EMI gaskets and EMI O-rings are replacing standard elastomeric seals in an increasing number of applications. Often, it’s because designers didn’t anticipate that their products would fail EMI testing. Some of these non-compliant devices represent innovative technologies, but others are next-generation versions of existing products with higher-than-expected RF emissions.
When standard or legacy seals are inadequate, project timetables are at risk. Consequently, SSP continues to receive urgent requests from companies that need EMI gaskets or EMI O-rings. Because SSP makes its own tooling in-house, we can quickly produce jigs, fixtures, and molds. We also help with material selection and offer a wide selection of EMI silicones and fluorosilicones.
This article contains insights that SSP has gained from discussions with designers, and from our own market research. In the industries you’ll read about, EMI gaskets and EMI O-rings are helping designers solve shielding and sealing challenges. SSP’s conductive silicones and fluorosilicones are available as ready-to-fabricate materials, but we also offer ready-to-install fabricated products.
Factory and Manufacturing Automation
Worldwide, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices will nearly double from 15 billion in 2020 to more than 29 billion in 2030. Already, workers and electronics are exposed to rising RF emissions from robotic arms, automated equipment, and smart displays. Designers who address EMI shielding challenges now can better protect human health and device performance in the future.
Handheld Electronics
Employees in warehouses and retail environments use barcode scanners to check inventory levels and pricing. These devices are becoming smaller and more powerful, and some now include 5G, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth for real-time data transmission. Handheld electronics like this often need EMI O-rings, donut-shaped gaskets that fit into a groove.
Audio Visual Equipment
Podcasts will reach over 100 million listeners in 2024, and the global market for video production equipment will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.5% between now and 2030. This boom is driving demand for microphones and cameras, but some manufacturers overlook EMI shielding. It’s better to design EMI gaskets and O-rings up-front than risk delaying a product launch.
Agriculture
Agricultural technology (AgTech) includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with remote sensing and autonomous combines that interface with satellite networks. Onboard electronics are becoming smaller, but they’re also becoming more numerous and powerful. Along with environmental sealing, designers need to address electronic interference. Silicones are well-suited for both challenges.
Self-Driving Cars and Delivery Drones
Farms, warehouses, stores, and factories aren’t the only places where electromagnetic interference can disrupt operations. Recently, a well-known car manufacturer asked SSP to help it solve an EMI challenge with an autonomous vehicle. SSP proposed a nickel-graphite silicone that’s also flame retardant, an important consideration with automotive safety.
WiFi Boosters
Finally, WiFi boosters are becoming increasingly common in office buildings, manufacturing facilities, hotels, stadiums, warehouses, and many other venues. These devices work by amplifying WiFi signals and improving WiFi signal strength; however, even the most powerful WiFi range extender needs EMI shielding. SSP’s cut and molded EMI gaskets can help new designs pass testing.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Are you designing new technologies or next-generation versions of existing products? Do you need to replace standard seals with EMI gaskets or EMI O-rings? It’s better to address the risk of interference now than to wait until products fail EMI testing and put project timetables at risk. To learn more about the EMI shielding silicones and fabricated products that SSP supplies, contact us.
