ESD is a common acronym used in the shipping industry. It typically refers to electrostatic discharge, which can damage sensitive electronics, computer components, and medical devices. However, it can have other meanings. Here we explore what ESD stands for in shipping and what you need to know about it.
When used in shipping terms, the term ESD most often concerns static electric charge. Being aware of this is especially crucial when shipping sensitive electronic devices. Electrostatic discharge can cause permanent and often expensive damage to computers, wearables, medical devices, and other electronics.
ESD can also refer to the earliest or estimated ship date. This information is often provided to purchasers so they know when to expect their shipment. An estimated ship date is when a retailer can expect shipping confirmation and possible tracking information from a supplier. It helps monitor order fulfillment processes. However, from a packaging perspective, it is critical to understand the ESD meaning in shipping as it relates to static discharge.
ESD occurs when electricity flows suddenly between two objects. Common causes include contact between objects with different electrical potentials, electrical shorts, and failure of insulating materials. People often experience this as a slight shock when touching electronics or electrical appliances, especially in very dry conditions.
Although this type of static shock may seem harmless, it can have serious effects on electronics. Often, the charge is at voltage levels that are imperceptible to people but can cause permanent damage to sensitive equipment such as computer chips, medical devices, LEDs, capacitors, and some types of circuitry.
Electrostatic discharge requires two events to affect electronics: the buildup of electrical charge and a discharge event. Electrical buildup frequently occurs when materials rub against each other during shipping. Certain environmental conditions, such as very low humidity, increase the likelihood of this happening. Another cause is improper handling of electronics, particularly without grounding.
Discharge events occur when the accumulated static is released. This is the direct result of contact between a charged and non-charged material. It is also the part of the process that can potentially damage electronic devices.
Several organizations have established best practices for shipping electronic devices. The most widely recognized is ANSI/ESD S20.20, developed by the American National Standards Institute. This standard details control procedures for ESDS and includes recommendations for packaging and shipping.
Another standard is JESD 625 C (Requirements for Handling Electrostatic-Discharge-Sensitive Devices), which was most recently updated in 2022. It details requirements for identifying and protecting susceptible equipment.
Manufacturers and logistics operators should implement ESD controls to prevent static buildup. These typically include environmental controls, grounding, and proper handling procedures. Manufacturers must consider these when packaging electronics and other sensitive devices.
Another helpful approach is using conductive or static dissipating packaging materials. According to ANSI/ESD S20.20, these materials can vary depending on the package contents. Some examples of ESD-safe materials include:
ESD-safe packaging should also include labeling indicating sensitive electronics. This will alert logistics providers to the need for special handling processes and other precautions.
Many plastics are suitable for packing and shipping electronics. They have qualities that dissipate or block electrical charges. Some also block certain types of electromagnetic interference.
At Ready-Made Plastic Trays, we manufacture packaging materials from several types of ESD-safe plastics, including:
Our CNC tooling shop can produce a wide range of ESD-safe plastic trays for electronic devices, processors, circuit boards, and other components.
Electrostatic discharge can damage electronics and affect their functionality. They may cause:
Some damage is immediately noticeable, while other damage may take time to surface. For example, ESD damage may shorten the life expectancy of electronics, which can take years to become apparent.
In extreme cases, ESD can ignite fumes or gases from some electronics or their batteries. This can cause fires and explosions, which can result in serious injuries. Other events can lead to recalls of entire shipments of electronic devices, which can be costly for manufacturers and potentially cause damage to their brand image.
Here we provide answers to common questions we hear about the meaning of ESD in shipping.
Yes. Even levels of static electricity that seem harmless to a person can cause permanent catastrophic damage to delicate circuitry in modern electronic devices.
Packaging materials work in one of two ways: absorbing electrical charge and directing it away from package contents or blocking the charge from building up. You should choose a material that works in a way best-suited for your products.
Any modern electronic device can suffer from electrostatic discharge. Microprocessors, integrated circuits, and transistors, which are common in computers, smartphones, cars, and some toys, are among the most sensitive.
Best practices usually take a multi-prong approach that includes the grounding of equipment and handlers and protective packaging materials.
At Ready-Made Plastic Trays, we understand the importance of ESD in shipping. We work with electronics manufacturers to find ESD-safe packaging and shipping solutions. We have hundreds of stock trays available, and we can also create custom trays designed to meet your ESD control protocols. Contact us to request a free sample.