Conductive elastomer component provides multiple benefits in automotive antenna application

The requirement was for an electrical connector that, prior to Chomerics involvement in the project, had been achieved using metal spring finger stock. Using its CHO-SEAL 1285 conductive elastomer, Chomerics was able to design a custom extrusion that satisfied several important unmet needs.

The low impedance connector supplied by Chomerics allowed high frequency radio signals from the glass-mounted antenna to pass easily through its structure. This helped to ensure quality reception for in-car multi-media and telematics devices. The same component also allowed current to pass in the other direction to power screen-mounted LEDs and other applications.

In addition to a lower component cost and reduced labour costs due to faster assembly, CHO-SEAL 1285 also offered other important benefits versus the metal spring finger stock approach. These included high corrosion resistance, reduced compression force requirement, and the ability to compensate for mechanical tolerance build up in the assembly.

CHO-SEAL 1285 is suitable for use at temperatures between –65ºC and +200ºC. It has a silicone binder / silver plated aluminium filler construction and allows engineers to design lightweight, compliant (65± 5 Shore A) mouldings for use in harsh environments.