Types of materials used in production of spacers
Spacers find a wide range of applications - both in the assembly of single printed circuit boards or their sets (stacks) as well as in many mechanical systems, mock-ups and running sets or... 3D printers and robots. Metal sleeves, usually brass, are perfect for supporting heavier components - especially if you need relatively long distances (tens of millimeters). Metal distances will also work well for applications working in high temperature conditions (e.g. near 3D printer heads or near heat sinks). Plastic elements (most often nylon or polyamide) have a number of other advantages - they are electrically insulating (which is important especially in circuits operating at different potentials, in power supply network parts, etc.). A spacer is a necessary component in the workshop of every electronics and robotics technician.
Threads, types and shapes of spacers
Metal spacers are usually manufactured in the form of hexagonal shaped sleeves (although round versions are also available), whereas in case of plastic elements round and hexagonal sleeves are equally common. Hexagonal bushings are usually offered with two different threads (male and female) or both male and female threads, while round bushings can have both threads and through-hole, smooth axial holes. In case of threads their size is usually specified in metric standard (e.g. M2, M2.5, M3), whereas for round bushings manufacturers simply specify two diameters (external and internal). The use of spacers with external-internal threads allows easy assembly of multiple plates one above the other by screwing the external thread of one spacer into the hole of the next one.
Distances at Botland store
In this category you will find a wide range of nylon bushings in different lengths - 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, or 20 mm with smooth through-hole and threaded distances (z/w) in lengths from 6 to 25 mm. We also supply brass spacers in various lengths with both M3 and M4 threads. Especially for Raspberry Pi boards, we have prepared sets of spacers along with compatible screws and even nuts, with the sleeves having M2.5 threads and lengths of 10, 20 or 30 mm. For frequent DIYers and professional workshop owners we recommend whole sets of connecting elements, made of metal or nylon and offered in convenient, practical organizers.