Hi Bob;
 
 In a prior life, when I used to try to do this in the press fit backplane 
 business, for a pin this size we would specify a finished hole size that was 
 something like .030" +/- .002".  In addition, we specified solder plating 
 and reflow for the board, as the solder, being soft and malleable, would 
 lubricate the insertion of the pin through the hole and at the same time, 
 hold it in place until fusing.
 
 However, the tighter hole tolerance and the requirement for solder plating 
 (or selective solder) present their own range of disadvantages and problems 
 for the board manufacturer.  I would suggest that you try a small quantity 
 first, and get with your pcb manufacturer(s) for capabilities and 
 suggestions prior to doing anything serious.
 
 Regards
 
 Greg Schroeder
 
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______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: assembly - pressfit connections
Author:  [log in to unmask] at SMTPLINK-HADCO
Date:    6/18/96 7:19 PM


 
TechNet Users,
 
We are presently attempting to pressfit a rectangular pin into a 
through-hole of an .062 inch thick PCB.  The dimensions and tolerances of 
the pin are as follows:
Length - .080 inches +/-.002 inches
Width - .032 inches +/- .001 inches
Depth - .125 inches +/- .002 inches
After the insertion process, the pressfit pin is wave soldered into place. 
 Therefore, all that is required of the pressfit pin is that it be retained 
in the through-hole during normal assembly handling until wave soldering.
 
What should the through-hole dimensions & tolerances be to properly pressfit 
the pin?
 
Thanks,
Bob Mykich
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