An EMI shielding gasket is a specialized component used to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. It plays an integral role in reducing or preventing interference from electromagnetic signals that could otherwise cause damage or dysfunction in electronic components. EMI shielding materials and methods can also keep any generated signals from interfering with surrounding components.
Depending on the application, different types of EMI shielding gaskets can be used, and various materials and sizing options. To ensure optimal shielding performance, there are several important factors you’ll want to look at.
Key Factors to Consider
When selecting or designing an EMI shielding gasket for electronic devices and systems, manufacturability, electromagnetic compatibility, operating environment, and other variables will come into play.
Manufacturing Process
During the design process, it’s crucial to ensure that the EMI gasket is manufacturable. While a design could look good on the surface, it might not support the manufacturing process, rendering it incapable of production once it reaches manufacturers.
It’s also important to consider the quantity of the gaskets needed, with fewer components increasing design flexibility. In large production runs, manufacturability will be a bigger consideration, whether for EMI shielding gaskets undergoing extrusion, EMI shielding tape, or other products.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Requirements
Electromagnetic compatibility is another key consideration. You want to choose a gasket design that’s capable of adequate EMI shielding based on its EMC. The right EMC will mitigate the risk of EMI, along with radio frequency interference (RFI), either entering or leaving an electronics enclosure.
Environmental Factors
Another critical factor is the type of environment electronic devices are in and the conditions that could impact performance. For example, electronic enclosures might be in a harsh outdoor environment with extreme temperature fluctuations, compared to more static environments with fewer stressors. Other environmental conditions that can affect performance include:
- Dust
- Humidity
- Chemical exposure
These can apply to a range of applications, such as medical devices that require regular cleaning utilizing potentially caustic chemicals, or military equipment that faces harsh external conditions and requires more heavy-duty protection.
Mechanical Properties
Along with environmental protection, there are numerous other properties your design could address, including tensile strength, compression set, and tear resistance. The right mechanical properties could significantly increase the overall reliability and longevity of enclosures, saving more money in the long run while enhancing safety and performance.
Sealability
For large-volume production runs involving many gaskets, consistency in sealing is especially important. Seal failure can put people and equipment at risk of extensive damage or injury, particularly in the medical and defense industries.
Reach Out to Vanguard Products to Learn More
If you’re seeking high-quality EMI shielding gaskets for your application, you need a manufacturing partner you can trust to provide you with a long-lasting, reliable solution. Vanguard Products has more than 50 years of experience in this industry, along with key resources and highly skilled staff. Our products offer the highest level of EMI shielding available, along with superior mechanical properties and sealing capabilities. Additionally, we offer low compression force options with flame-retardant materials in compliance with UL94V0, and we manufacture all of our EMI shielding gaskets in adherence with ISO 9001:2015 quality system certification requirements.
If you would like to learn more about our products and capabilities, contact us today. You can also request a consultation to get started on a custom EMI gasket design.
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