technology

High-Yield Press-Fit: Beyond Just Pressing

Press-fit is a manufacturing process that enhances the design of connector terminals. It involves the precise control of pressure, speed, and positioning using specialized equipment to firmly insert connector terminals into PCB holes, ensuring stable contact and conductivity without heating. This eliminates common issues such as uneven heating during the soldering of thick PCBs or poor DIP solder height, which are fundamental manufacturing challenges. This technology finds extensive application, particularly in high-speed signal transmission environments and intricate and compact circuitry design.

This method guarantees a high level of connection stability and is particularly suitable for delicate components. It is widely employed in industries demanding exceptional reliability, including automotive, aerospace, and industrial control sectors.

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• Product Insight as the Key to Press-Fit Efficiency

Press-fit products are commonly used in electronic components such as PCBs, connectors, IGBT modules, and Power Elements. Each component requires specific press-fit parameter settings to ensure proper functioning.

For instance, when press-fitting connectors for optical communications, it's crucial to consider the force points to prevent the housing from warping or deforming. In producing IGBTs, there are two distinct scenarios: IGBTs with built-in thermal columns or fins must be fully press-fitted. At the same time, those using conductive cooling should maintain a specific press-fit height to ensure adequate thermal transfer without being too tight against the PCB.

A press-fit manufacturer who understands the characteristics of its products can enhance production yields and help clients minimize losses.

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• Fixture Design's Impact on Press-Fit Yield

Press-fit tooling requires specialized designs that are customized according to the PCB layout and the structure of the connector. This ensures stable support and clearance. Additionally, the force-receiving surface plays a crucial role in the press-fitting process for various products. For instance, when backplane connectors are press-fitted, an optimized force-receiving surface can prevent issues such as pin collapse, pin protrusion, and connector deformation, thus ensuring a smooth press-fit process.

• Considering Software Interfaces Beyond Hardware

Press-fit stations are crucial in the assembly process, and their integration with each assembly plant’s job ticketing and the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is vital to capturing and linking manufacturing data. Job order barcodes should integrate press-fit metrics like yield rates, unit counts, and labor hours for seamless data reporting.

For smooth operation, operators require an intuitive software interface. This should include clear instructions on the press-fit sequence, visual positioning aids, and readouts of the press cycle to enhance efficiency. Additionally, equipment should have features for rapid programming and easy troubleshooting to keep it running smoothly.

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• Optimizing Production Workflows for Enhanced Flexibility

Press-fit technology is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry by making the process more efficient and cost-effective. PCBs can now be repeatedly reconnected, simplifying manufacturing and repair processes while eliminating the need for soldering-related cleaning. This reduces maintenance costs and eases the load on production lines.

Moreover, this technology boosts design versatility by bypassing the need for solder, enabling versatile component placement within space-constrained devices, and greatly increasing PCB design flexibility.

• Nextron Press-Fit: Efficiency & Innovation

Adherence to Global Standards： Nextron meets international standards for press-fit connectors. Our products comply with IEC 60352-5 and GR-1217-CORE quality specifications for telecom components.

● Innovative EON Terminal Design：Our engineer-designed terminals are versatile and adaptable to diverse material types, board thicknesses, and PCB hole diameters. They feature a lead-in structure for pre-insertion and contoured edges to protect PCBs during press-fit.。

● Innovative EON Terminal Design：Nextron offers bespoke tooling for connectors and tailored PCB design solutions with a decade of expertise in press-fit connectors and equipment solutions.

Nextron's Press-Fit Machine Family Overview

Nextron offers press-fit machines equipped with a range of production management software options to optimize the press-fit workflow. Clients can choose from three available models: the portable mini model, the standard desktop model, and the automated model. With years of press-fit expertise and manufacturing experience, we can provide clients quick on-site evaluations to deliver the best process solutions.

• Standardized Series

Model Number: LPM3 / 305-CM / 305-CA

Feature：

1. A manual benchtop model that is perfect for low-volume, diverse production or applications requiring quick line changes.
2. An automatic benchtop model designed for large order volumes and continuous operation.

The software functions of our models are customizable and can be integrated with other peripheral devices. The manual benchtop model can be upgraded to an automatic model, providing increased application flexibility and future-proofing for our customers.

• Mini Series

Model Number: 301-AM / 303-AM

Feature：This model is an upgraded version of the standard machine with an excellent reputation. It is compatible with most press-fit tooling and parameters and is more compact, highly portable, and lighter. Therefore, it can be quickly and easily reconfigured to meet the production line's positioning requirements. This makes it an ideal choice for pilot production or to scale up quickly in response to sudden demands, streamlining the production process and offering a cost advantage.

Furthermore, it accommodates most industrial PCB sizes, and its software functionality is customizable and can interface with other peripheral devices.

• H Frame Series

Model Number: 305-HA

Feature：The full standard model line has the same user interface as the standard machines and shares most press-fit tooling and parameters. The automated press-fit equipment features an H-frame structure for fully automatic operation, making it suitable for applications involving large orders and continuous operation.

Clients can develop custom peripheral equipment tailored to their production needs. This includes board transfer, PCBA inspection, and automated connector feeding systems.

Nextron Offers More Than Just Press-Fit Machines

●  Complete Training and After-Sales Service：Nextron provides comprehensive press-fit solutions, including machinery, training, technical support, and after-sales services.

● Standard and Flexible Configuration Options：Besides the standard touchscreen, options include light curtains, specialized press heads, dot laser marking systems, and UPS for uninterrupted power supply. Clients can flexibly upgrade configurations and features post-purchase.

● Commitment to Upgraded Support Systems：Nextron plans to provide on-site assessments for peripheral press-fit systems, including automated feeding, AOI inspection solutions, and quality inspection programs.

● Press-Fit Contracting and Leasing ServicesWhen unexpected orders or occasional press-fit needs arise, Nextron's contract press-fitting and equipment leasing services offer seamless integration into your production line and personnel scheduling！