In the design of increasingly compact and high-performance electronic devices, the space allocated for EMI shielding and environmental sealing is often reduced to a minimum. In these scenarios, traditional die-cut or extruded gaskets frequently encounter insurmountable limits in terms of geometric complexity and assembly costs.
To address these challenges, Euro Technologies offers the FIP – Form-in-Place service, an automated dispensing technology that redefines the standards for precision and component integration.
What is Form-in-Place and How Does It Work?
The FIP process involves the robotic dispensing of a conductive elastomer (or non-conductive silicone) directly onto the final substrate, whether it be metal or plastic. Unlike pre-formed gaskets, the material is applied in a liquid or paste state following a CAD-programmed path. It then cures at room temperature or through heat, adhering perfectly to the surface.
This technique allows for the creation of protective barriers on:
- Extremely thin walls (down to 0.25 mm gasket width).
- Complex geometries and irregular paths.
- 3D surfaces with varying heights (3D dispensing).
Technical Advantages for Engineering and Production
Adopting Form-in-Place is not just a design choice; it is a strategic optimization of the entire production cycle:
- Maximum Shielding in Minimal Space: Euro Technologies’ FIP gaskets guarantee signal attenuation between 85 and 110 dB up to 10 GHz, making them ideal for critical applications in Telecom and Defense.
- Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): By eliminating the need for manual assembly, labor time and the risk of positioning errors are drastically reduced. Furthermore, the absence of material waste (typical of die-cutting) optimizes cost efficiency.
- Material Versatility: Through our partnership with Laird, we use elastomers filled with various conductive particles (Silver/Nickel, Silver/Copper, Nickel/Graphite) to meet specific galvanic compatibility and corrosion resistance requirements.
- Environmental Sealing: Beyond EMI shielding, the FIP service allows for the application of pure silicones to provide protection up to IP65, safeguarding devices from dust and moisture.
The FIP service by Euro Technologies is already the benchmark for sectors where reliability is mandatory. From 5G base stations to portable medical devices and automotive control units, automated dispensing ensures a level of millimetric repeatability that manual processes simply cannot match.
