Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies
Solderless

Soldering fine pitch connections can be difficult. Defects for fine pitch connectors and components typically include bridging of adjacent pads, incomplete pad coverage, and flux bleed.

There can also be defects related to shock, vibration, temperature cycling, etc… Once a defect occurs with a soldered high-density connector, it can be very difficult to rework.

Z-Axis Connectors are solderless.


High-Density

Miniaturization is a driving force in electronics and with it comes the necessity for closely spaced I/O. We offer connectors with evenly spaced straight wires, most often used to make multiple contacts with an individual pad.

Standard Wire and Spacing: 0.05mm on 0.10mm centerlines
Closer Spacing: 0.05mm and 0.75mm centerlines
Thinner Wires: 0.025mm and 0.018mm diameter
Special Patterns: Dedicated wires/variable spacing

We can also place optical or mechanical registration features in the connector strips. Please contact us for specific details.


One Piece

The cost-benefit of this feature is for devices with a main board and optional add-on boards. The Z-Axis compression connector ships with the add-on board only. The main board just requires a matching I/O pad pattern; so that there is no cost until the add-on board is needed.

There are also manufacturing benefits by reducing part counts and reducing opportunities for two-part connector soldering defects. In addition, with high-density two-part connectors, mechanical pins can be fragile and difficult to re-mate/re-use if they become misaligned.


Ease of Assembly

Either robotically or by hand, Z-Axis Connector elements can be placed into slots and compressed when the overall assembly comes together. By designing a retaining slot into the housing, no extra components or labor is required.


Low and Stable Resistance

Because most Z-Axis connector elements have multiple wire contacts supported by an elastomeric core, they provide a low initial resistance that is not as effected by variations in the compressed height or number of mate/de-mate cycles.

Conductive polymer connections are comparatively affected by variations in the percentage deflection, degrade quickly with multiple mate/de-mate cycles, and are mixed in a batch process with inherent variability.


Field Replaceable

Because they are solderless and they can be easily removed from their retainers, Z-Axis Connector elements are conveniently field replaceable. This is especially attractive for test connections. Alternatively, if required, retention features can be added so the elements can not be removed.


Mixed Signal-Power Contacts

By changing the size of the pads on the substrates to be connected, more or less wire contacts can be made, all with the same connector element. So, rather than wasting space and sharing small pads to distribute power, large pads can be used to improve board real estate usage.

Learn more about our products and capabilities.