Shipping cases with EMI/RFI shielding
Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) is any electrometric transmission that can potentially interfere with the proper functioning of an electronic or electrical device. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) has a similar definition, but the frequency of the transmissions is in the range dedicated to radio transmissions. This is usually in the range of 30MHZ to 10 GHZ.
Any device that has “electrical pulsing” such as an AC motor, a microprocessor or switching power supply will generate EMI. EMI or RFI can adversely affect sensitive electronic equipment, especially communication equipment. Aircraft equipment can be sensitive to EMI/RFI, which is why the use of cell phones and other electronic devices are forbidden during flights.
EMI and RFI shielding are conductive materials that prevent these pulses from transmitting. Shielding is used to protect a device from the outside world as well as preventing a devise from emitting to the outside world. EMI and RFI are regulated by the FCC.
Occasionally Packnet gets requests for EMI and RFI shielding for packaging solutions, particularly for devices that are being transported by aircraft. While many custom packaging and crating companies would not have the slightest idea for a solution, Packnet offers a series of Gemstar cases that have a special conductive coating for EMI/RFI Shielding, which is much more economical than metal cases. The highly conductive spray coating can control electromagnetic interference without the labor to install other passive systems such as metal foil. The process includes preparing the surface (case wall) for a spray applied copper, nickel and/or silver based coatings and/or electroless copper/nickel plating to your level of ohms resistance. One California based customer has been purchasing these specially coated cases for years in order to meet stringent aviation specifications.
If you have an EMI/RFI shielding need with our packaging solution, give us a call at 952.944.9124 and talk to a Packnet technical representative.
