Sharing knowledge is one of BIBUS' core activities. Our specialists like to think along with projects to be realised. A common issue is selecting the right spacers. The wide variety of spacers in the range does not make selecting the right spacer easy.
This article discusses and answers the most frequently asked questions about spacers. With the help of these points you can easily determine the desired material for the spacer, determine the mounting option and directly order the desired spacer via the webshop. Is your question not answered in this article? Our specialists are happy to think along with you. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
1. Specify the application and material requirements
Thanks to the great diversity of designs and materials, spacers are very widely applicable. BIBUS' spacers are used for, among other things, printed circuit boards, advertising signs, displays, panels, plexiglass, machines and equipment and various industrial applications. Due to this diversity, there is no 'most suitable spacer', 'most suitable material' or 'most suitable mounting'.
Selecting the right spacer starts with defining the requirements for the material. The specific properties and requirements are discussed below. A table is shown at the bottom of this section where the properties can be found in a clear manner. BIBUS' spacers can be divided into three types of material: metal (steel, steel+, stainless steel, stainless steel 303, brass, aluminum), plastic (nylon, PA, POM, PPS, PS, etc.) and ceramic. The choice of material depends on the use of the spacer.
Consider, for example, the electrical conduction of spacers. When an electrical circuit has to be maintained, metal spacers can be chosen. On the other hand, a plastic or ceramic spacer is not conductive, thus avoiding the risk of a short circuit.
The weight of the spacers can also play a decisive role in the choice. Plastic and aluminum spacers are considered lightweight spacers. The difference lies in the maximum load on the spacer. Aluminum spacers have a relatively low weight in combination with a high mechanical load, higher than plastic spacers. When a high load is required, but weight plays a role, glass fiber reinforced spacers can also be chosen. Like metal spacers, these are ideal for high-load applications.
In addition to a higher load capacity, glass fiber reinforced spacers have another unique property. These spacers are UV-resistant, making this material particularly interesting for outdoor applications. In addition to these spacers, ceramic and stainless steel spacers are waterproof. These groups of spacers offer a solution, especially for billboards, for the outdoors and displays in the open air.
Of course, the price of spacers also plays an important role. As a rule, plastic is relatively cheaper compared to ceramic and metal. That is why plastic spacers are the most interesting from a price point of view.
Applications in the maritime sector, food industry or pharmaceutical industry often have high demands on metal components. For example, machines and equipment must be easy to clean and maintain in hygienic environments. In the maritime sector, corrosion resistance is again an important requirement for components. The stainless steel (303) spacers meet the high requirements of these markets.
In addition to corrosion resistance, chemical resistance is important in some applications. Plastic spacers offer a resistance to corrosive substances, which guarantees this chemical resistance. While plastic can offer a guarantee against chemical damage, ceramic spacers offer scratch resistance. Unlike, for example, metal spacers, scratches and minor damage will not (quickly) become visible on the spacers.
The temperature range of spacers can also be decisive for the selection of materials. BIBUS offers two variants of spacers with a high temperature range. Both the ceramic spacers (up to 1000°C) and the Ryton (PPS) (up to 250°C) spacers can be used in low and very high temperatures.
Especially in applications where spacers are integrated in machines and devices, the vibration resistance of spacers can be important. Plastic spacers are not only vibration resistant, but also offer the possibility to dampen sound.
The previously mentioned properties are mainly related to operational properties of spacers. However, the appearance of components can play a major role, especially in consumer products. Brass spacers can be supplied in high-gloss nickel-plated, making the spacers more aesthetically pleasing. High gloss spacers offer a stylish alternative to 'standard' spacers.
| Advantages cermic spacers | Advantages plastic spacers | Advantages metal spacers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic spacers have a very high temperature range (up to 1000°C) in combination with shape and wear resistance | Ryton (PPS) has a relatively high temperature range (from -40°C to +250°C) | Aluminum spacers have a relatively low weight in combination with high mechanical load capacity. Higher than plastics | |
| Ceramic spacers are not electrically conductive, which prevents the risk of short circuits |
Glass fiber spacers can withstand a high load for a plastic area, while the weight is relatively low | Stainless steel spacers are corrosion resistant (maritime applications) and can be used in situations where hygiene is important (e.g. medical- and food industry) | |
| Ceramic spacers are waterproof and therefore extremely suitable for outdoor use | Provides resistance to corrosive substances (chemical resistant) | The electrical conductivity of metal spacers makes it possible to maintain an electrical circuit | |
| Ceramic spacers are scratch-resistant, so that minor damage is not easily visible | Plastic spacers are not electrically conductive, eliminating the risk of short circuits | Nickel plated brass is high gloss and aesthetically pleasing and has decorative value | |
| Ceramic spacers have a relatively low weight | Glass fiber reinforced (GV) nylon is UV resistant |
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| Plastic spacers are sound and vibration dampening | |||
| Plastic is a relatively cheap material |
2. Specify mounting options and requirements
The spacers from the BIBUS range not only vary in material and colour, but also in the options offered by the components for mounting on the workpiece. The variations in spacers with regard to mounting are discussed below.
For example, you can choose between round or hexagonal spacers. The advantage of hexagonal spacers is that they can be stopped with a wrench.
The length of the spacers is also important for mounting. In applications where space is limited, such as with printed circuit boards, short spacers may be important. The length of the BIBUS spacers varies from a few millimeters to tens of centimeters. Customer-specific dimensions are available on request.
Every application of spacers is unique. That is why the mounting options are diverse. The spacers from the BIBUS webshop can be attached in four different ways.
- Round spacers with through bore (no thread);
- Threaded and threaded spacers (tap);
- Spacers provided with threaded end/threaded end (tap/tap);
- Self-tapping spacers
Order spacers online
The diversity of BIBUS' spacers makes it possible to always offer the right spacer. When selecting spacers, it is important to consider the material requirements and the mounting options. You can easily order the right spacer online via the BIBUS webshop. Do you need additional information or tailor-made advice? Our specialists will gladly assist you.
Curious about the practical applications of spacers? Via the link below you can see an example of the spacers in practice.
The many possibilities of spacers
Raspberry Pis are actually affordable cards the size of a debit card. The technology has been developed to make children enthusiastic about technology. Multiple Raspberry Pi's can be used together for a creation. To make this possible, spacers are used.
