Soft gel grommets cushion PCBs from shock

Gel-Mec's range of soft gel grommets are ideal for cushioning sensitive PCBs and other light components.

Mobile computers or handheld devices often endure a daily regimen of mechanical shock and vibration, increasing the chance that fragile components like PCBs will be damaged.

A wide variety vibration and shock from the road, rail, door movement or engine itself can cause PCB flexure and cracking.

Similarly, handheld test and measuring equipment is often routinely tossed in briefcases, sent clattering to the floor, or squeezed into a pocket.

Often internal electronics were not designed for use in an environment exposed to this level of shock and vibration.

Solutions are often required to reduce shock input and provide a system natural frequency that does not overlap with the applications natural frequency.

Gel-Mec's range of soft gel grommets are ideal for cushioning sensitive PCBs and other light components.

The gel is highly damped and five times softer than traditional elastomer or rubber grommets with a hardness durometer of just Shore A7.

The grommets can isolate loads of just 100g plus a wide range of vibration frequencies.

The gel material is silicone based operating with no change in shock and vibration performance from -40 to +200C.

The grommets can often replace more expensive military specification shock and vibration mounts in broad temperature range or harsh military environments.

Engineers incorporating PCBs into their design also have the problem of finding the right sized grommet for the job.

PCB thicknesses vary and most small fasteners or grommets suit just one fixing depth only.

The gel PCB grommet is specially designed to split in two to accommodate several different PCB thicknesses.

Fixing is made secure as the grommet sandwiches firmly either side of the board and a brass insert minimises drift.

Some harsh environment applications require the PCB to be sandwiched between protective materials rather than a four corner fastening solution.

Gel-Mec's soft shock foam is ideal for delicate components as it performs like a soft foam when slowly compressed but reacts like a stiff foam on impact.

Due to the foams unique softness, very low pressure is put onto sensitive components under assembly and it easily conforms to uneven surfaces.

High protection is provided under shock even at just 3mm thick suiting handheld products where limited enclosure space, drop and knock are critical problems.

For strict flammability requirements this foam is also available in a special electronics grade with a UL- HF1 rating.

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