The Essentials of ESD Control

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs when electricity flows suddenly between two electrically charged objects. It can cause serious damage to electronics and other sensitive equipment. ESD controls protect equipment by reducing this risk. 

ESD Control Program Components

A comprehensive ESD control program should include education and training for employees on the proper handling of ESD-sensitive items. Employees should learn how to identify ESDS devices and what materials can reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge. Using appropriate labeling can help employees easily identify which devices require special handling. 

Environmental controls, such as having a dedicated work area for ESDS device handling and managing humidity levels, are also helpful. Additionally, employees should have the proper tools and supplies to reduce ESD. 

Proper grounding of people, tools, and equipment reduces the risk of electrostatic discharge. An ESD control program will often call for using materials that dissipate static for work surfaces and tools. 

ESD Control Products

Product packaging materials must adhere to the same ESD controls as other manufacturing equipment, such as grounding, antistatic materials, and proper labeling. ESD packaging uses one of several techniques to prevent the buildup and release of static charges. In doing so, it keeps static electricity from damaging sensitive objects. Some examples of ESD-safe packaging include bags, trays, and wrapping materials. 

ESD-Safe Bags

There are several types of ESD-safe bags. These help with electronics handling in different situations and reduce electrostatic risk at varying levels. You should choose the correct bags based on where you will use them and the level of protection required. Some ESD-safe bag options include:

• Antistatic bags minimize static buildup on surfaces. They are often used for non-sensitive items.
• Conductive bags conduct electricity, which provides a grounding path for static. They are suitable for ESDS devices when properly grounded.   
• Shielding bags use a metal layer to create a Faraday cage effect. They protect highly sensitive electronics from electrostatic charges. 
• Static dissipative bags dissipate a static charge away from sensitive electronic devices. 

ESD-safe bags are typically color-coded. Common colors are pink or blue for anti-static, black for conductive, and silver for shielding bags. 

ESD-Plastic Trays and Containers

ESD-safe plastic is a popular option for electronics packaging and shipping. ESD control products such as plastic trays protect against static and physical jostling during transit. ESD-safe plastic containers come in conductive and dissipative materials. At Ready-Made, we manufacture ESD-safe trays from multiple materials, including: 

• Anti-static polycarbonate
• Anti-static polyethylene terephthalate glycol 
• Anti-static polyvinyl chloride
• Conductive acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
• Conductive Styrene
• High-density polyethylene blue anti-static

Each material has a unique set of properties that may make it more or less suitable for your application. Transparent, opaque, and colored options are available. You can choose from standard configurations or we can manufacture custom trays to meet your specific electronics packaging requirements. Our specialists can help you select the correct ESD-safe plastic trays for packaging and shipping. 

Shop ESD Control Supplies 

Ready-Made Plastic Trays provides high-quality ESD-safe packaging and shipping materials for electronics and other sensitive equipment. We offer multiple stock configurations or can design custom trays for your products. Request a free sample today.