PCB Interface

Engagement tabs are employed to position the shield on the PCB, and help to constrain shape geometry prior to soldering. A number of standard styles are available and pre-tooled to offer savings. Non-standard styles can be produced on demand but may require tooling lead time, and you are encouraged to inquire in advance about special features.

Trace/Component Relief

Where traces or components come into potential contact with the metalwork, cut-out features can be incorporated into the design with virtually no restrictions on the shape or size of the opening. The top of openings can be square or radial and heights can be varied as required. For taller components that intrude into cover flanges, openings can be coordinated into the cover as well.

Connector Interface

Connectors that pass through the metalwork often require specialized assistance in design, especially those that require an opening affecting both the side and top of the package. Situations often arise where structural weakness is created with larger openings and this often requires additional consideration in design.

Tuning/Inspection Access/Thermal Relief

Tuning and access holes for inspecting or dialing in the design can be produced in many shapes and sizes, at any position required. A standard perforation pattern for thermal relief is provided, but in each design case there will be an optimal configuration of this pattern we can suggest.

Welded Construction

Shielding fences are constructed using proprietary resistance welding technology, producing a reliable assembly with dimensional accuracy and physical integrity. Complex multi-cavity shapes can be reliably produced as monolithic solutions, ready for assembly and needing no additional processing. We encourage early discussion at the concept stage of multi-cavity designs in order to leverage value engineering opportunities.

Cover Retention

Cover retention features include formed dimples that latch the cover to the fence. Multi-cavity designs can include aperture segmentation features for internal partitions, which can also be used to provide mechanical retention. For absolutely positive retention under aggressive shock loads, features such as fold-down or twist tabs are used in addition to dimples.

Materials

For indoor or commercial applications, we offer pre-plated Tin Plated Mild Steel, due to its obvious cost advantage. For outdoor, marine, avionic or defense applications, we offer Nickel Silver Alloy, which offers excellent corrosion resistance and solderability without requiring additive finishes. Both standard material options are stocked in a range of thicknesses suitable for a wide range of applications.

Solderability & RoHS Compliance

All our products are thoroughly degreased prior to shipment, ensuring optimum solderability. The standard material options both provide ideal soldering characteristics and RoHS compliance without post-fabrication additive plating, together with mechanical properties suitable for reliable fabrication and processing.