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Commonly Asked Questions About Shielding Tapes

Commonly Asked Questions About Shielding Tapes

At Tapecon, we pride ourselves on being the go-to materials experts for our customers. Often, we work with electronics designers to find innovative ways to contain signals and protect sensitive components. In many cases, high-quality shielding tape is the best and simplest solution.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about shielding tapes for electronic components.

What do shielding tapes do?

Shielding tapes are simple yet effective products that can be used for a multitude of uses, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding, static charge draining, and grounding. Since they are reliable, cost-effective, and easy to work with, shielding tapes are excellent solutions for prototyping and troubleshooting during the design process because you can take a trial-by-error approach when finding EMI leaks and fixing the source.

Why types of tapes are available?

Shielding tape comes in a variety of constructions, including:

  • Smooth foil backings with conductive adhesive – Provides a secure connection to the surface and broad distribution of conductive particles.
  • Embossed foil backings – Conductive material is pushed through adessive to establish contact with the surface.
  • Tin-plated foil backings – Designed to be resistant to oxidation and corrosion, these tapes have a combination of copper and tin plating on both sides.
  • Conductive adhesive on both sides – Using a conductive acrylic adhesive and copper foil coating, these tapes are ideal for grounding and bonding conductive surfaces.
  • Smooth foil backing with non-conductive adhesive – With a smooth copper backing, these tapes are an economical option for cable shielding, electrostatic shielding between transformer windings, outer wrap for coils, and more applications.
  • Conductive fabric tape – Featuring polyester fabric and conductive acrylic adhesive, these tapes are flexible, conformable, high-strength, and lightweight.

What type of adhesive do tapes use?

Shielding tapes can use solvent-resistant acrylic or conductive acrylic adhesive.

What is the strength of shielding tape?

Depending on the type of tape and its material, breaking strength can range between 16 to 60 l lb/in.

Are tapes flame retardant?

Yes, many tapes are available that are UL Recognized for flame retardancy per UL 510, Product Category OANZ 2, File E17385.

What are the typical tape dimensions?

Depending on the tape, rolls are available in lengths between 18 and 69 yards. Thickness of the product can range between 2.6 mil to 6.0 mil.

Can shielding tape be modified or customized?

Yes. As a material custom converter, Tapecon can modify tape from a supplier into custom sizes and shapes to fit your precise application. Common converting processes include die-cutting and slitting. We also offer assembly services.

Get started with shielding tapes.

At Tapecon, we have over 100 years of experience helping customers solve their complex product challenges. Learn more about our electronic materials capabilities.

 

LET'S CONNECT Contact Tapecon for questions related to application engineering, printing, converting, and assembly processes for medical, electronic, and industrial applications.  

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