Contact Spring Gasket
Contact spring gaskets (also known as EMI shielding gaskets) are specialized components designed to fill in the gaps between mating surfaces such as a door of an electronic enclosure and its frame. The primary functions are to ensure electrical continuity, electromagnetic shielding and, in some cases, environmental sealing.
- Material: Copper Berylium (CuBe)
- Surface treatment: Nickel-plating
- Dimensions: Custom-manufactured to specific requirements
- Manufacturing Process: Metal Stamping
Key Features of Contact Spring Gasket
1. Superior Electromagnetic Interference Shielding (EMI)/Radio Frequency Interference Shielding
- This is their main purpose. They form a Faraday enclosure by creating a continuous conductive pathway across seams.
- It prevents the influx of external interference as well as the egress from internal emissions.
2. Low Impedance Grounding
- They are critical to signal integrity, safety and electrostatic discharge protection.
3. Mechanical Shock and Vibration Damping
- The inherent springiness of the gasket acts as a shock absorber, protecting sensitive internal components (like PCBs and connectors) from damage caused by impact and vibration, thereby increasing product durability.
Applications of Contact Spring Gasket
Telecommunications & Network Equipment
- Base stations, routers, switches: Used on cabinet doors, panels, and card cages to prevent EMI from disrupting high-speed data signals.
Medical Electronics
- MRI/CT scanners, patient monitors, surgical devices: Shielding is critical to prevent sensitive imaging and life-support equipment from both generating interference and being affected by it. Sealing protects against liquid spills and sterilization processes.
Consumer Electronics
- Smartphones, smartwatches, and laptops: Used between casings, around buttons, and under displays to contain EMI from high-speed processors and radios, and to provide grounding.
