Conductive copper or other substance-based coating is used for electromagnetic shielding of electronic equipment, the emissions of which could cause interference with other devices.
There are some enclosures, panels or elements that can only be made of plastic, and not of metal, because the object outside must not be electrically conductive, but at the same time it must be shielded so as not to interfere electronically with others components.
A particular need felt, and often imposed by specific regulations, in certain sectors such as telecommunications, medical, military, automotive, etc.
Conductive copper coating and types of shielding
To respond to this request, we perform an electromagnetic shielding process to complete a range of processes ranging from light metal to plastic carpentry, from aesthetic coating to screen printing, from laser cutting and engraving to 3D printing.
A copper-conductive coating is usually used, formulated to ensure good adhesion to almost all plastic materials.
The finish, with a thickness of a few microns, is resistant to abrasion, humidity and heat. On request, however, conductive coating based on nickel, silver, graphite, etc. can be used depending on the level of electromagnetic emissions of the components which will be housed in the enclosure.
The conductive copper coating offers effective protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD – ElectroStatic Discharge) and good EMI shielding ( ElectroMagnetic Interference), i.e. against electromagnetic interference radiated from the outside or inside: the electrical or electronic components in the shielded enclosure will continue to function properly when subjected to external electromagnetic interference and in turn they will not be a source of interference that could disturb other electronic devices.
Shielding coating processes
The process takes place inside a coating booth with operating modes similar to the liquid painting process.
The parts not to be coated are masked with the manual application of a specific masking tape. In this way, the conductive coating can be applied with greater accuracy only inside the plastic enclosure, without damaging the external part.
Where possible, for reasons related to the shape of the object to be coated or the quantities involved, we produce specific masking templates in order to streamline the process. In any case, the coating is done manually.
Why rely on MCS?
«When we talk about shielding coating, we are referring to all in all niche sectors, with a limited production of pieces» underlines Alessandro Vignaga, Sales Manager of MCS.
«Some companies could therefore carry out the coating themselves as spray painting systems are available on the market.
An entirely legitimate and viable option. Why then turn to a company like ours?
- Because with MCS you can have a complete service: design of the object, manufacturing and shielding coating.
- Even in those cases where only coating is required, relying on us means relying on expert hands, who carry out this process more or less continuously, who are aware of how and why you do this type of finish.
- Precisely because we often perform this type of finish, we can immediately have the necessary quantities of paint available, an expensive, perishable product that the customer is not forced to buy, risking unused stocks».
Text by MCS Marketing Department