Many modern devices include some form of an LCD display. In order to operate successfully, LCD displays contain many sensitive components that must be shielded from EMI from nearby electronics.
Keep reading to learn more about a manufacturer of display and control units for electronic equipment that required a very specific fit for their EMI shield.
The Application Challenge
A manufacturer and designer of display and control units for mechanical and electronic engines and equipment was in need of a custom EMI shield for an LCD display. The shield was required to help reduce electrical emissions that could interfere with nearby devices, while also protecting the internal components from external electromagnetic interference (EMI).
This custom part would need to be manually applied into the final LCD module, so ideally, it would be produced in a way that was easy to handle during end assembly. Unfortunately for this customer, their converter at the time could not meet all of the demands required for this application. But fortunately for them, Marian had a plan.
An example of an LCD module for a mechanical or electronic engine. EMI shielding was strategically placed in the back of the module to protect internal components from EMI, as well as reduce electrical emissions that could affect nearby devices.
Marian's Custom, Die-Cut EMI Solution
The design engineer at this customer chose to use copper because of its superior shielding effectiveness compared to other alloys. This helped Marian easily make a suggestion: 3M copper foil tape 1126.
3M 1126 is a robust, 2.6 mil thick tape composed of 1.4 mil flat copper foil coated on one side, with a non-corrosive, electrically conductive acrylic PSA supplied on a removable kraft paper liner. 3M has a proven track record in many EMI applications, ensuring confidence for the design engineer that this was a valid material to include in the final design.
Once material selection was complete, it was up to Marian to design a method to cut the intricate shape required. The shield needed to fit precisely into the back of the module in order to provide maximum EMI protection. Marian also suggested scoring of the foil and liner in strategic locations to enable bending and conforming to contoured sections of the module. For ease of removing the liner during assembly, a pull-tab was also included. The finished parts were stacked neatly in small groups and bound to prevent bending or creasing during transport.
The front and back of the EMI shielding part die-cut by Marian, including scoring and a pull-tab.
Benefits of Working with Marian for Custom EMI Shielding
- Marian is a reliable partner that can efficiently and effectively manufacture custom, flexible parts, including EMI shielding.
- Our engineers can help design innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of your application. In this application, scoring and pull-tabs helped ensure maximum shielding effectiveness and ease of assembly. We consider this "design for manufacturing".
- We have strong partnerships with industry-leading suppliers, meaning we work with materials that you can be confident will get the job done.
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Marian, Inc. is an ISO 9001 certified converter of custom die-cut components made from flexible materials. We partner with leading material suppliers, and our global capacity is unmatched. This Marian application story, along with many others, uniquely demonstrates our state-of-the-art custom converting capabilities including die cutting, lamination, design for manufacturing, and more. Please contact us today to learn more or to request a quote, prototype, or material sample.
