Board Level Shielding

3G Shielding Specialties specializes in the design and manufacture of standard and customized board level shielding products. Our comprehensive selection of one-piece, two-piece and multi-zone shields are available in both surface mount and through-hole configurations. With 3G’s unlimited design flexibility, material options, and utilization of our standard product features, our engineers work closely with our customers to create a specific board level shield solution to solve even the most complex applications in the most cost effective manner possible.

As shielding experts, we specialize in designing custom EMI shielding solutions. Our Board Level Shields are designed to match the specific needs of each individual customer. Whether you have a specific board-level shield design or need design assistance, we are here to satisfy all your shielding requirements. Our experts use the latest technology to develop designs based on your specifications. Our team of engineers can handle the most complicated board-level shield and resolve problems using their significant experience in application engineering and advanced design.

We offer surface mount shields in one-piece and two-piece configurations. Six sides of EMI protection are provided by one-piece shields. When access to protected components is not required, one-piece designs provide cost-effective shielding protection. Two-piece shields allow users to inspect or replace shielded components without risking board damage by removing the entire shield. The covers snap on and off easily, making maintenance of the component beneath the shield faster and easier.

Board Level Shielding (BLS)

3G Shielding’s board level shields (BLS) provide a highly effective way to isolate electronic components directly on the PCB—minimizing crosstalk and improving overall signal integrity.

Reliable PCB EMI Protection

In modern high-speed electronics, internal interference is often harder to manage than external noise. Our board level shields block radiated energy at the source, preventing sensitive modules from being disturbed by noisy processors or switching power supplies. Often, using a BLS in combination with an emi gasket on the main housing is the best way to guarantee a pass in the compliance lab.

Surface Mount (SMT) Nickel Silver Two-Piece Designs Multi-Cavity

Design Flexibility

We offer both standard and fully custom board level shields. Whether you need a simple one-piece "can" or a complex two-piece frame and lid system with internal partitions, our engineering team helps you optimize for both shielding effectiveness and manufacturability.

Standard & Custom BLS Options

One-Piece Shields

The most cost-effective solution for high-volume production. These shields are soldered directly to the board and provide a permanent, robust EMI barrier for specified components.

Two-Piece Shields

Features a surface-mount frame and a removable lid. This allows for easy rework, debugging, or tuning of components after the board has been through the reflow oven.

Multi-Cavity

Complex shields designed with internal walls (partitions) to isolate multiple sub-circuits within the same footprint, reducing the overall PCB space required for shielding.

Advanced Engineering Support

Success with board level shielding depends on more than just the material. Factors like co-planarity (flatness), corner design, and thermal management play a massive role in whether your board passes assembly and testing. Its important to get these design inputs right early to avoid costly respins of your PCB layout.

BLS Design Checklist

• Component Height vs Shield Z-Height
• Co-planarity Spec (Standard 0.1mm)
• Frame Keep-out Areas for SMT Nozzles
• Venting/Perforations for Thermal Relief
• Corner Style (Folded vs Welded)

FAQs – Board Level Shielding

1What is the best material for a PCB shield?

Nickel silver is very popular because it solders easily and doesnt need extra plating, which saves money. Tin-plated cold rolled steel is a cheaper option for high volumes, but you have to watch out for oxidation if its stored for too long in humid places.

2Can I add thermal pads inside the shield?

Yes, and you probably should if your chip gets hot. You can use a thermal interface material (TIM) between the component and the lid of the shield. This turns the metal lid into a heat spreader, helping keep the component cool while still blocking EMI.

3What is co-planarity and why does it matter?

Co-planarity is basically how flat the bottom of the shield is. If its not flat, some parts of the frame wont touch the solder paste. This creates a gap that can leak RF signals and cause your device to fail compliance testing. Most factories want a flatness of 0.1mm or better.

4Is a two-piece shield better for debugging?

Honestly, yes. If you are still in the prototype phase, a two-piece design is alot better because you can just pop the lid off to check signals or swap a resistor without having to desolder the whole shield, which usually ruins the PCB.

5How do I avoid "solder balling" inside the shield?

Solder balling often happens because the solder paste gets trapped and explodes during reflow. Proper venting and board-level solder mask design are critical. If you dont plan for this, those tiny balls of solder can roll around and short out your components later.

Note: We provide standard Tape & Reel packaging for all SMT shields to ensure they are ready for high-speed pick-and-place assembly lines.

Optimize Your PCB Shielding Today

Don't let EMI delays hold back your product launch. Our team can help you choose the right board level shield material and mounting style to ensure clean performance from day one.

Contact Our Engineering Team

QUBE

QUBE is a one-piece board level shield designed for surface mount, clip mount, or through hole applications. These shields are ideal for price sensitive applications where accessibility to components is not required.

Detailed Specs
FLEX

FLEX is a two-piece board level shield consisting of a frame with a removable cover for the greatest component accessibility. The welded construction frame offers superior shielding performance.

Detailed Specs
SWIPE

SWIPE is a two-piece frame and cover board level shield design for surface mount applications. The perimeter flange design provides structural support, and is available with a PIC-Spot for pick & place automation.

Detailed Specs
PIC-it

PIC-it are standard off-the-shelf surface mount board level shields. They are offered with a castellation edge and are available in one-piece and two-piece designs.

Detailed Specs
MULTIZONE

MULTIZONE is a two-piece welded construction frame, combining many single shields into one multi-cavity shield with a single cover. Advantages include unparalleled design flexibility and excellent inter-cavity isolation.

Detailed Specs
HYBRID

HYBRID is a two-piece multi-zoned shield designed as a direct replacement to costly machined housings. HYBRID shields require less board space and offer significant weight reductions.

Detailed Specs
FEATURES

QUBE is a one-piece board level shield designed for surface mount, clip mount, or through hole applications. These shields are ideal for price sensitive applications where accessibility to components is not required.

Detailed Specs
Machined Shield

3G is now pleased to offer Machined Shields. Unlike traditional machining supply chain, 3Gʼs goal is to provide an integrated solution.

Detailed Specs