ABLE’s Thermal Interface Management & EMI/RFI Shielding Solutions

For over 50 years, ABLE has been a trusted name in custom converting solutions, delivering high-performance material solutions tailored to the needs of cutting-edge industries. Among our core specialties are converting Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) and EMI/RFI shielding—both critical in maintaining the reliability and performance of today’s advanced electronic devices. Our engineered solutions help manage heat and electromagnetic interference, ensuring device safety, signal integrity, and optimal functionality across demanding applications.

Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs)

As devices shrink and become more powerful, managing heat is crucial to avoid performance degradation and shortened lifespans. Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) improve thermal coupling between heat-generating components and heat dissipation devices like heat sinks. ABLE offers custom-cut TIMs that fill microscopic gaps, enhancing heat transfer, stabilizing temperatures, increasing efficiency, and extending product life.

ABLE offers custom-cut TIMs that conform perfectly to these irregular surfaces, displacing air pockets and maximizing surface contact, which significantly improves heat conductivity. This enhanced thermal transfer leads to more stable operating temperatures, increased energy efficiency, and extended reliability of the entire system.

ABLE’s Range of Thermal Interface Materials

ABLE works with top material suppliers to ensure clients obtain the very best TIMs which combine high performance with reliable material quality. Each solution comes from carefully chosen materials that undergo custom conversion processes to fit specific industrial requirements across multiple applications.

Thermal Gap Fillers

These are soft, compliant materials designed to fill large or uneven gaps between heat-generating components and heat sinks or enclosures. These soft materials offer flexibility which enables them to adapt to surface contours of components and keep contact while experiencing both vibration and thermal expansion.

Phase Change Materials (PCMs)

PCMs transform from solid to semi-liquid state when electronic devices heat up which enables them to flow and occupy small spaces inside the device. After the cooling process completes the PCM materials convert back into solid form enabling their use as heat-conducting elements.

Thermal Pads

Pre-formed solid sheets with consistent thickness, thermal pads provide reliable heat transfer and electrical insulation between components and heat sinks. They are easy to handle, clean to apply, and can be die-cut to any shape or size. Thermal pads are ideal for high-volume manufacturing where repeatable performance and ease of assembly are key.

Graphite-Based Films

Lightweight and ultra-thin, graphite films offer high in-plane thermal conductivity, making them excellent at spreading heat across surfaces. They are perfect for tight spaces where conventional materials may be too bulky or heavy.

Advanced EMI/RFI Shielding for Enhanced Electronic Protection

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) can severely disrupt the functionality and reliability of electronic systems, causing performance degradation or complete failure of components. As electronics become more compact and interconnected, protecting sensitive devices from these interferences is critical to ensuring proper operation. ABLE specializes in providing advanced EMI/RFI shielding solutions that safeguard components from unwanted noise and signal disruption.

EMI/RFI Materials

• Fabric-over-Foam (FOF) Gaskets: These gaskets include a conductive fabric layer that sits on top of foam core for dynamic EMI shielding performance. FOF gaskets function as protective components in telecommunications equipment and automotive systems as well as computers where they shield electronic components against EMI/RFI.
• Microwave Absorbers: Made from elastomeric or rubber materials, microwave absorbers are designed to absorb electromagnetic waves, reducing interference. These materials can be molded into various forms like films, foams, and gap fillers, offering flexibility in application. They are commonly used in radar systems, wireless communication devices, and electronic enclosures to ensure signal clarity and system stability.

• Conductive Coatings: Conductive coatings serve to establish conducting layers capable of blocking or steering electromagnetic waves on surfaces. Electronic devices protect their internal elements from external EMI/RFI interference through standard enclosure conductive coatings.
• Electromagnetic Shielding Foils: EMI shields block emission interference through their ability to reflect and absorb electromagnetic waves in flexible thin copper or aluminum foils. EMI shielding objectives are achieved by affixing these metallic foils directly to enclosures or components to intercept electromagnetic disturbances targeting sensitive equipment.
• RF Microwave Absorbers: These designed substances limit high-frequency applications by blocking RF and microwave energy absorption. RF and microwave energy absorption capabilities are available across thermoplastics and foams while elastomers also serve these purposes.
• Conductive Elastomers: These are rubber-like materials infused with conductive particles (such as carbon or metal) to provide EMI shielding while maintaining flexibility. They are often used in seals or gaskets that require both shielding and physical flexibility.

Why Choose ABLE For Thermal Interface and EMI/RFI Shielding Solutions?

ABLE provides custom-designed Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) combined with EMI/RFI shielding solutions through their company expertise in custom converting solutions which extends across 50 years. Through our partnerships, we enable customers to acquire state-of-the-art materials that deliver both superior thermal control and electromagnetic interference protection. ABLE delivers top-quality solutions through its precise cutting services and die-cutting technology to fulfill application requirements and improve both performance and reliability.

Contact ABLE today to optimize your devices with custom thermal interface and EMI/RFI shielding solutions!

References:
https://able123converting.com/materials/thermal-interface-material-emi-rfi-shielding/
https://able123converting.com/blog/custom-converting-solutions-for-electronics-industry/
https://able123converting.com/blog/ables-50-years-of-strategic-partnerships-in-custom-converting-across-industries/