What Is The Function Of A Standoff?

Standoffs are a type of threaded separator with a defined length. Standoffs typically help raise one assembly above another. They are critical in providing space between parts and housings and are frequently used in applications that require mounting or stacking.

A standoff is a threaded fastener used to hold two parts a set distance apart. A standoff may have a threaded shaft (male) or a threaded hole (female) at each end. They may, therefore, be designated as male/male, male/female, or female/female.

Standoffs are most commonly male-female, with threading on the male end and on the inside of the female end, which allows the components to be joined together. However, standoffs are also available as both female-female and male-male – which often require further fastening components such as double ended studs or coupling nuts. As you can see the combinations are many.

A male end of a standoff resembles a shoulder bolt; instead of a head, a standoff has another threaded fastener at the other end. Other important parameters are the length (distance between shoulders) and the thread size.

Standoffs may have an external profile that is round, allowing only finger tightening of individual ends, although machine screws and/or nuts can be securely fastened against each other.

Alternatively, a standoff body may have a hexagonal profile enabling tightening using appropriate tooling.

Both spacers and standoffs are commonly used within electronic assemblies. They are also used to provide space for cooling airflow and electrical insulation. They may be referred to as PCB Standoffs. Common materials for such standoffs are brass, stainless steel, nylon polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ceramics.

Jiesheng Hardware specializes in custom standoffs for many different industrial applications. Internally or externally threaded standoffs are available in various shapes such as round, hex and square.

Contact us today to request a quote for your standoffs needs.