Anti Static Packaging
Anti-static packaging comes in various forms and is used for shipping sensitive electronic components and devices. They work by preventing static electricity build-up and discharge, which can cause damage and increase cost. They are widely used in semiconductor and PCB manufacturing, aerospace, medical, and other ESD-sensitive environments.
RS offers an excellent range of anti-static bags, bubble bags, ESD foams, ESD wraps, and bubble wraps for all your storage, shipping, and transportation needs.
Types of Anti-Static Packaging
There are two main types of anti-static packaging, each with distinct properties to safeguard your sensitive electronics:
Dissipative Packaging
Anti-static dissipative packaging has a special coating, which is usually red or pink. This type of packaging prevents the build-up of static which is often generated when ordinary polythene rubs against itself. It doesn’t, however, block static charge from penetrating the packaging; it just protects the contents from harmful static build-up. Dissipative packaging typically comes in rolls or wrapping, anti-static bags, bubble bags, and bubble wrap.
Static Shielding Packaging
Metallised bags, also known as conductive bags, operate using a layer of conductive metal and a dielectric plastic layer. They create their own Faraday cage effect. With a dissipative coating, these bags prevent static discharge from building up and protect from contact with a static charge. These bags are reclosable and come in various types, including zippers, heat sealable, self-sealing, and open-topped. Some metallised bags also offer a moisture barrier for a long-term storage solution.
ESD Protective Foam
ESD foam is mainly used in clean rooms, ESD workspaces, and component packaging stations. The high-density material provides protection for pins on sensitive electronic components when placed inside bags, trays, and compartments.
Moisture Barrier Bag
Moisture barrier bags are a specialised type of anti-static packaging that incorporates a water-resistant layer to protect sensitive electronics from humidity and corrosion. This additional layer helps to prevent damage and ensures the longevity of electronic components, particularly during storage or transportation in environments with varying humidity levels.
Anti-Static Packaging Formats
RS offers a range of anti-static packaging formats to suit your specific needs:
- Anti-Static Bags: These are the most common form of ESD packaging and are available in various sizes and materials.
- ESD Foam: Ideal for cushioning and protecting delicate components within other packaging.
- ESD Covers: Used to protect larger items or groups of components.
- ESD Wrap (Bubble Wrap): Provides cushioning and anti-static protection during shipping.
- Reclosable/Ziplock Bags: Convenient for repeated access while maintaining ESD protection.
- Anti-Static Tubes: Ideal for storing and shipping long, cylindrical components.
Popular Materials for Anti-Static Bags
Most anti-static packaging is made of high-quality materials to ensure optimal ESD protection:
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Offers excellent clarity and durability and is often used in static dissipative packaging.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): A flexible material commonly used in anti-static bubble wrap and bags.
- Metallised Film: Provides a Faraday cage effect for ESD shielding bags.
- Conductive Polypropylene: Used in some static dissipative packaging for added protection.
Applications of Anti-Static Packaging
Anti-static packaging is crucial in various industries where electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause significant damage to key equipment or components. Here are some industry applications:
- Electronics Manufacturing: ESD anti-static bags or shielding bags are essential for protecting circuit boards, microchips and other sensitive electronic components during assembly, storage and transportation.
- Aerospace Industry: The aerospace sector uses a variety of anti-static packaging such as electrostatic discharge bags or esd foam to protect sensitive avionics equipment and components, ensuring the safety and reliability of critical systems.
- Medical Device Manufacturing: Medical devices such as pacemakers or diagnostic equipment are typically transported and handled in anti-static bags to protect the sensitive electronics within these life-saving devices.
- Automotive Electronics: Modern vehicles are equipped with a variety of electronic control units, sensors, and infotainment systems. Anti-static packaging, such as ESD bubble bags and anti-static ziplock bags, are essential for protecting these components from electrostatic discharge during manufacturing and shipping. This ensures that the electronics perform reliably when installed in vehicles, safeguarding the vehicle's overall functionality and safety.
Delivery Information
RS offers fast delivery of anti-static bags and other related items like ESD products and PCB board connectors from top brands like SCS, RND, and RS PRO within Singapore. Next-working-day delivery is available for online orders (Terms & Conditions apply). Please refer to our Delivery page for more details regarding our full range of delivery services and fees.