If you are designing a product that will be used in a confidential or classified atmosphere, one of your concerns is likely the ability of others to intercept information that you don’t wish to share. There are many devices where this is the case. When it comes to rubber keypads in classified or confidential situations, it is necessary to shield the device’s electromagnetic field from outside sources. This can be done in a number of ways. One of the most effective is through a special coating used on silicone rubber keypad applications.

ITAR Certified
If you’re designing a project for the U.S. military or a subcontractor that has multiple restrictions, you may be required to use vendors and manufacturers that are compliant with respect to the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR). It is difficult to find ITAR certified molding companies that can not only produce quality products according to design specifications, but manufacture their products competitively priced.

Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
When it comes to rubber keypads, Electromagnetic Interference shielding, also known as EMI shielding, is the practice of blocking the travel of signals from conductive pads beyond a certain threshold. In silicone rubber keypad applications, we can use Si Coat V as a low-contact resistance barrier that offers EMI shielding. Si Coat V is a durable wear-resistant conductive coating that we created here at Si TECH. It doesn’t flake or chip, and can be used on conductive pads in a variety of shapes. It also has the versatility to be used on uneven surfaces, which are quite common in silicone rubber keypad design. It has a homogeneous cross link for permanent bond.

Medical Equipment
Using conductive coatings in medical silicone rubber keypad applications is an important element of design as well. Medical equipment is often subjected to a variety of types of radiation, as well as electromagnetic waves. Si Coat V can be used in the design and fabrication of rubber keypads without concerns over durability.

When creating a concept for a classified or confidential design in any field, it is important to factor in the amount of space needed and the time it takes to create an EMI shield during the production process. For example, there are many materials which can be used as an EMI shield, but they simply aren’t suitable for rubber keypads subjected to high usage applications. Si Coat V can be used in products where high usage and wear is the norm, not the exception. Always be sure to do final testing to ensure that Si Coat V meets all of your design parameters before going to production.