First fabric over foam EMI shielding gaskets for high-temperature applications

The Chomerics Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation is launching SOFT-SHIELD 3800, an electrically conductive fabric over silicone foam EMI shielding and electrical grounding gasket for low closure force and high-temperature electronics applications. The first product of its type, its profiles come in complex and unique non-rectangular shapes and are an extension of the established rectangular profiles within Parker’s existing SOFT-SHIELD 3700 series.

Both solutions are economical answers to EMI shielding and grounding for electronics applications across various sectors. The product provides 100dB shielding effectiveness from 20MHz to 10GHz.

Among the applications that may benefit from these innovative products include computer server faceplates and inserts, consumer electronics, electronics enclosures, door seals, and EMI window and vent gaskets.

With an operating temperature range of up to 125C, the product is excellent for applications exposed to high heat, supported by a UL 94 V-0 flammability rating.

In terms of composition, the product comprises an electrically conductive nickel-plated copper polyester taffeta weave fabric wrapped around open-cell silicone foam. This abrasive- and shear-resistant wrap-around technology grounds the gasket from point to point, representing an electrically conductive solution to eradicate EMI gaps.

The new solution offers further customer benefits, as Ben Nudelman, global market manager, Chomerics Division, explains: “This product typically requires less than 80g/mm of closure force for effective electrical contact. It also takes less than a 10% compression set, delivering reliable and repeatable shielding performance over the service life of the device. SOFT-SHIELD 3800 represents a first-class shielding and grounding alternative to traditional spring finger-type products.”

RoHS- and REACH-compliant, dozens of standard SOFT-SHIELD 3800 parts are obtainable in bulk or cut to length. Also, the company supplies custom profiles upon request. The product comes with conductive or non-conductive PSA adhesive or without.