Category Archive: EMI Shielding

How Do EMI Gaskets Work to Protect Your Equipment?

When it comes to the world of electronic equipment, one undesirable element that’s sometimes found in electrical setups is known as electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI can have a negative effect on performance and lifespan of various kinds of electrical equipment, but there are also several approaches you can take to avoid this issue – and one of the most robust is the use of what are known as EMI gaskets.

For almost 100 years, Robert McKeown has served as a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality materials for electronic assembly, including EMI shielding gaskets and gasket tape products. What are EMI gaskets, how do EMI gaskets work, and which types of EMI gaskets and gasket applications are out there? Let’s dive into a full exploration of these important components.

What Are EMI Shielding Gaskets?

Many of our readers will be familiar with standard gaskets, which are meant to create a seal between two surfaces to block things like air, water or other materials from entering the seal. EMI gaskets have a similar purpose, but with a very different medium: They are meant to block out interference from potentially damaging technology.

In todays’ day and age, with so many electronic devices available and being utilized virtually everywhere, electronic interference is common. There are two primary types of interference to know about:

• Electromagnetic interference (EMI): As we referenced above, EMI is caused by electromagnetic fields, which are generated by things like radios, motors or power lines.
• Radio frequency interference (RFI): RFI is created when radio waves are emitted from sources such as cell phones, wireless networks and other equipment.

EMI shielding gaskets are made primarily to deal with EMI, though many can also handle RFI to some extent.

How Do EMI Gaskets Function?

Diving under the hood just a bit, EMI gaskets are made from various dampening materials like metal, wire mesh or various elastomers. These materials will be thick and/or conductive enough to block common electromagnetic waves and interference.

These materials are cut into shapes that cover the entire opening or surface of a given device area. They will often also be laminated with adhesive on either or both sides, ensuring they can block out signals from everywhere. Many EMI gaskets are available in standard sizes and can be purchased at hardware stores; others will be custom-made to fit specific appliances.

In actual application, the purpose of an EMI gasket is to form a conductive barrier between two surfaces, preventing electronic signals from reaching the inner workings of your device. They also serve as a physical seal that blocks out dust and other contaminants.

What EMI Gasket Types Are There?

EMI gaskets are available in several different types, including:

• Conductive elastomer EMI gaskets: These high-performance gaskets are made with silicone or another rubber elastomer, but often embedded with metallic components as well. Using pressure-sensitive adhesive, these can be applied to almost any surface and provide high levels of EMI shielding.
• Wire mesh EMI gaskets: These are made from incredibly tiny metal wires woven together at a right angle. The result is a fine grid that will block out RF signals.
• Beryllium copper EMI gaskets: Because of the high conductivity in copper, these gaskets are fantastic at blocking EMI or RFI. They need little compression and can work across a wide range of temperatures. These are some of the most popular options for custom-made gaskets.

There are also several EMI gasket types that involve conductive foams or tapes, which can be affixed to surfaces with adhesive. Some of these foams are low compression, making them perfect for thin applications that need a small amount of pressure for electrical connection. Tapes and foams are often made from conductive material like aluminum, copper or nickel-plated fabric; however, most EMI gasket materials use stainless steel as their primary conductor.

Gasket Applications

EMI gaskets have many different applications in the world of electronics, including:

• Computer applications: Whether to shield specific computer components from EMI due to nearby interference or to secure server racks, EMI gaskets are commonly used in the computer industry.
• Medical equipment: Many medical devices use EMI gaskets to keep their sensitive electronics shielded from interference that could cause malfunctions.
• Automotive controls: More and more vehicle manufacturers are adding computer and electronic systems within their vehicles. All of these components in such limited spaces can cause issues with EMI, but EMI gaskets are an effective fix.
• Aerospace applications: Many aerospace components, such as satellites and military equipment, require reliable EMI shielding to ensure proper operation and avoid interference from other systems.
• Smartphones and other high-level electronics: With the ever-increasing complexity and miniaturization of electronic devices, EMI gaskets are essential to prevent interference and extend the lifespan of these valuable pieces of technology.

EMI shielding gaskets play an important role in protecting electrical equipment from interference that can negatively impact performance and longevity. Knowing what type of EMI gasket is needed for your specific application is crucial, as well as understanding how they function and their various applications across different industries. By using high-quality EMI gaskets, you can ensure that your electronics operate at their full potential without disruptions or damage caused by interference. 

The team at Robert McKeown is here to provide you with the best EMI gasket solutions for your needs. Contact us today for more information and to discuss which type of EMI gasket is right for your application. Let us help you protect your valuable electronic equipment from harmful interference.

EMI Market Trends and Solutions

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) — also called radiofrequency interference (RFI) when occurring in the radiofrequency spectrum — refers to an electromagnetic disturbance caused by an electronic device interacting with another electronic device. Electromagnetic induction, electrostatic coupling, and conduction can all disrupt the electrical circuit of the affected device. EMI can cause major problems for a huge range of applications, and is becoming a greater concern in today’s increasingly connected world.

Ever wonder why wireless devices must be put on airplane mode or turned off during a flight? Electromagnetic waves emitted when using those devices can actually interfere with the plane’s navigation system.

As the use of technology and electronic devices continues to rise, the EMI shielding market is rapidly expanding. Government guidelines outlining EMI shielding requirements are also expected to shift. And as technology use increases, electronic devices are becoming smaller and smaller, and the use of Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth is becoming more and more common. Both of these trends — the miniaturization of devices and the increased use of wireless technologies — can contribute to EMI problems.

EMI SHIELDING MATERIALS

EMI shielding is extremely important in today’s ever-shifting landscape, and we’re proud to partner with Parker Chomerics, a leader in EMI shielding innovations offering a range of different of products including:

EMI SHIELDING GASKETS

EMI shielding gaskets from Parker Chomerics can eliminate all types of EMI gaps. Common applications include EMI window seals, grounding tabs, server face plates, panel seals, cover seals, and door seals.

EMI SHIELDED WINDOW

These windows not only guard against EMI, they also protect displays from scratches and breakage, and can withstand harsh conditions. EMI shielded windows can be used with the above-mentioned EMI shielding gaskets, as well. Common applications include electronics used in military and medical environments, instrument panels, and cabinets and racks.

METAL FOIL TAPES

Parker Chomerics offers a few different types of shielding tapes, available in aluminum, copper, tinned copper, nickel-plated, and, if appearance is a concern, embossed types. These tapes are perfect for EMI cable shielding, especially when dealing with surfaces that cannot be soldered.

EMI SHIELDING PAINTS

Paints are ideal for scenarios in which common EMI shielding products will not work, such as high-altitude environments. You would not want to wrap EMI shielding tape around an airplane, for example. Parker Chomerics offers a range of different paints to suit specific shielding applications, such as circuit boards, plastic enclosures, electrolytic platable plastic, aircraft airframes, and aluminum and composite.

ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE ADHESIVE

Various types of adhesive are available from Parker Chomerics, all designed for use in applications requiring sturdy, conductive electrical bonds. Adhesives are often used to fill cracks in electrical boxes, poor-tolerance enclosures, and EMI vents and windows.

ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE SEALANTS

Sealants are important for filling in gaps on electrical enclosures or electrical grounding. This is often required for man-portable electronics, military ground vehicles, and radar and communication systems.

EMI SOLUTIONS FROM ROBERT MCKEOWN CO.

Since 1937, Robert McGeown Co., Inc. has been providing clients across diverse industries with world-class engineered materials for the electronics industry. Specializing in application assistance for both new and existing product design, we can offer high-performance, tailored solutions for all types of shielding needs thanks to our state-of-the-art proto-fast design center. We also keep a bulk inventory, allowing us to provide customized materials even for low-volume orders.

To learn more about Parker Chomerics’ industry-leading EMI shielding solutions and discuss options for your unique application, request a quote today.