Oxley's kinky pin is catching on

13th November 2009

ES Admin

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The design of the Oxley ‘Kinky Pin’ has made it the perfect interconnect solution for many years, but it is only in more recent times, with the change in PCB assembly processes, that it is being fully appreciated within the PCB assembly market. The kink in this phosphor bronze miniature interconnect component was originally designed for “select on test” plated through hole PCB assembly but due to its unique shape it is now more commonly used as a compliant fit pin which eliminates the need for wave and selective soldering.

The kinky pin offers a number of benefits said Oxley Business Manager Dave Howell. “Ease of assembly is always a big plus and kinky pins have a low insertion force, with an excellent retention mechanism which is more than sufficient in holding the pin perpendicular and securely in the board. This is critical for assembly of flexi circuits to rigid boards, as it allows the PCB to be flipped upside down for reflow soldering without the pin falling out.” The slot produced by the kink also creates a true solder joint with the added benefit of eliminating the possibility of air pockets and dry joints by exaggerating the wicking effect when soldering.

Oxley has a wide range of kinky pins and with Oxley in-house precision machining and plating capabilities, custom-made versions can be produced offering standard finishes in tin lead, silver, gold, pure tin or palladium. Dave added: “Our in-house facilities enable us to manufacture batch quantities for bespoke, customer-driven designs, providing a unique service.”

The growth in orders received for this essential interconnect variant means the kinky pin is the component of choice for today’s PCB assembly market.