Knitted Wire Mesh Gaskets

Solid Knitted Mesh Gaskets

Solid knitted mesh gaskets are produced by forming knitted wire mesh into defined cross-sections, typically round, square, or rectangular. Due to their high metal density, these gaskets offer excellent EMI / RFI shielding performance and low contact resistance, but generally require a higher compression force.

To reduce the required compression load, solid mesh sections are often bonded to sponge or solid elastomer carrier strips, creating a combined seal that improves compliance while maintaining shielding effectiveness. Knitted mesh strips can also be joined to form continuous closed-loop gaskets for large enclosures or complex shapes.

In addition, small compressed solid mesh components—including washers, cylinders, contact (fuzz) buttons, and grounding plugs—can be manufactured using precision compression tooling. These components provide robust, reliable electrical contact and are ideal for grounding and earthing applications.

Elastomer-Cored Knitted Mesh Gaskets

Elastomer-cored knitted mesh gaskets are manufactured by knitting metal wire directly over an extruded elastomer core. This construction combines the high shielding effectiveness and conductivity of knitted wire mesh with the excellent resilience, compliance, and low compression set of the elastomer.

Typically, sponge rubber or hollow tubular elastomer cores are used to achieve high compressibility and long-term sealing performance. As a result, elastomer-cored gaskets require significantly lower compression force than solid mesh designs, making them ideal for thin panels, lightweight enclosures, and applications involving frequent opening and closing.

These gaskets are widely used in EMC enclosures, access doors, electronic housings, and control cabinets, where consistent shielding performance must be maintained under vibration and thermal cycling.

Knitted Wire Mesh Tapes (Lay-Flat Mesh)

Knitted wire mesh tapes, also referred to as lay-flat mesh, are produced in flat strip form with typical widths ranging from 20 mm to 100 mm, and up to 300 mm for special applications.

Lay-flat mesh is particularly suitable for cable shielding and grounding applications. The mesh can be opened longitudinally to allow cables or hoses to be inserted, or it can be spirally wrapped with partial overlap to achieve higher shielding effectiveness, similar to the wrapping method used for bicycle handlebar tape.

This type of knitted mesh provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for retrofitting, repairs, and complex cable routing where pre-formed gaskets are not practical.