To successfully assemble connectors to a printed circuit board (PCB), a variety of processes are used with the two most common techniques being either a soldered connection or a pressed in compliant pin. To assemble connectors using compliant pins, several requirements need to be defined and satisfied in order to minimize defects.

Press Type
To press fit a compliant pin, normally either a Direct Acting Air or Servo type press is used. Press selection depends on the user’s need for force, level of control, type of inspection and degree of monitoring. Typically, the force required to press a pin ranges from 1 to 44 pounds with a tolerance allowance of up to 20%.

Process Monitoring
A common misconception is that by using force/distance you can ensure that all pins are present and pressed completely into the board. In reality, this type of process monitoring ensures only that there is adequate interference between a group of pins and the board, and the pins are properly aligned and correctly seated. Unfortunately, unless the assembly has very few pins, force/distance is not a reliable way to monitor the presence of all pins and a proper press fit.

Inspection and Measurement