When you are given the task of designing an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielded enclosure for a circuit board, understanding the balance between cost and performance is essential. There are many key decision points to always be aware of during the design process such as: budget (part price and tooling costs), galvanic compatibility, conductivity, the applications environment and how it relates to concerns with corrosion, material thickness, enclosure geometry (especially the shield height and how it relates to formability), application frequencies, short vs long term production quantities that will affect how your manufacturing method will evolve over time, packaging, and assembly of the shield onto the mating circuit board. One of the most crucial and fundamental decisions to consider after shield geometry is what material the shielded enclosure will be constructed from.

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The material choice will have a direct effect on project cost and application performance from an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) point of view. Leader Tech Inc. offers a comprehensive selection of materials from pre-tin plated steel to high permeability metal to meet every designer’s needs. Our Applications Engineers are knowledgeable and ready to offer guidance to get you started in the right direction.

Popular Metals Used in RFI Shielding

The most common metals used by Leader Tech customers for RFI / EMI shielding are pre-tin plated steel in both bright and matte finishes and copper alloy 770, as known as nickel silver or German silver. Here is a quick look on how each one of them works:

Pre-Tin Plated Steel

Pre-tin plated steel is an ideal low cost solution that works well from lower frequencies in the kHz range through frequencies into the lower GHz range. Carbon steel has a permeability value in the lower hundreds range which provides the low-frequency magnetic shielding property that is missing in alloy 770, copper, or aluminum. The tin plating offers corrosion protection for the steel to prevent rusting as well as providing a great solderable surface to attach the shield to the traces on the surface board during assembly.

Copper Alloy 770 / Nickel Silver

Copper alloy 770, more commonly known as alloy 770, is a copper, nickel, zinc alloy used in EMI shielding applications mainly for its corrosion resistant properties. The alloy’s unified numbering system designation is UNS C. The base material is inherently aesthetic and does not require post plating to make it corrosion resistant or solderable. The material works well as an EMI shield beginning in the mid kHz range up into the GHz. The permeability is 1 which lends itself to be ideal in MRI related applications where no magnetic materials are permitted.

Copper

Copper is the most reliable metal in EMI shielding because it is highly effective in attenuating magnetic and electrical waves. From hospital MRI facilities to basic computer equipment, use of copper in RFI shielding serves the purpose effectively. Due to the versatility of this metal it can be easily fabricated along with its alloys brass, phosphorous bronze, and beryllium copper. These metals typically cost more than the alternative shielding alloys of pre-tin plated steel or copper alloy 770 but, on the other hand, offer a higher conductivity. Phosphorous bronze and beryllium copper are more commonly used in contact applications for batteries or springs due to their elasticity.

Aluminum

Although aluminum does pose a few fabrication challenges, it is still an excellent choice for a number of applications mostly due to its non-ferrous properties, its strength-to-weight ratio, and its high conductivity. Aluminum has nearly 60 percent of conductivity when compared with copper, however, using this metal needs precise attention to its galvanic corrosion and oxidation properties. The material will form into an oxide over time and has poor solderability on its own.

What Material Can Block EMF? Discover the Best Options for Protection

As many of us already know, we live in a world filled with EMF radiation. Consequently, we are subjecting ourselves to the risk associated with EMF exposure. To stay safe, many opt for EMF shielding materials and protective solutions.

However, one thing is certain: not all materials are created equal when it comes to shielding against harmful radiation.

This blog will examine the materials that block EMF, explain why quality matters, and ultimately, help you choose the most effective protection. (Spoiler alert: DefenderShield products offer top-tier shielding solutions compared to competitors and DIY alternatives!)

From this article, you’ll learn:

• What blocks EMF?
  • Metals
  • Carbon-based materials
  • Fabrics
  • Magnetic shielding materials
• The limitations of DIY EMF shielding
• Why quality matters
• How DefenderShield can protect you

What Blocks EMF?

EMF shielding materials work by reflecting, absorbing, or deflecting electromagnetic and ionizing radiation. The effectiveness of these materials depends on several factors, including conductivity, thickness, and frequency range of the EMF they are designed to block.

Here’s a list of some of the most common materials used to block EMF:

1. Metals

Metals are excellent EMF blockers due to their high conductive nature. If you’ve ever gotten a medical x-ray, you may remember being asked to wear an apron made of lead. This is a great real-life application that demonstrates metal’s ability to shield from electric fields and microwaves.

While lead is used in the medical field to protect from low-energy waves, we know that the EMF radiation that we encounter in the modern world is much higher in energy. And so other metals have to be used.

Some of the most effective metals for electromagnetic shielding include:

• Copper: One of the most widely used materials for EMF shielding, copper is highly effective at attenuating magnetic and electrical waves. This allows it to block both radio frequency (RF) radio waves and low-frequency EMFs. Its malleability makes it easy to shape into shields, wires, and mesh.
• Aluminum: Often used in consumer electronics and DIY EMF shields, aluminum is lightweight and effective at blocking a broad range of frequencies. However, it’s not as strong or durable as copper, and its effectiveness decreases when exposed to very high or very low frequencies. Aluminum tin foil might block a bit of EMF, but it isn’t exactly the most practical or effective long-term solution.
• Steel: Stainless steel is often found in industrial EMF shielding applications. It’s a strong, durable material that provides a significant reduction in both RF and EMF. The downside is it is heavier and less flexible than copper or aluminum, making it more appropriate for industrial use.
• Nickel: Nickel alloys are used in specialized EMF protection devices. While effective, they can be more expensive and less available in common consumer products.

2. Carbon-Based Materials

Metals have traditionally been the go-to for EMF protection. But as science and technology are advancing, new carbon-based materials are emerging as high-performance shielding solutions.

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• Graphite: Graphite sheets and coatings can be used to block certain types of electromagnetic radiation, particularly high-frequency waves. These materials are relatively lightweight and flexible, making them a viable option for portable EMF shielding.
• Carbon Nanotubes: These are still in the experimental phase for most consumer products, but they offer promising results. Carbon nanotubes provide excellent EMF shielding properties, especially when integrated into composite materials.

3. Fabrics

Fabrics can be a practical solution for EMF protection. There are three types of protective fabric, but we will just take a look at electromagnetic shielding fabric.

For personal use, EMF-blocking fabrics offer a flexible solution. These shielding fabrics are typically infused with metallic fibers like copper, silver, or stainless steel to create a lightweight, but still effective, barrier.

• Silver-coated fabrics: Silver offers antimicrobial properties in addition to EMF shielding, which makes it popular in clothing and bedding designed to protect users from exposure to low-frequency EMF and RF.
• Copper-infused fabrics: Similar to silver, copper-infused fabrics are used in clothing, blankets, and other personal EMF protection solutions. The combination of comfort and shielding efficiency makes this a common choice for wearables.

This type of fabric is often used in Faraday bags, which offer a safe haven for electronic devices thus increasing your cyber security as well as offering physical protection.

4. Magnetic Shielding Materials

Certain materials can shield against low-frequency magnetic fields (like those from power lines) that typical metals cannot block effectively. These include:

• Mu-Metal: A specialized alloy made primarily of nickel and iron, Mu-metal is highly effective at blocking low-frequency electromagnetic fields, particularly those generated by industrial equipment and power lines. However, it’s expensive and difficult to work with, limiting its accessibility for everyday consumers.
• Ferrites: Ferrites are ceramic compounds composed of iron oxides mixed with metallic elements. They’re often used in industrial and consumer electronic devices to filter out unwanted EMF. Though highly effective in specific applications, ferrite is too brittle and specialized for most DIY solutions.

The Limitations of DIY EMF Shielding

So we’ve just explained the types of materials that can be used for protection. And now the idea of creating your own EMF protection might sound appealing—especially if you’re handy with tools or enjoy DIY projects. However, there are several drawbacks to consider:

1. Material sourcing: It can be challenging to find high-quality materials with the right properties for EMF blocking. Many lower-cost materials don’t offer the same level of effectiveness, and buying them piecemeal can add up quickly.
2. Application challenges: Even if you find the right materials, applying them effectively is a different story. Improper placement or poor installation can lead to gaps in protection, leaving you exposed to harmful radiation.
3. Testing: Most homemade projects lack the means to accurately measure their EMF-blocking capabilities. This can leave you with a false sense of security.

Why Quality Matters

It may be tempting to go the DIY route despite the limitations. Trust us, we’ve been there—it eventually led us to create our DefenderShield technology!

But, the reality is, that blocking all the different types of frequencies emitting from your devices isn’t as easy as it sounds. Not all copper sheets are the same, not all silver-infused fabrics provide adequate protection, and there’s a science to layering materials for optimal EMF reduction while ensuring functionality and ease of use.

This is Where DefenderShield Comes In

At DefenderShield, we understand that effective EMF protection goes beyond simply throwing together a few materials. Our shielding technology has been carefully engineered and tested to provide reliable protection from a wide range of frequencies.

We provide you with the maximum protection on the market without the hassle of DIY guesswork.

So, How Can DefenderShield Protect You?

DefenderShield products stand out in the market for a simple reason: we combine superior materials with proven technology to deliver comprehensive EMF protection. Addressing your day-to-day habits, we designed our products to fulfill these needs and create solutions for many situations.

Our products include:

• Cases and Laptop Shields: Built with multiple layers of advanced shielding materials like copper, aluminum, and steel, these products protect against both RF and low-frequency EMF from your devices. Using a or laptop case is a smart idea while using electronics in your daily life, given the proximity of the devices to your body.
• EMF-Blocking Apparel: Our clothing line is made from high-quality silver-infused fabrics that provide comfort and protection, ensuring you’re shielded wherever you go. In a world filled with ambient radiation, incorporating protective clothing offers you that extra peace of mind.
• Blankets and Bedding: Designed for everyday use, our EMF-blocking fabrics shield your body, without compromising on comfort. Sleep is a time for regeneration, and EMFs can have a negative impact on that process. Protective blankets give your body the ability to recover without being bombarded by the negative impacts of radiation exposure.
• Faraday Bags: These have our proven, advanced shielding technology sewn into the entire pouch or bag to ensure complete 360-degree shielding protection, effectively making your off the grid to prevent RF hacking, tracking, and EMP attacks.

EMF Radiation Protection Beanie Cap$27.99 – $57.99 USD

Ultra Armor Cybersecurity & Privacy Key Fob Faraday Bag$34.99 USD

EMF Radiation Protection Universal Shield$34.99 USD

Cell EMF Protection + Radiation Blocking Pouch$39.99 USDDefenderShield Blanket Duvet Cover$43.99 – $97.99 USDUniversal EMF Protection + Radiation Blocking Cell Case$58.49 – $59.99 USD

At DefenderShield, we don’t just sell products: we deliver certified solutions that help you live healthier, safer lives. To learn of additional ways to stay safe besides shielding materials, check out our other blog on the best ways to protect yourself from EMFs.

Conclusion: Want the Best Protection? Trust DefenderShield

While there are various materials capable of blocking EMF, it’s crucial to choose high-quality, well-tested solutions to make sure you’re getting real protection. DIY projects may sound fun, but without the proper expertise and materials, you risk incomplete shielding.

When it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones, don’t settle for guesswork. Choose DefenderShield for proven, expert-level protection against EMF. Explore our product line and safeguard yourself with the best materials on the market today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What material can block radiation?

A. Materials like copper, aluminum, and silver-infused fabrics are highly effective at blocking EMF radiation by reflecting or absorbing electromagnetic fields.

Q. What can I wear to protect myself from radiation?

A. You can wear EMF-blocking clothing made from silver, copper, or other conductive fabrics to protect yourself from radiation in everyday environments.

Q. Can EMF-blocking materials completely shield me from radiation?

A. While EMF-blocking materials can significantly reduce radiation exposure, no material can completely block all types of electromagnetic radiation.

Q. Are there any household items that reduce EMF exposure?

A. Certain household items like thick curtains, metal mesh, or aluminum foil can reduce EMF exposure, but professionally designed EMF shields provide far better protection.

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