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Magnetic Shielding That Changed Everything in Submarine Cables
DOMADIA™ Soft Magnetic Iron Nickel Alloy: The Magnetic Shield Behind Global Communications
In the annals of telecommunications history, few materials have had as profound an impact as DOMADIA™ Soft Magnetic Iron Nickel Alloy FeNi80Mo5. Developed by Telcon at the legendary Enderby’s Wharf—birthplace of the world’s first transatlantic cables— DOMADIA™ Soft Magnetic Iron Nickel Alloy FeNi80Mo5 (popularly known as MuMetal® – a brand owned by Magnetic Shield Corporation) transformed the way signals traveled across oceans. Its unique magnetic shielding properties helped usher in a new era of faster, clearer, and more reliable global communication.
What Is DOMADIA™ Soft Magnetic Iron Nickel Alloy
DOMADIA FeNi80Mo5 is a high-permeability nickel-iron alloy, engineered to shield sensitive electronics from low-frequency magnetic fields. Its composition typically includes around 77% nickel, 16% iron, and small amounts of copper and molybdenum. What sets MuMetal apart is its ability to absorb and redirect magnetic flux, making it indispensable in environments where electromagnetic interference (EMI) can compromise performance.
DOMADIA™ Soft Magnetic Iron Nickel Alloy in Submarine Cable Technology
In the early 20th century, as demand for transoceanic communication grew, engineers faced a major challenge: signal degradation caused by magnetic interference in long copper cables. Telcon’s solution was revolutionary—helically winding MuMetal around copper conductors to create “loaded cables.”
📡 How It Worked:
- The DOMADIA™ Soft Magnetic Iron Nickel Alloy sheath acted as a magnetic shield, reducing inductive losses and minimizing signal distortion.
- This allowed for higher transmission speeds and greater signal integrity over vast distances.
- Loaded cables using MuMetal achieved speeds up to 10x faster than traditional cables, making real-time communication across continents feasible.
🌊 Real-World Impact:
- Used in submarine telegraph cables connecting Europe and North America.
- Enabled faster military communications during wartime.
Paved the way for modern undersea fiber optics, which still rely on shielding principles MuMetal helped pioneer.
Broader Benefits of DOMADIA™ Soft Magnetic Iron Nickel Alloy
- Exceptional Magnetic Shielding
Blocks low-frequency magnetic fields that can disrupt sensitive electronics. - Versatile Form Factor
Can be drawn into wire, rolled into sheets, or formed into enclosures for custom shielding solutions. - Low Hysteresis Loss
Ideal for applications requiring stable magnetic performance over time. - Cross-Industry Applications
Used in aerospace, medical imaging (MRI), audio engineering, and defense systems.
Applications Today
- Submarine and terrestrial cable shielding
- EMI protection in telecom infrastructure
- Magnetic shielding in data centers and server rooms
- Medical devices like MRI and CT scanners
- Radar and avionics systems in aerospace
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