Electrically Conductive Seals
Reliable Electrically Conductive Seals for EMI Shielding & Corrosion Prevention
Speak With An EngineerWhat Are Electrically Conductive Seals?
Electrically conductive seals offer both electrical conductivity and environmental protection, making them essential for applications that require protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and other environmental hazards, such as moisture, dust, and other harmful elements. Often made from elastomers like silicone or fluorosilicone, these seals contain conductive fillers such as silver, nickel, or carbon and function as EMI shielding materials. They unite mating surfaces to create a shielding effect that blocks radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), protecting sensitive electronic components from disruption.
Additionally, these seals help prevent galvanic corrosion by eliminating the path for electron flow, which stops corrosion between dissimilar metals and thereby reduces the corrosion risk. Commonly used in industries like aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and medical devices, electrically conductive seals ensure signal integrity, enhance electromagnetic compatibility, and provide long-lasting durability in harsh environments.
Types of Electrically Conductive Solutions
EMI Gaskets
Block electromagnetic and radio frequency interference to protect sensitive electronics
Conductive Elastomers
Flexible materials embedded with metal fillers to combine conductivity with environmental sealing
Wire Mesh Gaskets
Provide high shielding effectiveness in electronic enclosures with compression-based sealing
Metalized Fabric Gaskets
Lightweight options for low-force shielding in communication and diagnostic equipment
Industries & Applications
Electrically conductive seals are prevalent in industries requiring protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and the disruption it can cause to vital systems.
- Electronics & Telecommunications - Protect sensitive equipment from EMI/RFI, ensuring signal integrity and uninterrupted communication.
- Aerospace & Defense - Prevent electromagnetic leakage in avionics and military systems, enhancing reliability and performance.
- Medical Devices - Maintain grounding and prevent interference in diagnostic equipment to reduce malfunction risks
- Automotive Applications - Support system grounding and ensure reliable electrical connections.
Why Choose Our Electrically Conductive Seals?
Manufactured with high-quality elastomers such as silicone and fluorosilicone and embedded with conductive fillers like silver, nickel, and carbon, PGC's seals provide reliable electrical conductivity while maintaining strong resistance to moisture, dust, and temperature extremes. PGC's knowledge in precision manufacturing and material selection enables these custom-engineered electrically conductive gaskets to provide optimal electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), protecting sensitive electronics from interference in the aerospace, defense, and telecommunications industries.
Need to shield sensitive electronics in harsh environments? Our team can help you develop a tailored conductive seal solution for your application.
FAQ's
How do EMI seals prevent electromagnetic interference?
EMI seals prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) by creating a conductive barrier that blocks or redirects electromagnetic waves. This helps maintain signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), ensuring the reliable performance of sensitive equipment in aerospace, telecommunications, and medical devices.
What are some examples of electromagnetic interference?
Examples of electromagnetic interference (EMI) include radio static, disruptions to medical or wireless devices by cell phones, electrical noise from power lines, and interference from microwave radiation, electronics, or wireless signals.
Are conductive elastomers better than metal gaskets?
The choice between conductive elastomers and metal gaskets depends on the application. Conductive elastomers offer flexibility, ease of installation, and EMI shielding, making them ideal for irregular surfaces and varying conditions.
What causes galvanic corrosion, and how can conductive seals help?
Conductive seals prevent this by equalizing the electrical potential between the metals, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion and ensuring proper grounding, especially in applications involving dissimilar metals.
Can electrically conductive seals be customized for specific shielding or compression requirements?
Yes, electrically conductive seals can be customized to meet specific EMI/RFI shielding and compression requirements. Material, shape, and thickness can be tailored to ensure proper sealing and electrical performance across various applications.