Laird Technologies Launches Beryllium-Free EMI Shielding Material for Slotted Applications
ST. LOUIS MO. USA (August 15, 2006)- Laird Technologies, a leading designer and manufacturer of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, thermal management, telematics and antenna solutions, introduced today its Recyclable Clean Copper products, a new range of environmentally friendly, copper-based shielding gaskets that offer a beryllium-free EMI solution for use in a wide range of slotted applications.
Laird Technologies continues to consider customers needs as copper prices fluctuate. Currently, Recyclable Clean Copper alloys cost about 10 percent less than copper beryllium (CuBe) alloys. Additionally, Recyclable Clean Copper contains 13 percent less copper by weight and is therefore less affected by increasing variations in copper prices than similar products that contain CuBe.
Moreover, the Recyclable Clean Copper gaskets meld strong stability with tensile strength to achieve high levels of thermal and electrical conductivity and elasticity making it suitable for utilization in both grounding and shielding applications at a rate that is comparable to traditional metal EMI shields. Additionally, shielding performance is similar to other copper alloys with values over 100 db shielding effectiveness readily achieved.
"The Recyclable Clean Copper shielding gaskets extend our continuing commitment to protecting the environment in which we live and work," said Peter Graustein, global product director for metals products, Laird Technologies. "This alternative material also exhibits better stress relaxation properties than many other solutions, allowing it to maintain pressure longer at contact points resulting in higher end product quality and longer system life spans for automotive, computer, military and telecommunications devices."
Recyclable Clean Copper is fully compliant to EU RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC and alleviates the environmental, safety and segregation concerns associated with the traditional use and recycling of beryllium-based copper alloys. This gasket material is characterized by superior yield strength (up to 100 MPa) compared to other common copper alloys.
Key applications for this product include navigation and infotainment systems, NAS or SAN storage systems, high-end servers and communications display units, as well as base stations, handsets and network enclosures.
The flameproof product is targeted at high-volume designs, and custom stampings are available upon request. Prices range from 15 cents to more than $4.80 each with an average sales price between 45 and 79 cents. These prices compare favorably to current CuBe pricing and become even more advantageous as the overall cost for CuBe increases.
About Laird Technologies
Laird Technologies is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of antennas, electromagnetic interference [EMI] shielding, telematics and thermal management solutions for the telecommunications, data- communications, computer, general electronics, network equipment, aerospace, defense, automotive and medical equipment industries.
For additional information or the name of your nearest Laird Technologies' representative:
Laird Technologies
Phone 1 + (800) 843-4556, 1 + (314) 344-9300
Fax 1 + (314) 344-9333
Internet www.lairdtech.com
E-mail sales@lairdtech.com
