3M

Application Ideas

• Attaching Foil Laminate EMI Shields

3M™ XYZ-Axis Electrically Conductive Tape 9713 is ideal for attaching foil laminate EMI shields to electronic and

electrical devices. These shields typically consist of either copper or aluminum foils laminated to PVC. 3M tape 9713

provides good adhesion (initial and ultimate) as well as low electrical resistance. 3M tape 9713 may be applied in strips or

die cut to specific shapes and sizes. Compared to screws or other mechanical connector, 3M tape 9713 provides reduced

assembly time and a solid bond line with no gaps for EMI emission.

• Attaching EMI Gaskets

3M tape 9713 may also be used for attaching EMI gaskets to electronic cabinets, such as server cabinets or disk drive

array cabinets. These gaskets typically consist of conductive fabric over a foam core, and come in a variety of shapes and

sizes. 3M tape 9713 may be cut into strips as narrow as 1/8 inch to provide adhesion for even the narrowest of gaskets.

3M tape 9713 may also be pre-applied to the gasket for reduced final cabinet assembly time.

• Grounding Computer Antistatic and Glare Reduction Screens

Computer antistatic and glare reduction screens need to be electrically attached to the grounding mechanism. 3M tape

9713 penetrates through anti-smudge coatings over the conductive layer to make an electrical connection. Placing 3M

tape 9713 along the edges of such a screen provides many connection points to the antistatic coating resulting in good

electrical performance.

• Assembly of EMI Cages in Telecommunications Equipment

3M tape 9713 is ideal for assembly of an EMI cage to a printed circuit board, often required in telecommunications

equipment. The EMI cages are typically constructed from aluminum frames and lids to protect components on the PCB

from EMI/RFI. The metal frame needs to be grounded to a wide copper trace etched around the perimeter of the

components to be protected. 3M tape 9713 is applied as a die cut in the shape of the etched perimeter trace, then the frame

is bonded to the perimeter trace. 3M tape 9713 provides the shape of the etched perimeter trace, then the frame is bonded

to the perimeter trace. 3M tape 9713 provides for rapid assembly and grounding in one step. Compared with solder attach

or liquid conductive adhesive attachment of the EMI cage, 3M tape 9713 reduces assembly time and exposure to elevated

temperatures.

(4)