Anti Static Mats

Anti static mats, sometimes referred to as ESD (electrostatic discharge) earthing mats, ESD safe mats, or static control grounding mats, are specialised floor or bench coverings designed to prevent the build-up and discharge of static electricity. When working with static-sensitive electronics, such as PCBs (printed circuit boards) and backplanes and motherboards, these mats are placed on work surfaces or floors, and the user is connected to the mat via a grounding wrist strap or cord. This creates a conductive path that channels any static electricity away from the electronics and into the ground.

Why Use an ESD Safe Mat?

ESD grounding mats help to create an ESD-protected area (EPA). This is a defined space where all surfaces, objects, people and ESD Sensitive Devices (ESDs) are kept at the same electrical potential. This prevents electrostatic discharge (ESD) events that can damage or destroy delicate components, ensuring the safety and reliability of electronic devices during handling, assembly, and repair. ESD-safe gloves and ESD-safe footwear can also be used together with anti static grounding mats to ensure optimum personal grounding and protection.

Types of Anti Static Mats

At RS, we carry a range of anti static mats tailored to different applications, such as:

Dissipative Anti Static Mats

Dissipative mats, also known as ESD green mats, offer moderate electrical conductivity, allowing static charges to dissipate slowly to the ground, preventing sudden discharges that could damage sensitive electronics.

Embossed Anti Static Mats

Embossed anti static mats feature a textured surface that provides additional grip and comfort, particularly when standing for long periods.

Pebbled Anti Static Mats

Pebbled ESD grounding mats have a raised, non-slip surface that offers excellent traction, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and workbenches where spills or moisture may be present.

Smooth Anti Static Mats

Smooth anti static mats have a flat, even surface, ideal for precision work and delicate electronics assembly. They offer consistent electrical conductivity and are easy to clean and maintain.

Features and Benefits of ESD and Anti Static Mats

ESD and anti static mats offer a multitude of benefits for various industries and applications:

Protection of Electronic Components

• Prevents ESD Damage: ESD mats effectively prevent electrostatic discharge events that can damage or destroy sensitive electronic components, ensuring product reliability and minimising costly repairs or replacements.
• Reduce Downtime: By preventing ESD-related equipment failures, anti static mats help reduce downtime and production delays, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
• Ensures Product Quality: ESD mats safeguard the quality of electronic products by minimising the risk of latent defects caused by electrostatic discharge, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

Safety and Health

• Reduce Fire Risk: Anti static mats can help reduce the risk of fire in environments where flammable materials or gases are present by preventing static sparks and discharges.
• Protects Personnel: ESD mats protect workers from potential electric shocks and injuries caused by electrostatic discharge, promoting a safe working environment.
• Improves Workplace Safety: By minimising electrical hazards, anti static mats contribute to overall workplace safety and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Efficiency & Productivity

• Increases Productivity: By reducing the risk of ESD damage and associated downtime, ESD mats facilitate smooth and efficient workflows, leading to increased productivity and output.
• Enhance Product Reliability: Protecting electronic components from ESD damage ensures the reliability and longevity of finished products, reducing warranty claims and improving customer satisfaction.

Compliance

• **Meets Industry Standards: **Anti static mats comply with various industry standards and regulations related to ESD control and workplace safety, ensuring businesses meet regulatory requirements.

Materials Used for ESD Mats

ESD mats are typically made from a variety of conductive materials, including:

• Vinyl: A popular choice for its durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Vinyl ESD mats are available in various styles and colours to suit different work environments.
• Rubber: Rubber ESD mats offer excellent resistance to chemicals and abrasion, making them suitable for industrial applications. They also provide good anti-fatigue properties for workers standing for extended periods.
• Polyurethane: Polyurethane ESD floor mats are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. They are often used in high-traffic areas and industrial settings.

Applications of ESD or Anti Static Mats

Anti static mats are used in numerous industries and applications, including:

• Electronics manufacturing: ESD mats are essential in electronics manufacturing to protect sensitive components during assembly, testing, and repair. They help prevent costly damage and ensure product quality.
• Aerospace: The aerospace industry relies on ESD mats to safeguard delicate avionics and electronic systems from electrostatic discharge during maintenance and repair operations.
• Telecommunications: Telecommunication equipment is highly susceptible to ESD damage, making anti static mats crucial for protecting sensitive components during installation and maintenance.
• Healthcare: ESD mats are used to protect medical devices and electronic equipment from electrostatic discharge, ensuring patient safety and the proper functioning of critical equipment.
• Data Centres: Data centres utilise ESD mats to protect servers and other sensitive electronic equipment from static discharge, preventing data loss and system downtime.
• Cleanroom: Cleanrooms require strict ESD control measures to maintain the integrity of sensitive processes and products. Anti static mats are used to create a static-free environment, minimising contamination risks.

The Leading Supplier and Manufacturer of Anti Static Bench and Floor Mats

RS is a trusted supplier, distributor and manufacturer of ESD earthing mats, featuring industry-trusted brands like EUROSTAT, Weller, our own RS PRO line and more. We offer competitive prices and reliable anti static mats to ensure the safety of your electronic components and workspaces.

We also carry other essential products, such as fire safety equipment and magnetic circuit breakers, to create a comprehensive and safe working environment for your electronics projects and operations.

Order your ESD mats for your floors or benches and other safety equipment online today and enjoy next-day delivery or self-collection at your local branch. For more details on our ordering process, delivery services and delivery fees, please refer to our Ordering Page and Delivery Page.