EMI shielding is important because it protects your electronic device and enhances performance. It creates a conductive path between two surfaces. They further prevent electromagnetic transmission, which can be lethal for electrical circuits. Learn about the top three EMI shielding gasket manufacturing methods in this article to understand the work better.
If you want flexibility in your designs, try to consider using shielding silicones filled with metal-coated particles for EMI protection. These help you to meet tough shielding requirements and provide good environment sealing. They are so flexible that you can manufacture your gasket in any shape or size.
There are three forms of manufacturing: die-cutting, spliced extrusion, and custom-molded rubber. Each offers advantages, but which of these four techniques is right for your application?
DIE-CUTTING
The die-cutting technique has part volumes that range from low to high prototypes with tight tolerance. Features such as clean edges and bolt holes with specific radii are readily achievable. Die-cut gaskets can also be supplied with a conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive backing (PSA), eliminating the need for difficult-to-control liquid adhesives on the assembly line. Kiss-cutting is another form that saves time by easily pulling the release liner off the PSA. Furthermore, the biggest benefit is that they are easily available throughout conductive silicone gaskets and can be procured from any nearby manufacturing company.
EXTRUDED EMI SHIELDING GASKETS
Extruded gaskets can be useful if you want to manufacture gaskets for your flange and groovy applications. A range of profiles are available on the market, such as solid O, hollow O, D, etc. Ask your gasket manufacturer to customize the gasket shapes that you prefer or want. These gaskets can sometimes include innovative anti-stretch and press-fit features. Once extrusion and curing are done, the gasket can be cut and spliced to fit your expectations and create EMI shielding enclosure shields. Check the glue to see if it is bonded well. EMI shielding extrusions can be made with a thin outer layer of conductive silicone, leading to efficient use of shielding material.
MOLDED EMI SHIELDING GASKETS
Try to create a custom-molded EMI shielding gasket as it perfectly conforms with your design requirements. This process excludes the die-cut process, which further reduces the cost. Since materials like silicone are expensive, using a process that reduces the budget is wise. The most obvious benefit of using a custom-molded solution is the ability to conform to three-dimensional designs unsuitable for flat or extruded gaskets. Another advantage is that it saves a lot of material from waste and is more accurate than the other two manufacturing processes. Hence, you can use it for high-volume production.
Now that you know all three manufacturing processes, choose wisely.
