SOLIDWEDGE Wedgelocks from WaveTherm

Force Series

Variations

SOLIDWEDGE™

WaveTherm's SOLIDWEDGE™ wedgelocks represent a decisive advancement in the mechanical packaging of critical embedded systems. Our wedgelock retainers provide higher thermal performance than competitors and are the world's only wedgelocks that feature positive retraction.

Competitive Advantages

Superior Thermal Cross Section

The SOLIDWEDGE™ design provides three times the thermal contact area of conventional wedge locks. Our superior thermal cross sections provide the lowest possible thermal resistance.

Compare Cross Sections

Positive Retraction

Adjacent wedge segments are connected to prevent a stuck wedgelock. Turning the drive screw counterclockwise retracts the threaded drive wedge, pulling each of the connected segments down to their relaxed position.

Read More

Higher Clamping Forces

The SOLIDWEDGE™ design generates high clamping force protecting embedded components from shock and vibration. Max Force SOLIDWEDGES™ use 30-degree ramps for industry leading clamping force.

Clamping Force Theory

Belleville Washer Upgrades

WaveTherm offers Belleville washers for FOD free deployments. It is standard in the Magnum series, and is listed as an option in the other SOLIDWEDGE™ product series devices.

Belleville Advantages

  • SUPERIOR THERMAL PERFORMANCE

  • SUPERIOR CLAMPING FORCE

  • SUPERIOR LONGEVITY

  • ZERO INSERTION FORCE

  • LOW PROFILE

Multiple Styles

Max Force + Select MAGNUM SolidWedges

SIDE STRAP

Shop Max Force SolidWedges

Select Magnum Solidwedges

CENTER STRAP

Shop MAGNUM SolidWedges

High force + Hybrid Solidwedges

INTERLOCKING

Shop High Force SolidWedges

Mounting Options

Compare All

PS Part Numbers

PRIMARY SIDE

Low Power Designs

Heat Exchange Drawing

SS Part numbers

SECONDARY SIDE

High Power Designs

Heat Exchange Drawing

PT Part numbers

PASS THROUGH

High Power + IEEE Convection Front Panel Hole Capability

Heat Exchange Drawing

Salt Fog Testing (VITA 47)

View Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Specifications and Upgrades

Belleville Upgrade

WaveTherm offers Belleville washers for FOD free deployments. It is standard in the MAGNUM series and is listed as an upgrade for other SOLIDWEDGE™ product series devices.

Helicoil Upgrade

The helical insert Wavetherm offers for SOLIDWEDGE™ reduces galling between the stainless-steel drive screw and the aluminum drive wedge which eliminates potential FOD and extends the life and performance of the device.

Plating Options

BA - BLACK ANODIZE PER MIL-A-8625, TYPE II, CLASS 2


BH - HARD BLACK ANODIZE PER MIL-A-8625, TYPE III, CLASS 2


CC - CHEMICAL FILM PER MIL-C-5541, CLASS 1A, CLEAR


CG - CHEMICAL FILM PER MIL-C-5541, CLASS 1A, GOLD, NON-ROHS


EN - ELECTROLESS NICKEL PER MIL-C-26074, CLASS 4, GRADE B, BRIGHT

Installation

Torque and Loctite

Torque and Loctite specifications can be found on the data sheet for each SOLIDWEDGE. To locate a data sheet for your product, search the part number or name in the website search bar and click the datasheet button on the product page.

Removing Tape

After securing SOLIDWEDGE™ to heatframe(substrate), please remove tape by pulling from either side.

Can SOLIDWEDGES Direct Mount to PCB?

No.

Implementation Details:

Mounting – since the SOLIDWEDGE lacks a long drive screw or center guide rail,
other than the benefits achieved, it is important to highlight the implications
this may have in the effective design methodology required of the board
designer.

Conventional wedgelocks depend on an internal structure (whether extruded bar
or long screw) and are normally mounted to a heat frame or PCB with two or more
screws which serve to locate the internal structure on the substrate. With either
version which uses this internal structure, turning the front screw causes the
front and rear segments to move towards each other while traveling along the
internal bar or screw.

The WaveTherm SOLIDWEDGE is able to provide its benefits of more thermal transfer
area within the retainer itself and higher clamping force by functioning
without this internal structure, but in so doing depends on the metal heat
frame to provide all longitudinal forces required for expansion since it is
mounted at only the first and rearmost segments (proximal and distal).

In simple terms, conventional wedge locks are actuated within their own structure
while the SOLIDWEDGE utilizes its front screw to push its central segments away
from the front block with its structural force depending entirely upon the
strength of the heat frame. 

The #6 drive screw of the SOLIDWEDGE creates ~290 pounds of linear force. This
force is directly transferred to the mounting bosses and is the reason we recommend
heat frame mounting only.

 Another issue is that the SOLIDWEDGE requires counterbored holes for
the mounting bushings, called bosses, to recess into. These are appropriately
located on the aforementioned heatframe and are not possible to implement with
a standalone PCB/PWB.