Press information To download a text file of this release, a 250 pixel wide low-res image for web use or a 300dpi print quality image, go to www.parkfield.co.uk/hammond-usa Conductive plastic enclosures give inherent EMC properties Released 28 October 2005 Hammond Manufacturing has announced a significant market advance with the introduction of RFI-capable versions of its 1594 heavy-duty small enclosure family. In a major breakthrough in plastic enclosures, the 1594 cases are moulded in a metal-loaded plastic that gives attenuation levels of more than 50dB from 100 - 1000MHz. The light weight, low cost and style of a plastic enclosure can now be combined with EMC screening capability for applications where it is needed. The performance of the loaded material is far in excess of anything that can be achieved by spraying or painting a conductive layer onto a normal box, and as the screening is an intrinsic property of the material itself, there is obviously far less susceptibility to damage during assembly or normal use. Screening is achieved by loading the plastic with steel to give a hybrid material that exhibits the characteristics of its constituent parts. By closely controlling the ratios between the metallic and plastic materials, we have overcome the most significant manufacturing issue, excessive tool wear, while maintaining attenuation levels that are high enough to be useful in the real world. The 1594 has a 3mm thick wall to give good mechanical and EMC protection; it is available in five sizes, ranging from 56 x 56 x 40mm to 167 x 107 x 65mm. *** Ends: body copy 217 words *** Notes to Editors. For further information contact: Ray Shatzel Hammond Manufacturing Co. Inc. 475 Cayuga Rd. #100 Cheektowaga NY 14225-1309 Tel: (716) 630-7030 Fax: (716) 630-7042 rshatzel@hammfg.com www.hammondmfg.com Agency contact: Nigel May Parkfield Communications Limited Parkfield House Damerham Hants SP6 3HQ United Kingdom tel: + 44 1725 518321 fax: + 44 1725 518378 nigel.may@parkfield.co.uk www.parkfield.co.uk Hammond is one of the world's leading manufacturers of small plastic, die-cast and metal enclosures for use in the electronics, electrical and allied industries.