A press-fit hole is a type of plated through hole (PTH) manufactured with tighter dimensional tolerances than standard holes — typically within ±0.05 mm. These holes are designed for press-fit connectors, where the connector pins are mechanically pressed into the holes instead of being soldered.
This process relies on precise mechanical interference between the connector leads and the hole walls to create a stable electrical and mechanical connection. Because of this, press-fit hole tolerances are much stricter than those of conventional plated holes.
At PCBasic, we manufacture press-fit holes according to your design and connector specifications.
Since tolerances vary depending on the connector model, they should be clearly defined based on the connector manufacturer’s datasheet.
To ensure accuracy during fabrication, please mark press-fit holes in your PCB design files and select “Press-fit holes” in the order details when submitting your project.
Advantages of Press-Fit Hole Technology
1. No soldering required, reducing assembly cost and process time
2. Quick component replacement, ideal for modular designs
3. Easy maintenance and rework
4. No additional thermal stress on the PCB or components
5. Environmentally friendly – eliminates solder and flux usage
6. No post-solder cleaning process required
With PCBasic’s high-precision drilling and plating technology, our press-fit holes ensure stable insertion force, consistent contact resistance, and excellent reliability, making them ideal for automotive, industrial, and communication-grade applications.
