Bosses, Standoffs and Rubber Feet

Bosses and standoffs are an integral part of most electronic enclosures. However, where possible, we try to avoid using them in an attempt to keep the customer’s assembly times as low as possible. If a printed circuit board can slide or clip in to an enclosure, the customer can benefit from lower enclosure and assembly costs.

Of course, it is no problem should stand offs be required. We machine a recess into the surface of the material at the location of the standoff, this allows for perfect positioning as well as a greater surface area for bonding. This also allows us to adjust the usable height of the standoff by 0.1mm increments.

A great majority of our bosses and standoffs are machined out of HIPS. If need be, brass threads can be inserted for use with machine screws, otherwise PT self tapping screws are usually fine. HIPS standoffs have the added benefit of being chemically welded into position.

Nylon standoffs may be required due to height limitations of the HIPS variety. Once again, brass threads can be inserted for use with machine screws, otherwise PT self tapping screws are fine. Due to the differences in the 2 materials needing to be bonded, nylon standoffs are glued into position using Loctite 401.

Desk top enclosures often require non-slip rubber feet for added stability. As with standoffs, rubber feet are perfectly positioned by use of a machined recess. This also makes it a lot harder for the feet to be accidently removed.