Learn how Gore Technology helped a well-known manufacturer of conference phones prevent particle contamination, reducing their failure rate from unacceptable levels to nearly zero.
Case Study
coworkers in conference room reviewing papers

Challenge

As video and phone conferences became increasingly popular in recent years, a renowned manufacturer of communication systems developed a new model of conference phones in 2021. After one year of mass production, they came to recognize that contamination issues within the production site resulted in a failure rate ranging from 5% to 10% – a level our customer could no longer accept.

Fortunately, Gore understood the customer’s needs and was able to provide the perfect solution.

The production sites where conference phones are assembled are inevitably prone to dust and contaminants. Our customer initially tried a traditional method to protect the MEMS microphones. When that did not work effectively, they approached us for support.

Dylan CH Huang / Field Sales Associate Taiwan, Electronics

Solution

While Gore had previously supported this manufacturer on other projects with acoustic vents, pressure vents, and thermal insulation, particle contamination was a new challenge for the customer. In initial meetings with the R&D team, Gore learned that the customer’s traditional approach – applying adhesives around the MEMS microphone port to prevent contamination – was not as effective as desired, leading to a high failure rate and frustration among the engineering team.

As travel restrictions prevented on-site support, Gore relied on virtual meetings and video conferences to offer the high-quality support our customers expect from us. We closely monitored the project, promptly answered questions, sent samples for engineering trials, and evaluated the results together with the customer. In the end, we were able to provide the ideal solution: GORE® MEMS Protective Vents Style 100.

The Technology Behind the Solution: GORE® MEMS Protective Vents Style 100 

The solution used to support the conference phone manufacturer was GORE® MEMS Protective Vents Style 100. These are just a few benefits of the product:

  • High protection against particles with high-filtration efficiency
  • Can be installed on both top-port and bottom-port microphones
  • Available in reel-packaging
  • Enables seamless installation with high-speed SMT pick and place machines

For specifications and more detailed information on installation, please visit GORE® MEMS Protective Vents.

When we discussed our solution with the customer’s R&D team, everyone was excited. However, the management needed more time to decide, as this Gore technology was new to them. In the end, the management put their trust in the R&D team’s opinion and, soon after, saw the value of our solution.

Dylan CH Huang / Field Sales Associate Taiwan, Electronics

Result

The Gore team provided a top-notch solution that not only reduced the failure rate, but also lifted the spirits of the entire team. Here are the results of the project:

  • The customer improved their net yield, thus increasing the cost efficiency of production.
  • The relationship between Gore and the customer was solidified.
  • The foundation for further collaboration was strengthened.

While this was the first time we used GORE® Protective Vents, it won’t be the last. If there is a suitable case in the future, we will definitely come back to Gore and use their solutions.

Engineer from the customer’s R&D team

FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY 

Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.