I’m developing an electrochemical gas-sensor application and need custom shielding around the PCB with some ventilation. Please see the attached image for what I’m trying to achieve.



I understand a sheet-metal shop could make a custom enclosure, but before I commit to that cost I’m looking for lower-cost prototype options.

One idea is to 3D-print a plastic housing and wrap it with EMI shielding tape, as linked below. The challenge is venting: I’d either need to pierce holes in the tape or use a pre-metallised vent/grille if such parts are available.

Any suggestions for prototyping a vented, EMI-shielded enclosure?

WE-EMIP EMI Patch | Passive Components | Würth Elektronik Product Catalog

 

I’m developing an electrochemical gas-sensor application and need custom shielding around the PCB with some ventilation. Please see the attached image for what I’m trying to achieve.

I understand a sheet-metal shop could make a custom enclosure, but before I commit to that cost I’m looking for lower-cost prototype options.

One idea is to 3D-print a plastic housing and wrap it with EMI shielding tape, as linked below. The challenge is venting: I’d either need to pierce holes in the tape or use a pre-metallised vent/grille if such parts are available.

Any suggestions for prototyping a vented, EMI-shielded enclosure?If you're looking for the best free video editing app, you should give this one a try Capcut premium apk

You're on the right track with the 3D-printed housing + EMI tape. For prototyping, you could try:

Metal mesh/grille inserts: Combine with EMI tape around the edges to maintain shielding while allowing airflow.

Pre-shielded vent panels: Some vendors offer EMI-rated vents—might be pricier but reusable.

Perforated metal sheets: Cut and tape onto your 3D print for basic shielding + ventilation.

Not perfect, but effective for early-stage testing without the full cost of custom sheet metal.

 

@Abubakar123
Can you suggest EMI vents that I could use?

THis is the tape I aim to use WE-EMIP EMI Patch | Passive Components | Würth Elektronik Product Catalog

 

I have used metal window screen or copper screen. cut then fold on the blue lines. Solder the corners.

If you don't want to cut the corners out you can fold the "cut away portion" in half.

You can practice with paper or tin foil.

 

What frequency bandwidth is it that you want to shield?

What is the total power dissipation inside the box?

What are the estimated enclosure dimensions?

https://www.majr.com/technical-information/emi-shielding-calculator/

https://www.copper-mesh.com/calculator/copper-mesh-shielding-effectiveness-calculator.html

ak

 

I have used metal window screen or copper screen. cut then fold on the blue lines. Solder the corners.
View attachment 354231
If you don't want to cut the corners out you can fold the "cut away portion" in half.
View attachment 354232
You can practice with paper or tin foil.

Do you have an examples?

Would such material be any good?
Perforated Grade 316 R3 T5 1mm 1.25m Stainless Steel

 

Would such material be any good?

There is metal in my microwave much like that.
I have used perforated Aluminum or steel.
shielding catalog
sample kit This might give you some ideas.
paint I have used RF Paint on the insides of plastic boxes.
Here is a picture of what we do in a PCB to hold the RF in or out.

 

Again, what are the frequencies you want to shield?

At microwave frequencies, the holes in perf metal act as waveguides and a high-pass filter. The corner frequency has an equation. Scroll down to the section titled Circular Waveguide ..." for an introduction.

https://www.electronics-notes.com/a...smission-lines/waveguide-cutoff-frequency.php

Also

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutoff_frequency#Waveguides

ak

 

I am trying to block of an RF or mobile networks causing any issues to my sensors

 

What kind of sensors?? What are they intended to sense?? and what sort of outputbdo they have?? How many sensors? Usually the shield arrangement depends on What is being shielded from what. I have seen thin sheetmetal containers for imported teas that could be a very good shielded enclosure if you added vent holes. AND at one time I purchased a three foot square of perforated aluminum that provided adequate ventillation for a tube type amplifier.
Is this a one-time project build, or are you going in to production?? That makes a difference.

 

One option for a very customizable, low cost enclosure that can be made one at a time is is this method I developed using Lego Technic frames with printed circuit board panels.

Lego Technic frames have holes that are perfectly-sized for 3mm heat-stake thread inserts.



I typically use laser-cut acrylic for the panels. The frames come in a variety of sizes and shapes other than rectangular frames. With a little ingenuity, stylish enclosures can be made.



Using printed circuit boards (Cheap from China), nice labeled, machined panels can be used. PCB panels would allow machining of slots and holes for ventilation and the copper would provide shielding.



The link above provides additional details.

 

So do you sell these frames?

One option for a very customizable, low cost enclosure that can be made one at a time is is this method I developed using Lego Technic frames with printed circuit board panels.

Lego Technic frames have holes that are perfectly-sized for 3mm heat-stake thread inserts.



I typically use laser-cut acrylic for the panels. The frames come in a variety of sizes and shapes other than rectangular frames. With a little ingenuity, stylish enclosures can be made.



Using printed circuit boards (Cheap from China), nice labeled, machined panels can be used. PCB panels would allow machining of slots and holes for ventilation and the copper would provide shielding.



The link above provides additional details.