Specialty Silicone Products (SSP) attended Electronica, the world’s largest event for the electronics industry, in Munich, Germany, from November 12th to 15th, 2024. SSP’s Dominic Testo, Business Development Manager, and Gary Falchi, Business Development Specialist, joined 3,480 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors for a multi-day tradeshow that happens just once every two years.
At Electronica 2024, SSP gained three industry insights that can benefit your business.
- Non-military applications for EMI shielding are growing
- Connector manufacturers need EMI gaskets to meet rising demand
- Increased tariffs and defense spending could mean new opportunities
Keep reading to learn more, and contact SSP for materials and products that combine reliable environmental sealing with proven level of shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Non-Military Applications for EMI Shielding
Historically, EMI shielding was used mainly with military electronics. Today, applications for electrically-conductive elastomeric gaskets include vehicles and transportation, electronic displays and enclosures, and wireless technology such as WiFi modules for cities, resorts, sports stadiums and airports.
At Electronica 2024, SSP connected with companies in a variety of industries that want to ensure the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of their products. Because many of these manufacturers make products for outdoor use, they liked how SSP’s EMI shielding materials use silicones, elastomers that provide broad environmental resistance and withstand a wide range of temperatures.
EMI Gaskets for Connectors
The global connector market is poised to grow from $86B USD in 2023 to over $122B USD by 2031, according to a market forecast from SkyQuest Technology. At Electronica 2024, the booths of leading connector manufacturers and distributors were especially busy. For example, Amphenol exhibited advanced interconnect solutions for automotive, industrial automation, and green tech applications.
Some connectors, such as Mil-Spec products, use connector shells in standard shapes and sizes. Others use custom-designed shells instead, typically to reduce size and weight or to increase electrical performance. These custom shells need the type of custom EMI gaskets that SSP provides. We also supply M83528 connector gaskets made from MIL-DTL-83528 QPL certified materials.
Tariffs, Defense Spending, and New Opportunities
Because Electronica 2024 occurred right after the U.S. presidential election, tariffs and defense spending were topics of discussion. Many of the companies that SSP spoke with were excited by the possibility of protection against overseas suppliers. There was also optimism that the results of U.S. elections will lead to greater defense spending among NATO countries.
Would you like to know more about what SSP learned at Electronica and how there’s a strong and growing need for EMI shielding in military and civilian applications? As 2024 draws to a close, it’s a great time to look for new opportunities in the year ahead and beyond. When you partner with Specialty Silicone Products (SSP), you’ll gain access to materials and products that give you an edge.
