Knitted Mesh vs. Braided Shielding Sleeves
Mesh shielding sleeves and braided shielding sleeves are both lightweight shielding solutions, but they have some differences that need to be considered. It is important to understand these differences in order to choose the right shielding material for your application. In this article, we will discuss and compare the characteristics and properties of mesh based shielding and braided shielding.
Mesh Shielding
Mesh materials are woven together to create a consistent, open weave pattern that allows for movement and flexibility of the cables. With this woven design, the shielding effectiveness remains consistent as the pattern of the mesh does not drastically shift or change in movement or bends. Mesh can also be easily layered to create a more effective shielding performance as the openings in the mesh would be staggered making it more difficult for signals to pass through. Additionally, Zippertubing specializes in manufacturing custom mesh based shielding with an expansive sizing capability. Small and large diameters can be fabricated to meet your application's needs.
Braided Shielding
Braided shielding consists of strands of wire woven together in a tight braid to form a sleeve for a cable. Although the braided pattern has a denser weave than mesh, movement in the sleeve can result in open areas as the braid expands and contracts, subjecting the application to interference. Due to the ability to expand and contract, braided shielding sleeves can accommodate different sized cables.
Choosing the Right Solution
Mesh and braided shielding are both effective shielding options, but it is vital to understand the similarities and differences. Although mesh shielding has an open weave pattern, it can easily be layered to increase shielding performance and it can also be fabricated to meet small to large diameter requirements. Braided shielding can adapt to cable size through expansion and contraction but with this comes a variability in shielding performance. Based on your application's movement, sizing, and shielding needs, mesh or braided shielding could be the right solution for you. Consulting with Zippertubing's technical design team can also help you determine the best shielding material based on your specific needs.
