation as well.
Available in White or clear as a standard finish.
Hex Body Spacers
Female unthreaded hex spacers do not have threads and resemble a plain, hexagonal tube.
The Hexagonal body provides a higher strength and ability to place better on the assembly.
These are available in Black Nylon and provide a sturdy assembly.
SS Round Spacers
A new addition to our range that provides additional options to various product assemblies.
Stainless steel spacers provide high-strength and corrosion resistance, making it a versatile spacer material option.
Made from AISI-303, these are available from 2.5mm hole diameter onward.
These are also useful as sleeves in certain applications that require strength and durability.
Stainless steel tube spacers are often preferred for visible mounting solutions as they remain looking pristine for extended periods.
Aluminium Round Spacers
Another new addition to our range that provides additional options to various product assemblies.
Aluminium spacers are light-weight and corrosion resistant, making it a versatile spacer material option.
Made from Aluminium 6061, these are available from 2mm hole diameter onward.
Aluminium tube spacers are especially suitable for Aerospace applications.
/ 1