RFI/EMI/EMC

RFI/EMI/EMC Strip

ASG offers a wide range of non-metallic strips, thanks to a broad network of suppliers and material manufacturers, some of which are needed for specific applications. One such range of products on offer from our vast catalogue is RFI/EMI/EMC strips, which consists of a varied choice of material types each with its own unique properties to meet particular application demands.  RFI/EMI/EMC strips are all made to order, manufactured using state of the art machinery including band saws, strippers, log cutters, presses and even CNC machines depending upon the size and quantity required – for very small strips in high volume runs, a kiss-cut option may also be available for faster production and time efficiency for the end-user. In-house production allows us to closely oversee the whole production process to ensure that we consistently produce high quality, competitively priced strips. As our strips are produced in-house, we can customise them to offer a choice of finishes, including self-adhesive backings (where the application allows).

 

What are RFI/EMI/EMC Strips?

Strips are pieces of material often cut to a specific width and length as requested by our customers, in some cases available as continuous rolls/coils to be cut as when needed by the end-user. Strips produced using RFI/EMI/EMC materials are designed to protect electronic devices from disturbances from RFI (radio frequency interference) and EMI (electromagnetic interference) and also to insulate devices ensuring they aren’t causing the interference.

 

Why use RFI/EMI/EMC Strips?

All electronic devices can generate electromagnetic or radiation interference (RFI-Radio Frequency Interference and EMI-Electromagnetic Interference), these interferences can cause disturbances within electronic devices resulting in a reduction in the effectiveness of the circuit within the device. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the term used to measure a device’s ability to operate within its environment whilst not affecting the operation of other equipment within its surroundings.  RFI/EMI/EMC materials are designed and used in order to protect electronic devices from disturbances and to also insulate devices ensuring they aren’t causing the interference and in some cases to also fill or cover gaps between conductive paths ensuring a smooth flow of current

 

RFI/EMI/EMC shielding products available

When choosing Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd for your shielding needs, you are sure to be offered a number of material options, each type with its own range of properties. A selection of our RFI/EMI/EMC materials included: 

Conductive Fabric is a polyester or nylon fabric that can be nickel/copper or silver-plated to create a highly conductive material. This fabric is wrapped around a sponge and formed into usable profiles such as gaskets.

Conductive Silicone strips are produced using a silicone or fluorosilicone material that has been impregnated with electrically conductive particles prior to being cured. Conductive Silicone strips not only provide EMI/RFI shielding but will also act as a seal against dust and water.

Gap Pads can also be called filler pads, made from a silicone polymer combined with a thermal substance such as ceramic and then cured. Gap pads are used to fill uneven surfaces and air gaps which provide a thermal interface between heat sinks and electrical devices.

Knitted Mesh or knitted wire mesh is created by knitting or weaving wires such as aluminium, steel, Monel or tin-plated copper-clad steel in sections or specifically shaped gaskets. This mesh can be used on its own or as a sleeve wrapped over a sponge such as neoprene, silicone or EPDM to create a compressible strip.

Oriented Wire is manufactured using silicone sponge and solid variants, combined with a large number of wires which are embedded vertically into the polymer. Oriented wire gaskets provide a high level of oil-resistant shielding as well as environmental protection.

Sil-Pad strips perform in a similar way to gap-pads but are more flexible and comfortable as the material is constructed from a variety of material combinations including fibreglass, silicone rubber, polyamide/polyester films and fillers used to enhance performance. Sil pad strips are used to electrically isolate the semiconductor from the heat sink.

T-flex is a soft gap-filling interface pad composed of a silicone elastomer, boron nitride filler and reinforced with fibreglass. Tflex is naturally tacky and so doesn’t require additional adhesives to be applied. Tflex is a cost-effective gap filler thermal interface material with excellent thermal performance, it is used in applications such as cooling components, storage drives, heat pipes, engine control units and telecommunications.

Tgon is manufactured in various grades and thicknesses using synthetic graphite. Tgon strips are generally used for thermal transfer and conductivity as opposed to electrical isolation.

Tguard is produced using a glass fibre supported silicone elastomer with ceramic oxide filler, to create a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material.

 

Benefits of Using RFI/EMI/EMC Strips

Using RFI/EMI/EMC strips and materials within electronic devices creates a shield, which in turn brings a number of benefits. These strips fill or cover gaps between conductive paths ensuring a smooth flow of current.  They also prevent electromagnetic waves internal and external from interfering with devices and circuits. RFI/EMI/EMC strip shielding properties also allow for a number of electrical devices to operate correctly even in the presence of each other as the Radio Frequency Interference and Electromagnetic Interference levels are controlled.