Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a critical concern in the design and operation of medical equipment and devices, where precision and reliability are paramount. The implementation of effective EMI shielding plays a vital role in avoiding signal distortion, enhancing device performance, and ensuring patient safety.
Flexible Cable Wrapping Aluminum Foil has emerged as a preferred material solution, offering exceptional conductive and mechanical properties suited for EMI protection specifically in sensitive medical environments.
Flexible Cable Wrapping Aluminum Foil is a thin, highly flexible aluminum layer designed especially for wrapping around cables. This specialized foil offers excellent electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding while maintaining mechanical robustness and flexibility, essential in the complex assemblies of modern medical devices.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High EMI Shielding Effectiveness | Provides high attenuation over a broad frequency range, critical for sensitive medical electronics. |
| Flexible and Lightweight | Easily conforms to cable geometries without adding significant weight or rigidity. |
| Corrosion Resistant | Resistant to oxidation ensuring long-term durability in clinical and hospital environments. |
| Thin Gauge for Tight Spaces | Ultra-thin foil (typically 12 µm - 50 µm) maximizes flexibility while ensuring conductivity. |
| Thermal Conductivity | Assists in dissipating heat generated from high-frequency signals or equipment operation. |
| Easy Integration and Handling | Suitable for automated wrapping processes or manual assembly lines in medical device manufacturing. |
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition directly affects the aluminum foil’s mechanical and electrical performance. Below is the typical composition range for our flexible aluminum foil used in medical EMI applications:
| Element | Al | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Zn | Ti | Others (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content (%) | 99.0 – 99.9 | 0.05 – 0.20 | 0.05 – 0.30 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.03 | 0.10 |
Note: The alloy is primarily based on 1000 series aluminum, maintaining excellent purity conducive to oxidation resistance and electrical conductivity.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 12 – 50 | µm | Available thickness range suitable for cable application. |
| Width | 10 – 150 | mm | Customizable width according to cable gauge needs. |
| Tensile Strength | 90 – 150 | MPa | Sufficient mechanical strength to withstand handling. |
| Elongation at Break | 5 – 15 | % | Indicator of foil flexibility and ductility. |
| Electrical Conductivity | ≥ 60 | % IACS | Ensures effective EMI shielding and grounding capabilities. |
| Surface Finish | Matte or Bright | - | Enhances adhesive bonding or further lamination if needed. |
| Density | 2.7 | g/cm³ | Reflecting lightweight yet conductive nature. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 to 150 | °C | Suitable for medical device temperature variations. |
| Shielding Effectiveness | > 80 | dB (30 MHz – 3 GHz) | High EMI attenuation across common healthcare RF bands. |
Applications in Medical Equipment and Devices
Given its superior shielding performance and versatile physical properties, flexible cable wrapping aluminum foil is heavily employed in the following medical fields:
| Application Area | Description and Benefits |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Imaging Equipment | EMI shielding cables used in MRI, CT, or ultrasound machines help maintain signal integrity. |
| Patient Monitoring Systems | Reduced EMI interference enhances monitoring accuracy via shielded sensor wiring. |
| Implantable Devices Cable Harnesses | Minimizes EMI that can disrupt sensitive implanted electronics such as pacemakers. |
| Medical Laser and Surgical Devices | EMI dampening provides consistent laser performance without signal noise. |
| Hospital Room Communications Systems | High EMI shielding improves reliability of wired telephony and nurse call signaling. |
| Portable and Wearable Medical Units | Lightweight cable protection that can handle repeated flexing in mobile health applications. |
Installation and Handling Recommendations
- Wrapping Technique: Use consistent tension to avoid puckering. Overlap edges slightly for continuous shielding.
- Adhesion: If an adhesive layer is present, ensure clean, dry surfaces to improve bonding.
- Connection Grounding: Maintain good connection points with low-resistance grounding for maximum EMI effectiveness.
- Protection: Avoid sharp bending or metal fatigue especially on smaller diameter cables.
Flexible Cable Wrapping Aluminum Foil combines excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance in an ultra-thin, lightweight format. This makes it uniquely suited for EMI protection in the demanding context of medical devices and equipment, helping OEMs and assemblers meet stringent EMI/RFI control requirements while maintaining device integrity and patient safety.
For medical device manufacturers seeking reliable, flexible metallic shielding for spare shield cables, harnesses, or systems integration, this product stands out as a market-ready, cost-effective, and high-performance EMI solution.
For detailed technical documentation, availability, and customization options, please contact our sales engineering team.
