Silicon sponge core baskets for telecom enclosures

31 July 2002 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

As part of a cost reduction initiative at a major telecommunications equipment manufacturer, Laird Technologies' Engineering Services Group was enlisted to develop an alternative to an existing supplier's hollow-D profile conductive elastomer gasket.

Laird's composite EcE/sponge profile gaskets comprise an electrically conductive elastomer bonded to a nonconductive silicone sponge. This gasket provides a cost-effective method for both environmental and EMI sealing. The conductive elastomer wraps from the top to the bottom of the foam providing a conductive path. The lower cost sponge serves as the body of the gasket, providing the necessary flexibility to bend around a radius without buckling, thereby frequently eliminating the need to vulcanise corners.

Features and benefits:

* High shielding effectiveness based on selection of conductive compound.

* Skinned silicon sponge core provides superior environmental sealing.

* Significant cost savings over fully conductive gasket.

* 50% lower compression forces than hollow 'D' construction.

* Bends around corners due to flexible core material.

* Variety of over 30 conductive elastomer compounds ensure galvanic compatibility.

* Variety of extruded core shapes and sizes.

* Mounting methods include PSA tape and interference fit in groove.

The graph shows low resistance and low compression force over a wide range of deflection.

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