Benefits
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Electrical contact: The embossed pattern creates contact points between the copper foil and the substrate.
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EMI shielding: Helps reduce electromagnetic interference when incorporated into a properly designed shielding assembly.
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Grounding support: Suitable for grounding and static-charge-draining applications where the required electrical contact is achieved.
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Easy converting: The release liner supports precision slitting, handling, and die-cutting.
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Flexible application: Dead-soft copper foil conforms to suitable flat and contoured surfaces.
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Solderability: The copper backing can be soldered using an appropriate process.
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Flame-retardant construction: UL 510A recognition supports applications with relevant flame-retardancy requirements; verify the applicable approval for the finished product.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Published value |
|---|---|
| Product name | 3M™ EMI Embossed Copper Shielding Tape 1245 |
| Backing material | Embossed copper foil |
| Adhesive type | Non-conductive acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive |
| Nominal backing thickness | 0.036 mm |
| Total tape thickness, excluding liner | 0.107 ± 0.018 mm |
| Minimum adhesion to steel | 3.3 N/cm |
| Minimum breaking strength | 38 N/cm |
| Maximum electrical resistance | 0.005 Ω/in² under the specified test method |
| Average shielding effectiveness | 64 dB over 300 kHz–2.5 GHz under the cited test method |
| Flame-retardancy classification | UL 510A, Category OARC2, File E17385 |
| Electrical application rating | 600 V dry applications, according to 3M product information |
| Standard roll length | 16.5 m (18 yd) |
| Color | Copper |
| Shelf life | 5 years from manufacture under specified storage conditions |
Technical note: The values above are taken from the 3M June 2021 technical data sheet and official product information. Electrical resistance and shielding effectiveness depend on the test method, pressure, frequency, surface condition, and installation. Confirm the latest TDS and the exact product configuration before final specification or purchasing.
Applications
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EMI/RFI shielding for electronic equipment and components.
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Grounding in electronic enclosures and electrical assemblies.
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Shielded rooms and electromagnetic shielding structures.
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Static-charge draining where electrical contact is required.
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Electrical design, prototyping, and troubleshooting.
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Shielding components requiring solderable copper foil.
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Custom die-cut shielding pads, strips, and other precision parts.
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Selected metal-to-metal contact applications in electronic equipment.
Compatible Materials
Potential substrates and application surfaces include:
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Metal enclosures and panels.
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Copper and other suitable conductive metal surfaces.
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Electronic equipment housings and shielding structures.
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Grounding points and electrical assemblies.
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Selected surfaces where the embossed foil can establish direct electrical contact.
Compatibility note: The adhesive itself is non-conductive. Electrical contact is created by the embossed copper pattern penetrating the adhesive layer. Performance depends on substrate hardness, surface finish, cleanliness, application pressure, and the final assembly design. Test the intended substrate before production use.
Industries
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Consumer and industrial electronics.
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Telecommunications equipment.
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Electrical and electronic component manufacturing.
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Instrumentation and test laboratories.
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Shielded enclosure and shielded-room manufacturing.
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Industrial equipment and control systems.
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OEMs requiring EMI shielding and grounding components.
Why Choose 3M 1245 Copper Foil Tape?
3M 1245 is designed for applications where a copper foil backing must make electrical contact with the substrate despite the presence of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Its embossed construction differentiates it from ordinary copper foil tapes with non-conductive adhesive and no contact-forming embossing pattern.
The removable liner supports die-cutting and other converting processes, while the copper backing can be soldered where required.
Yousan can review requirements for custom slitting and die-cutting, subject to material availability and technical evaluation. To assess a suitable configuration, please provide the required width, roll length, quantity, substrate, and electrical or shielding performance requirements.
Installation Guide
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Prepare the surface: Clean the application area and ensure it is dry and free of oil, dust, and loose contaminants.
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Check the contact design: Confirm that the embossed copper pattern can establish contact with the substrate and that the intended electrical path is appropriate.
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Cut the tape: Use the required roll width or a suitable die-cut shape.
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Remove the liner: Avoid contaminating the adhesive or copper surface.
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Apply the tape: Position it carefully and press firmly and uniformly to establish contact across the required area.
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Inspect the application: Check for wrinkles, gaps, poor contact, and edge lifting.
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Verify performance: Test electrical resistance, grounding continuity, or shielding effectiveness in the completed assembly using the applicable test method.
For soldering or grounding applications, follow the relevant process specifications and verify the completed electrical connection. Do not assume that every point of the adhesive interface is conductive.
Storage
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Store in the original packaging in a clean, dry environment.
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Recommended storage temperature: 10–27°C.
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Maintain relative humidity below 75%.
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Protect from direct sunlight, moisture, excessive heat, and contamination.
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The cited 3M TDS specifies a five-year shelf life from the date of manufacture when stored under the stated conditions.
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Confirm the storage instructions and shelf-life information on the current product documentation and supplied packaging.
FAQ
1. What is 3M 1245 copper foil tape used for?
It is commonly used for grounding and EMI shielding in electronic equipment, components, and shielded rooms.
2. Is the adhesive electrically conductive?
The acrylic adhesive is classified as non-conductive. The embossed copper foil pattern penetrates the adhesive layer to establish electrical contact with the substrate.
3. How is 3M 1245 different from ordinary copper foil tape?
Its embossed copper backing is designed to create electrical contact through the adhesive layer. Ordinary copper foil tape may not provide the same contact mechanism.
4. Can 3M 1245 be die-cut?
Yes. The removable liner supports handling and die-cutting for custom shielding components.
5. Can the copper foil be soldered?
The copper foil backing is solderable. Select an appropriate soldering process and verify compatibility with the complete assembly.
6. What is its shielding effectiveness?
The June 2021 TDS reports an average of 64 dB over 300 kHz–2.5 GHz under the specified test method. Actual shielding performance depends on the frequency, substrate, contact quality, and final enclosure design.
7. Is 3M 1245 flame-retardant?
The cited TDS identifies UL-recognized flame-retardant performance under UL 510A, Category OARC2, File E17385. Confirm the current approval and its applicability to your product.
8. Can it be used for grounding?
It is designed for grounding-related applications. The embossed pattern must make suitable electrical contact with the substrate, and the completed assembly should be tested.
9. Is it suitable for outdoor or wet environments?
Do not assume suitability for continuous outdoor, wet, or corrosive conditions. The standard copper backing is intended for non-corrosive conditions; assess environmental exposure and test the finished assembly.
10. Are custom widths and die-cut shapes available?
Standard widths and lengths are available, and custom converting may be possible depending on the required dimensions, quantity, and material availability.
Downloads
Available upon request:
- 3M 1245 Copper Foil Tape Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Product Brochure
- Die-Cutting Capability Guide
Please contact our sales team if you require the latest technical documentation.
