Understanding the Benefits of Fabric Shielding Gaskets in the Medical Sector

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a common problem today, affecting different types of electrical devices and equipment. Generated externally or internally, EMI impacts electrical circuits through induction, and the disturbance is prone to cause malfunctions in various machinery and instruments. In extreme cases, EMI even causes the equipment to stop working. While the most common form of EMI is man-made (arising from other electronic circuits or switching large currents), interference also occurs naturally in the environment (from lightning and cosmic sources). As a result, EMI shielding designers have come up with unique products like fabric shielding gaskets to reduce the effects of EMI. These products, while useful for all relevant sectors, are the most beneficial for the medical industry. To know how, read below.

Role of Fabric Shielding Gaskets in Medical Industry

Medical devices are different from regular equipment. These products are harder to shield from the effects of EMI, and companies have a tough time manufacturing equipment that meets the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. But EMI-resistant equipment is a necessity because otherwise, it could lead to life-threatening complications. For example, cell phones emit EMI which is capable of affecting a ventilator and causing a change in the patient’s breathing rate. Thus, it is important to guard all high-tech equipment present in medical environments like laboratories and hospitals against EMI.

Thankfully, EMI shielding designers have devised fabric shielding gaskets that employ a unique enclosure design to limit EMI exposure to equipment and electronics. These gaskets have found application in various medical devices like DNA analyzers and blood analyzers.

Beneficial Fabric Shielding Gaskets Properties

Fabric shielding gaskets possess high shielding effectiveness. These products have extremely low compression force which not only ensures the long-term reliability of the gasket performance but also gives medical equipment manufacturers the chance to use lighter materials along with less hinge and fastening hardware during the production phase. The metalized fabric used in these gaskets is abrasion resistant for a more durable performance. Moreover, the low surface resistivity of these products means they have great conductivity.

Unlike other EMI shielding products, rapid assembly of fabric shielding gaskets is possibleowing to the availability of I/O and profile gaskets with PSA tapes. The design of these gaskets makes them compatible for use with non-conductive, pressure-sensitive adhesive to impart better adhesion qualities. Due to the quick and easy assembly of fabric shielding gaskets, medical companies can expect prototype samples within a 24-hour period. They can choose from more than 100 sizes in a variety of profiles.

Manufacturers of consumer electronic products have implemented unique changes in design to minimize the effects of EMI in everyday life. Medical devices are a different matter altogether. They require more finesse due to the health complications which could arise as a result of poor shielding. As a result, manufacturers have worked hard to come up with an effective solution. Fabric shielding gaskets have excellent EMI shielding properties, which make them popular among medical equipment manufacturers. These products are easily available and the need for high-quality shielding against electromagnetic interference.

Elvis Moore is an active blogger with an extensive industry experience in the field of electronics and technology.