Why choose tie-point & perf boards from a local supplier
Tie-point (also called tie-point strip or perf) boards are the backbone of quick, durable prototypes - ideal when a soldered connection is preferable to a temporary breadboard. At Communica we focus on practical availability: local stock, same-day branch pickup in Samrand, Pretoria or Cape Town, and VAT invoices for education and procurement. That means less waiting for components and more time testing real circuits.
Benefits that matter to South African makers
- Immediate access to common formats (single row tie-point strips, 0.1" perf panels, pre-tinned copper pads).
- Consistent hole spacing for standard DIP ICs and header pins - saves layout headaches.
- Options for pre-cut sizes and panel stock to reduce waste for class labs or production runs.
What we stock and how to pick the right board
Choosing a board is about matching form factor, pad finish and hole plating to your workflow. For example, students building Arduino shields will be fastest with 0.1" grid perf with tinned pads; modules and sensors mated with 2.54mm headers need consistent hole alignment. For stronger mechanical joints, select boards with larger thru-holes or reinforce with standoffs and hot glue.
Specification quick-check (use this before you order)
| Spec | Why it matters | Typical values |
|---|---|---|
| Hole pitch | Compatibility with headers, ICs | 2.54 mm (0.1") |
| Pad finish | Solderability and rework | Pre-tinned copper, bare copper |
| Board thickness | Mechanical strength and heat sink | 1.6 mm common; 0.8-2.0 mm ranges |
| Material | Durability and solder heat tolerance | FR4 standard |
Common formats and their uses
- Strip tie-point boards - quick point-to-point builds and wire-wrap style soldering.
- Perforated panels - flexible layouts for modules, shields and mixed SMT/DIP projects.
- Pre-tinned pads - recommended for repeat assembly and student labs where rework is frequent.
Explore our organised categories to compare physical sizes and finishes: Shop by Category and view every part in the All Products index for compatible headers and connectors.
