Helpful Tips for Selecting an Electrically-Conductive Adhesive

Helpful Tips for Selecting an Electrically-Conductive Adhesive

May 18, 2020

In these modern times, it seems as though there is no end to the substances that engineers are trying to send a surge of electricity through. In the past, the creation of crucial electronic components like circuit boards was accomplished only with soldering. As our knowledge of electronics and electricity has improved, however, engineers have discovered a means to pass an electronic signal through materials that would typically be unable to stand up to the high heat of soldering.

They’re called electrical adhesives, and they’re perfect for building electrical enclosures in San Jose, CA when soldering isn’t an option.

What is electrically-conductive adhesive?

Just as the name would imply, an electrically-conductive adhesive is similar in appearance to a standard caulk or sealant. The only difference is that an electrically-conductive adhesive is made up of ions of conductive materials like iron. When a connection is completed in electrical enclosures in San Jose, CA using an electrically-conductive adhesive, a signal is allowed to travel through the sealant from one part of the system to another.

It’s commonly used in industrial and laboratory environments where the materials being connected would typically break down under high heat.

Pay for the good stuff

Sometimes, it pays to think about how cost-effective a substance is when you’re purchasing. In general, that isn’t the case for an electrically-conductive adhesive. When you pay extra money for a better-quality adhesive, you’re not just bumping up your cash payout for a brand name—you are purchasing a substance with better electrical conductivity. Silver, for example, conducts electricity far better than iron.

One part or two

Electrically-conductive adhesives come in two primary varieties: a one-part epoxy or a two-part epoxy. One-part epoxies are easy to apply but can last as little as 15 minutes. Two-part epoxies have a much longer working life—up to several hours—but they also require more skill to apply. Achieving the proper consistency in a two-part epoxy is a make-or-break aspect of application.

Surface prep

Once you’ve landed on the right kind of electrically-conductive adhesive for your job, make sure you begin the same way every time—that is, be sure to prepare your surface according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this means cleaning the surface extensively and removing any dirt or debris that could compromise the connection.

All the education you need

Prepping electrical enclosures in San Jose, CA? You might find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number and variety of electrically-conductive adhesives on the market. That’s where we come in.

We’re Royal Brass Incorporated, and since we opened our doors all the way back in 1952, we have strived to provide the products and expertise our clients require. No matter what industrial or commercial part you need, we’re sure to have it. Adapters, fittings, gauges, hoses, hose accessories, EMI shielding gaskets in San Jose, CA and so much more—we have it all!

All you have to do to find the right part is give us a call or stop by our shop to peruse our extensive selection. We can’t wait to hear from you.

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