Magnetic Shielding for MRI Enclosures
Magnetic shielding is an essential complement to Raybloc’s copper Faraday cage systems. While an RF shield prevents unwanted RF waves, magnetic shielding to contain the static magnetic field generated by the MRI ensures that the 5-gauss line remains safely within the shielded room. Together, this dual approach forms a complete MRI shielding solution: radio frequency shielding against external interference and steel shielding for magnetic field containment.
Raybloc designs and installs high-permeability steel shielding systems for floors, walls, and ceilings of MRI imaging rooms. Not every installation requires magnetic shielding, but where the MRI magnetic field extends outside of the MRI suite, steel panels provide essential containment for safety, compliance, and performance.
Controlling Magnetic Fields – Protecting Environments
The magnet room within an MRI system produces strong magnetic fields that extend beyond the scanner. Without proper shielding, the field generated by the MRI can:
Disrupt sensitive electronic devices or sensors in surrounding areas
Interfere with HVAC, cabling, or metal objects in the building structure
Pose risks for staff and patients with pacemakers or implants
Cause distortion or malfunction in adjacent imaging or laboratory spaces
Raybloc’s magnetic shielding prevents these risks by directing and controlling the electromagnetic fields, keeping both the MRI suite and the building environment safe.
Radiation Shielding Made Simple
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Why MRI Shielding Matters?
Magnetic shielding is only required when the MRI magnetic field (0.5mT or 5 gauss line) extends beyond the imaging room. Common scenarios include:
- Multi-storey hospitals where fields reach into levels above or below
- Compact MRI imaging rooms adjacent to sensitive equipment or laboratories
- Facilities with critical electronic components or infrastructure nearby
- Sites where regulatory shielding requirements mandate control of the Gauss line
By installing steel shielding panels, Raybloc ensures the optimal MRI environment without compromising safety in the surrounding MRI areas.
Tailored Design for Complex Environments
Every MRI scan facility presents unique shielding needs. Raybloc provide bespoke designs considering:
Room or enclosure size and layout – seamless wall, ceiling, or floor integration
Magnet type and strength – from 1.5T to 7T MRI scanners
Adjacent usage –-laboratories, control rooms, or imaging rooms nearby
Compliance targets – ensuring the 5-gauss line meets NHS and international standards
Our MRI Magnetic Shielding Process
1. Magnetic Field Survey and Analysis
We model how the magnetic field generated by the MRI behaves in and around the room shielding
2. Bespoke Shielding Design
Using conductive materials such as galvanised steel or high-permeability panels, we design a shielding solution optimised to specific requirements.
3. Expert Installation
Our team designs and installs steel panels, integrating them with RF shielding for MRI (copper Faraday cages, RF doors, RF windows, waveguide vents, filters).
4. Verification and Certification
Post-installation, Gauss line mapping and attenuation testing are performed to ensure full electromagnetic compatibility and safety certification.
Magnetic Protection Types and Typical Applications
| Shielding Type | Common Uses | Key Benefits | Ideal For |
| Steel Shielding Panels | Walls, ceilings, or floors of MRI enclosures | High magnetic permeability, durable, cost-effective | Hospitals, diagnostic imaging suites |
| Structural Shielding | Built into building frameworks | Long-term performance, architectural integration | New builds, large hospital projects |
| Custom Shielding Designs | Tailored to unusual layouts or magnet rooms | Precision control, optimised fit for shielding needs | Compact imaging centres, specialist MRI sites |
Designed for Compliance - Built for Performance
Raybloc’s shielding for MRI combines magnetic and radio-frequecy shielding to provide a complete MRI solution. By integrating a Faraday cage with an appropriate door and window, waveguide vents, and filters with steel panelling, our shielding applications manage both RF interference and the static field.
Shielding can include: copper, aluminium, or galvanised steel
Designed to protect against external electromagnetic interference and protruding magnetic fields
Built to meet ISO standards and shielding requirements for healthcare and research environments
Magnetic Protection Types and Typical Applications
With 25+ years of experience in radiation protection, Raybloc is trusted by NHS Trusts, research facilities, and international healthcare providers. Our manufacturing capabilities in the UK ensure every shielding solution is high-quality, durable, and cost-effective.
Whether it’s a new MRI system or an expansion of MRI imaging rooms, Raybloc provides the expertise to deliver a complete MRI shielding package.
Get Started with Your MRI Project
Want to know if your new MRI scanner requires magnetic shielding to contain the field? Our experts can survey your site, design a tailored package, and provide effective RF and magnetic protection for your imaging room.
Raybloc Shielding for MRI
- Steel Shielding Panels for Magnet Containment
- Faraday Cage RF Enclosures
- RF Doors and RF Windows
- Waveguides, Filters, and Waveguide Vents
- Non-Ferrous Lighting for Imaging Rooms
- Quench Pipe Installations
FAQs
What is the difference between magnetic shielding and RF shielding in MRI rooms?
Magnetic shielding controls the static magnetic field produced by the MRI magnet, using high-permeability steel to contain the 0.5mT (5 Gauss) line within the scanner room. RF shielding, by contrast, uses a Faraday enclosure (usually copper) to block radio frequency interference (RFI) and protect imaging from external electromagnetic noise. Many MRI rooms only require RF shielding, but where the gauss line protrudes, both systems are installed together for complete protection.
When is magnetic shielding needed in an MRI suite?
Magnetic shielding is required if the 0.5mT gauss line extends into areas outside the scanner room. This may occur in:
- Multi-storey hospitals (fields penetrating floors above or below)
- Compact facilities with rooms adjacent to MRI suites
- Sites with sensitive electronic systems nearby
- Buildings where staff or patients with pacemakers could be exposed
If the gauss line is contained within the MRI room, additional magnetic shielding may not be necessary.
Does every MRI room require steel shielding?
No. Many MRI installations only require a Faraday cage. Magnetic shielding is only added where the gauss line exceeds room boundaries. This makes each project unique: some need shielding on a single wall, while others require full floor-to-ceiling protection.
How does Raybloc verify shielding effectiveness?
After installation, magnetic field surveys are undertaken by a separate party. This verifies that the magnetic field is contained within the MRI suite and that all regulatory compliance targets are achieved.
Can magnetic shielding be retrofitted to existing MRI rooms?
No. Magnetic shielding is installed prior to the installation of the Raybloc Faraday cage and must be accounted for when designing and manufacturing the cage to ensure a smooth installation process and successful completion of the project.