How does an ESD bag work?

29 Jul.,2024

 

Antistatic bag

Type of packaging for electronics and static-sensitive devices

Yuanlong Packaging contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

A network card inside an antistatic bag. A pink static dissipative bag, and a silver conductive bag. Note the two recurring ESD symbols

An antistatic bag is a bag used for storing electronic components, which are prone to damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD).

These bags are usually plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and have a distinctive color (silvery for metallised film, pink or black for polyethylene). The polyethylene variant may also take the form of foam or bubble wrap, either as sheets or bags. Multiple layers of protection are often used to protect from both mechanical damage and electrostatic damage. A protected device can be packaged inside a metalized PET film bag, inside a pink polyethylene bubble-wrap bag, which is finally packed inside a rigid black polyethylene box lined with pink poly foam. It is important that the bags only be opened at static-free workstations.[1]

Dissipative antistatic bags, as the name suggests, are made of standard polyethylene with a static dissipative coating or layer on the plastic. This prevents buildup of a static charge on the surface of the bag, as it dissipates the charge to ground (i.e., whatever other surface it is touching).[2][3] This bridge to ground is achieved with the inclusion of a tallow amine on the bags surface which attracts moisture that can conduct the charge to another surface, or to the atmosphere itself.[4] In this sense, this type is truly 'antistatic' in that it hinders the formation of static charges.[5] It, however, is not resistant to electrostatic discharge; if something else with a charge touches the bag (such as a person's hand), its charge would easily transfer through the bag and its contents.[3] These bags are usually pink or red in color because of the dissipative chemical layer. Black bags also exist, wherein the polyethylene is manufactured containing trace amounts of carbon, forming a partial shield, though not a complete one.[2]

Conductive antistatic bags are manufactured with a layer of conductive metal, often aluminum,[3] and a dielectric layer of plastic[2] covered in a static dissipative coating. This forms both a shield and a non-conductive barrier, shielding the contents from static charge via the Faraday cage effect. These bags are preferred for more sensitive parts, but they also see use in environments where sparks would be hazardous, such as oxygen-rich areas in aircraft and hospitals.[4] Metalized bags are more fragile than their nonmetal counterparts, however, as any puncture compromises the integrity of the shield. In addition, they have a limited shelf life, as the metal substrate can deteriorate over time.[6] These bags are often gray or silver owing to the metal layer, while still being transparent to some degree.[3]

Foam also exists in both pink (dissipative) and black (conductive) varieties, used for storing individual leaded components by piercing the leads into the foam.

See also

[

edit

]

References

[

edit

]

Further reading

[

edit

]

  • Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, , ISBN 978-0-470--6
  • ANSI/ESD S541-: Standard for Packaging ESD Susceptible Items
  • ANSI/ESD STM11.31-. Standard test method provides a method for testing and determining the shielding capabilities of electrostatic shielding bags
  • ANSI/ESD STM11.11-. Standard for Protection of Electrostatic Discharge Susceptible Items - Surface Resistance Measurement

For more information, please visit esd aluminum foil zip-lock bag.

How Do Anti Static Bags Work? {Static Shielding Guide}

How Do Anti Static Bags Work? {Static Shielding vs Anti Static vs Static Dissipative}

It&#;s important to choose the best packaging materials for the job when transporting potentially hazardous or combustible materials in environments where flammable gases are present.  FIBC bags, made out of polyethylene or polypropylene plastics, offer many anti static options.  But how do anti static bags work?

So, How Do Anti Static Bags Work?

Anti-static bags hinder electrostatic charge by helping to withstand and control static discharge &#; the sudden flow of charged electrons between different objects.  There are various bags available with differing levels of protection.  It is important to understand the differences and to choose a bag that will meet your needs.

Anti Static Bag Definition According to Merriam-Webster

What is anti static?  Merriam-Webster&#;s anti static bag definition reads as &#;reducing, removing, or preventing the buildup of static electricity.&#;  An anti static bag, by definition, is a bag that exhibits these properties. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) regulates the use of anti static properties and anti static bags must follow the protocols they have set.

Anti Static Bag Meaning for Bulk Bags: Our Definition

When it comes to bulk bags, having the proper type of bag is very important to the safety of all involved with its handling and shipping.  When FIBCs are filled and discharged, the material contained within them can cause a build up of static electricity by moving across the fabric of the bag.  When dealing with flammable substances, the electrical sparks that can be created by this movement can be disastrous if proper safety measures are not adhered to. Anti static bulk bags are specifically designed to control the amount of static electricity present and prevent these type of adverse events from happening.

So, are Anti Static Bags Conductive?

 

Type C FIBC bags are made with different types of fibers, chosen for their conductivity, that are woven together and meet up at a grounding point.  The ESD Association defines conductive materials as &#;a material that has a surface resistance of less than 1.0 × 104 ohms or volume resistance of less than 1.0 × 104 ohms &#;.  Bags made out of these materials must always be grounded first with an undamaged grounding point.  It is similar to antistatic wrist straps used when handling electronic components like motherboards or circuit boards. Conductive bags are typically used to transport flammable powders or when in close proximity to flammable gases, vapors or combustible dusts.

Bulk Anti Static Bags Pros & Cons

Anti static bulk bags allow for proper handling of combustible or hazardous materials.  They are also suited for environments where flammable gases are present.  There are some pros and cons to consider when purchasing anti static bags.

Pros of Anti Static Bags & Packaging

  • Allow for safe handling of materials
  • Lightweight for easy shipping and storage
  • Can be customized to individual needs
  • Can be used without other packaging

Cons of Anti Static Packaging

  • Must be handled properly to take advantage of anti static properties
  • Will degrade over time with UV exposure
  • Need to watch out for water or moisture contamination

Anti Static vs Static Dissipative

Plastics designed to reduce static electricity in order to protect sensitive materials that may become flammable if not properly handled are very important in the bulk packaging world. Understanding anti static vs. static dissipative materials will help you to be better informed when it comes to your specific needs.  Static dissipative materials allow the charges to flow to the ground at a slower rate and in a more controlled manner, thus preventing discharge from human interference.  Anti static materials suppress the initial charges, prevent static electricity build-up, and allow for a very slow rate of decay of static charge.

 

Static Dissipative Bag

Type D FIBC bags are static dissipative bags.  By using CROHMIQ fabric, Type D bulk bags dissipate static charge and, unlike Type C FIBC bags, they do not require grounding which means they are less prone to human error.  Dissipative bags are similar to static shielding bags, a type of ESD packaging made out of static dissipative polyethylene that creates a faraday cage.  The ESD Association defines dissipative materials as &#;a material that has a surface resistance greater than or equal to 1.0 × 104 ohms but less than 1.0 × ohms or a volume resistance greater than or equal to 1.0 × 104 ohms but less than 1.0 × ohms.  Like Type C bags, Type D bags are typically used to transport flammable powders or when in close proximity to flammable gases, vapors or combustible dusts.

Are Anti Static Bags Necessary?

In short, yes.  When you are moving, you probably bubble wrap your more sensitive devices. Anti static bags keep not only the item you are transporting safe but also those transporting it safe as well.  If the item you are transporting is susceptible to static electricity, you should be concerned about electrostatic discharge and anti static bags can help.

Buy Anti Static Bags at Palmetto

To help find the right anti static bag for your needs, you can contact Palmetto Industries to help guide you through the process. You can also check out our anti static bulk bags online and request a quote.



By Purvis King

Bringing over 35 years of textile and flexible packaging experience to Palmetto, Mr. King earned his Bachelor&#;s Degree in Mathematics and Physics from Augusta College in . He is skilled in all aspects of manufacturing and engineering of flexible, woven polypropylene plastics. In his free time Mr. King enjoys playing disc golf with his two sons and enjoying the outdoors.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit shrink film rolls wholesale.