--- On Thu, 19 Mar 1998 09:54:32 -0700 Rick Busche <[email protected]> wrote:
> We have recently started using a spiral gasket on the edges of our VME
> front panels. I assume the Spira gaskets are the same or similar. If so,
> they are working MUCH better than the fingers we replaced. Durability is
> better, insertion resistance lower and in our case we have been able to
> mix and match with no apparent degradation.
>
> Rick Busche
> [email protected]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: MikonCons [SMTP:[email protected]]
> Sent: Thursday, March 19, 1998 9:02 AM
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Spira EMI Gaskets
>
> I just caught Ed's comment on the use of Spira gaskets. I have
> recommended
> their POSSIBLE use to one of my clients for sealing around some
> single-board
> computer VME cards; however, I have not directly evaluated the
> performance of
> Spira gaskets. Their literature makes great claims (up to 130
> dB SE out to 1
> GHz), but has any of our readers personally evaluated their
> effectiveness?
>
> Thanks for your time,
>
> Mike Conn
> Owner/Principal Consultant
> Mikon Consulting
>
---------------End of Original Message-----------------
Mike:
We use the Spira gaskets in many places where we used to use other
(classic fingerstock, conductive elastomer, knitted wire) types of gasketing.
Our mechanical guys like the way that they can control closure forces with the
Spira style.
I like the Spira mainly for the mechanical properties. Electrically,
the gaskets perform as well as classic fingerstock or knit wire mesh. I still
have a bit of a preference for wire mesh for some applications, but the Spira
is a strong contender as a general gasket choice.
When it comes to any manufacturer's claims about shielding performance,
I'm always skeptical. With gasketing, as with any other part of your shield
solution, material choice is usually secondary to quality of fabrication.
Translation: Lot's of stuff will work OK if you don't mess up the workmanship
part of the job. I'll rate Spira style gasketing as one (bloody) thumb up.
PS: I think Spira has a patent on this design. OTOH, they have been
making it for some +20 years, so maybe the patent has expired. Finally, no
gasket system creates the equivalent mayhem involved in applying aluminum or
copper adhesive foil tape. Harry Callahan must have been thinking about this
when he said that "when properly used, this can REMOVE fingerprints." >;)
--------------------------
Ed Price
[email protected]
Electromagnetic Compatibility Lab
Cubic Defense Systems
San Diego, CA. USA
619-505-2780
List-Post: [email protected]
Date: 03/19/98
Time: 11:34:11
--------------------------
