Sensitive electronic assemblies need reliable EMI / RFI shielding gaskets. We combine the right EMI and RFI shielding materials with production expertise to help OEMs in a variety of electronics applications.
Interstate Specialty Products manufactures EMI gaskets from solid, sponge, and fabric-reinforced materials in virtually any shape or size. Depending on the EMI / RFI shielding material you select, we can create EMI shielding gaskets from 0.250” to 60” in diameter, and in thicknesses starting at 0.003”.
For over 50 years, our Made in the USA manufacturing facility in Sutton, Massachusetts has been converting sheets and rolls of non-metal materials into custom gaskets. Today, we also convert metal-filled silicones that combine the environmental advantages of silicone elastomers with the electrical properties of metals.
EMI Gaskets and Shielding Materials
Interstate Specialty Products enjoys strong partnerships with leading suppliers to ensure access to high-quality shielding materials that strengthen your electronic designs. Examples of EMI gasket materials include:
- Silver-filled silicones with pure silver particles for maximum EMI shielding effectiveness
- Nickel graphite-filled silicones that balance concerns about cost with demands for performance
- Aluminum-filled silicones with cost-effective, silver-plated aluminum particles
- Oriented wire products with sturdy metal wires that are crimped for resiliency
- Silicone with Monel® that combines the durability of a wire mesh with Monel’s superior strength
Depending on your application requirements, ask Interstate Specialty Products about EMI gasket materials that also provide electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, flame resistance, and/or compliance with the MIL-DTL-83528C standard for elastomeric shielding gaskets.
MIL-DTL-83528C EMI Shielding Gaskets
Interstate Specialty Products can create EMI shielding gaskets from particle-filled silicones that meet the requirements of the U.S. military’s MIL-DTL-83528C specification. Examples include:
- MIL-DTL-83528C Type A silver-plated, copper-filled silicone capable of 110 dB of plane wave shielding effectiveness at 10 GHz with a continuous use temperature range of range of -55°C to +125°C.
- MIL-DTL-83528C Type B silver-plated, aluminum-filled silicone capable of 100 dB of plane wave shielding effectiveness at 10 GHz with a continuous use temperature range of -55°C to +160°C.
- MIL-DTL-83528C Type D silver-plated, aluminum-filled fluorosilicone capable of 90 dB of plane wave shielding effectiveness at 10 GHz, with a continuous use temperature range of -55°C to +160°C, and resistant to solvents and jet fuels.
- MIL-DTL-83528C Type E high-durometer silver-plated, copper-filled silicone capable of 110 dB of plane wave shielding effectiveness at 10 GHz with a continuous temperature range of -45°C to +125°C.
- MIL-DTL-83528C Type K high-durometer silver-plated, copper-filled silicone capable of 110 dB of plane wave shielding effectiveness at 10 GHz with a continuous temperature range of -45°C to +125°C.
- MIL-DTL-8352C Type M silver-plated glass-filled silicone capable of 100 dB of plane wave shielding effectiveness at 10 GHz with a continuous temperature range of -55°C to +160°C.
We can also create EMI gaskets made from certified and commercial-grade materials for communications and electronics applications.
Connector gaskets provide EMI shielding, electrical conductivity, environmental sealing, and thermal management. Interstate die cuts combination EMI gaskets.
Connector gaskets protect electrical circuits against electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). Because they contain metallic particles or metal wires, these elastomeric shielding gaskets are also electrically conductive. EMI shielding levels and electrical conductivity vary with fill materials, but all conductive shielding gaskets provide design flexibility, cost effectiveness, and proven performance.
Conductive shielding gaskets also provide environmental sealing and thermal management*. The elastomeric material, typically a silicone or fluorosilicone compound, determines whether the EMI gasket resists water or fuels. EMI gasket materials can also dissipate heat, or resist the spread of flame and fire. Thermal interface materials (TIMs) conduct heat instead of electricity, and include thermal pads.
Soft Connector Gasket Materials and Particle Fills
Connector gasket materials are available in various durometers and contain different types of fills. For example, EMI gaskets made of 30-durometer silicones with silver-aluminum particles are a good choice for shielding applications that require more compression. Interstate can also die cut harder EMI gasket materials such as 80-durometer fluorosilicones that resist fuels and are filled with nickel-graphite particles.
EMI Shielding Gaskets for MIL-DTL-83528 (M83528)
Interstate Specialty Products die cuts EMI/RFI shielding gaskets from metal-filled silicones and fluorosilicones that meet the requirements of MIL-DTL-83528 (M83528), a U.S. military specification for electrically-conductive elastomers. This includes EMI gasket materials with a Qualified Product Listing (QPL) from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Wire-oriented, Monel-filled elastomers also support precision die cutting.
Combination EMI Gaskets for UL-94 Flame Resistance
Connector gaskets made of particle-filled elastomers are sometimes called “combination EMI gaskets” because they’re more than just EMI shielding gaskets. For example, Interstate can die cut combination EMI gaskets made of particle-filled silicones that have been tested to UL-94 V1 parameters for flame resistance. UL enclosures, NEMA enclosures, and IP enclosures also have specific connector gasket requirements.
EMI Management Gaskets for Medical Devices
Interstate can die cut EMI management gaskets that contain passivated metal particles for enhanced corrosion resistance. Silicone connector gaskets with passivated particles are a good choices for medical devices, which must resist corrosion in order to avoid adverse effects. EMI medical gaskets must also provide environmental sealing.
Silicone Flange Gasket Fabrication
Interstate’s expertise with connector gaskets includes silicone flange gasket fabrication. Typically, these conductive shielding gaskets are made from silicone compounds that resist high pressures, steam, or chemicals. Most silicone flange gaskets are square-shaped with bolt holes in each corner and a larger hole in the middle. Precision die cutting from Interstate supports highly-accurate silicone flange gasket fabrication.
Foam Connector Gasket Applications
Foam connector gaskets provide reliable sealing with excellent compression set resistance. Poron foam connector gaskets are a good choice for applications that need to prevent the ingress of dust and withstand light splashing. Silicone foam connector gaskets can resist a wide range of temperatures and offer excellent temperature stability. Importantly, they allow for proper compression under low-temperature conditions.
D-Sub Gasket Applications
D-shaped subminiature gaskets are made of soft, electrically-conductive elastomers that provide EMI shielding and environmental sealing between connector flanges and mating surfaces. For a D-sub gasket, shell sizes vary and 9 to 50 pin arrangements are common. Like other types of connector gaskets, D-subminiature EMI gaskets can have an adhesive backing for ease of installation.
Bergquist Sil-Pad and Gap Pad Applications
Interstate also die cuts Sil-Pad and Gap Pad thermal interface materials from The Berquist Company**, now part of Henkel North America. Sil-Pad thermally conductive insulators are used instead of mica, ceramics, and greases in electronics applications. Gap Pad products provides a thermal interface between heat sinks and electronic devices for uneven surfaces with air gaps and rough textures.
Custom Connector Gaskets for Your Application
Do you need connector gaskets that provide EMI shielding, electrical conductivity, environmental sealing, and thermal management? Learn more about Interstate’s gasket fabrication capabilities, and how conductive shielding gaskets meet demanding requirements for sealing and EMI gasket insulation. For more information, contact us on-line or call (800) 984-1811.
*Properties and applications shown throughout this website are typical. Your specific application should not be undertaken without independent study and evaluation for suitability.
**Sil-Pad is a registered trademark and Gap-Pad is a trademark of The Berquist Company.
