Parker Chomerics Expands Range of Conductive Foam Grounding/EMI Shielding Gaskets


Two new products specifically designed for high-volume and high-temperature applications.

The Chomerics Division of Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has introduced two new versions of its market-leading SOFT-SHIELD® 4850 multi-planar electrically conductive foam EMI shielding gasket: the more cost-effective SOFT-SHIELD 4840 for high-volume grounding applications; and SOFT-SHIELD 4860, a halogen-free EMI shielding gasket for use in high-temperature systems.

SOFT-SHIELD 4840 is an electrically conductive foam used for grounding in environmentally controlled applications. The optimal dispersion of conductive silver-plated nylon fibres embedded within a low-density urethane foam matrix means this material is electrically stable over many closure cycles, experiencing a low compression set (<15%).

Offering a more cost-effective alternative for customers, SOFT-SHIELD 4840 is ideal for high-volume applications such as consumer devices and industrial electronics. It requires lower compression force but provides slightly lower conductivity (higher through resistance). The product has an operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C.SOFT-SHIELD 4860 is a true multi-planar electrically conductive foam for indoor applications. Based on the unique integration of electrically conductive silver-plated nylon fibres – this time dispersed in a low-density silicon foam – SOFT-SHIELD 4860 is the high-temperature, halogen-free version of SOFT-SHIELD 4850 and offers an operating temperature up to 125°C. This performance-driven EMI shielding solution is also electrically stable over many closure cycles, undergoing a low compression set of less than 10%.

Both new products offer Z-axis electrical conductivity, low closure force, non-nickel bearing material, and compliance with RoHS, REACH and UL 94-V-0. While SOFT-SHIELD 4840 offers good through-resistance of <150 mΩ, SOFT-SHIELD 4860 provides excellent through-resistance of <40 mΩ (both at 30% gasket deflection). Similarly, the typical shielding effectiveness of SOFT-SHIELD 4840 is 60 dB, while SOFT-SHIELD 4860 provides 95 dB (both from 20 MHz to 10 GHz).

Potential applications for the new products include: high-volume consumer electronic devices (SOFT-SHIELD 4840); LCD/PDP large screen televisions (SOFT-SHIELD 4860); servers, desktop PCs and laptops; I/O panels, backplanes, connectors, access panels and rectangular/square-strip gasket seals; telecom infrastructure rack and enclosure components; and applications requiring UL94 V-0 flammability rating.

Both SOFT-SHIELD 4840 and SOFT-SHIELD 4860 are available with or without a conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) in bulk rolls, cut sheets or custom die-cut shapes.

Learn more about the SOFT-SHIELD® 4840 and SOFT-SHIELD 4860 at: Electrically Conductive Foam Based Gaskets


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