SMT Gaskets: A More Reliable Grounding Solution for High-Density PCBs

As smartphones, TWS earbuds, and smartwatches become thinner and more integrated, traditional metal spring contacts (Pogo pins) increasingly fail to meet the grounding and EMI reliability requirements of modern electronics. Leading global brands are now switching to a compact but highly reliable material: the SMT Gasket.

Below is why it is becoming the new standard in precision grounding and EMI suppression.

What Is an SMT Gasket?

An SMT Gasket is a surface-mount EMI shielding component composed of:

• A high-elasticity silicone core

• A conductive PI (polyimide) outer layer

• A metal solder pad at the bottom for reflow attachment

It is placed directly onto the PCB via standard SMT equipment and fixed through reflow soldering. This structure delivers stable grounding, EMI shielding, and mechanical cushioning in one compact design.

To learn more about conductive foam fundamentals, see: What Is Conductive Foam?

Key Advantages of SMT Gaskets

1. Soldering Reliability with Ultra-Low Impedance

• Ground resistance ≤ 0.03 Ω

• Passes 260°C reflow with no delamination or blistering

• After 24-hour salt spray, resistance remains < 0.06 Ω

Such impedance stability is critical for RF-sensitive systems. For further EMI grounding insights, see: EMI Shielding in Electronics: The "Hardcore Expert" — Conductive Foam

2. Automation-Ready for Cost Reduction and Yield Improvement

• Fully compatible with standard SMT assembly lines

• 99.5% placement yield

• Eliminates manual dispensing or alignment

• Ideal for high-volume consumer electronics production

3. Excellent Compression–Recovery for Impact Resistance

• 90% recovery after 50% compression

• Stable contact under drop and vibration conditions

• Protects FPC joints, antenna structures, and shielding interfaces

For material performance and recoverability reference, see: Conductive Foam Compression–Recovery Curve Analysis

Application Scenarios

Product Type	Application Use Case	Performance Benefit
TWS earbuds	PCB-housing grounding	Eliminates RF noise; improves audio clarity
Smartwatches	Antenna feed-point contact	Stable impedance; stronger wireless signals
Laptops	Shield-can grounding	Longer lifespan vs. easily-fatigued metal springs
Automotive ECUs	Heat-resistant grounding (>150°C)	Long-term electrical reliability in harsh environments

Why Brands Choose Konlida

Konlida is one of the few manufacturers capable of mass-producing SMT Gaskets with micron-level precision. We provide customized solutions for top-tier supply chains, including leaders in consumer electronics and automotive electronics.

Our Technical Capabilities

• 3-day rapid prototyping

• Custom dimensions down to 1.2 × 1.2 mm

• Optional tin-plated or gold-plated PI

• Full-process quality control in ISO-certified cleanrooms

Customer feedback:
“After switching to Konlida SMT Gaskets, our SMT pass-through rate increased by 2%, and grounding-related complaints dropped to zero.” — Leading TWS Brand

When You Should Consider SMT Gaskets

If you are developing:

• Smartphones, TWS earbuds, smartwatches

• On-board automotive electronics (OBC, ADAS, ECU)

• 5G, WiFi 6, GNSS communication modules

Then SMT Gaskets are the most stable, compact, and automation-ready grounding solution.

Contact Konlida to request samples or a customized technical proposal.