It is undeniable that technology has become irreplaceable to everyday life, from our cell phones to the electronic systems in our cars. As we rely on the wireless communication and data transfers afforded by this technology, we must integrate safeguards that combat electromagnetic interference.
Versatile in nature, woven wire mesh has become known for its ability to shield electromagnetic radiation. The unique properties of the material allow it to be seamlessly integrated into the design of all the technologies we've grown accustomed to throughout the years.
But is woven wire mesh the answer you need to overcome your production roadblocks?
W.S. Tyler has been a prominent woven wire mesh supplier for over 150 years, creating tailored solutions for countless applications. We strive to share our experiences with you so you can make educated decisions and leverage the full capabilities of woven wire mesh.
With that, this article takes a deep dive into the functions woven wire mesh can provide your electromagnetic radiation shielding endeavors. It will cover:
- The definition of electromagnetic radiation shielding
- The definition of woven wire mesh
- The benefits of using woven wire mesh as an electromagnetic radiation shield
- What mesh specifications affect the performance of a woven wire mesh
electromagnetic radiation shield
What Is Electromagnetic Radiation Shielding?
Electromagnetic radiation shielding is the act of preventing harmful radiation from harming humans and various objects through the use of shielding agents such as lead, concrete, and woven wire. Critical in industries such as the medical and scientific fields, electromagnetic radiation shielding is put in place to reduce exposure to radiofrequency and microwaves.
Popular applications:
- Medical X-ray facilities
- Space habitats
- Scinetific laboratories
- Nuclear plants
What Is Woven Wire Mesh?
Woven wire mesh, often referred to as woven wire, is a metal cloth fabricated from hundreds of individual metal wires. Using a heavily monitored weaving technique, these wires become interlaced, forming a specific mesh pattern furnished with pores that are rigid and precise.
What makes woven wire so desirable is its ability to be customized to virtually any screening or filtration application. Parameters such as mesh pattern, alloy, wire diameter, and mesh count can all be specified by the customer, ensuring your mesh accommodates your exact needs.
How Does Woven Wire Mesh Work as an Electromagnetic Radiation Shield?
Woven wire is particularly effective as an electromagnetic radiation shield, as it reflects and absorbs electromagnetic energy. For this reason, woven wire radiation shielding is often seen in various electronic and communication devices.
But what exactly makes woven wire an effective electromagnetic radiation shield?
Well, looking at the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, the openings of woven wire are often woven to dimensions much smaller than these waves. This causes the radiation waves to reflect off the surface of the mesh.
In other words, woven wire barricades our electronic and communication devices, protecting them from potentially harmful electromagnetic energy.
Now, when these electromagnetic waves come into contact with the mesh surface, some of the electromagnetic energy is converted into heat. This heat is absorbed into the wires and dispersed throughout the weave.
It should also be noted that waves of electromagnetic energy become scattered when they come into contact with woven wire shields. This means electromagnetic energy that bounces off or makes its way through the mesh has a reduction in intensity.
Designing the Perfect Woven Wire Electromagnetic Radiation Shield
When designing a woven wire radiation shield, the type of radiation, the level of radiation exposure, and the characteristics of the mesh specification are all taken into consideration. That said, the key wire mesh specifications that influence the material's ability to shield radiation are mesh size, mesh thickness, wire diameter, and alloy.
As stated above, the size of the mesh openings must be smaller than the electromagnetic waves. This helps to ensure an effective barricade is created.
This goes hand in hand with the importance of fine-tuning the thickness of the mesh. Making your mesh as thick as possible makes it more effective at scattering electromagnetic waves as they pass, making them vastly weaker.
Read the following article to discover how you can ensure the right mesh size and wire diameter is being used:
When it comes to wire diameter, the thicker the wires of the weave, the better they are at trapping and dispersing heat. In other words, thicker wire diameters increase the mesh's ability to absorb electromagnetic energy.
Now, woven wire is typically constructed using stainless steel, specifically 304 or 316 stainless steel. Other alloys, however, can be used.
In regards to electromagnetic radiation shielding, copper and aluminum woven wire is widely used. This is due to the alloys' conductive qualities, which help facilitate the effective reflection and absorption of electromagnetic waves.
Aluminum or Copper: What Makes Sense for Me?
Electromagnetic radiation shielding is designed to reflect, absorb, or otherwise disrupt electromagnetic waves, preventing them from harming us or our electronic devices. Woven wire mesh offers radiation shielding properties that deflect electromagnetic waves, absorb the heat created when the waves are reflected, and scatter the waves that pass until they are vastly weaker.
As alloy plays an integral role in how well woven wire shields electromagnetic interference, it's critical that you understand how aluminum and copper compare to one another. This will ensure you design a woven wire electromagnetic radiation shield that accommodates the protection you desire.
With over 150 years of woven wire experience, W.S. Tyler strives to inspire innovation and help you develop cutting-edge products that will make the world a cleaner, safer place.
Read the following article to gain a comprehensive understanding of what alloy you should use to weave your next woven wire mesh solution: