Choosing The Right ESD Bag

Why Antistatic Bags Are Important In Manufacturing

ESD packaging containers, such as antistatic bags, moisture barrier bags and static shielding bags, are some of the most important safety products used in manufacturing environments. These ESD packaging products allow us to safely transport items and components from the production line to their final destination. Without using the correct ESD packaging containers to store or transport static-sensitive components or devices, we would risk the chance of static exposure to these components or devices and potentially cause an ESD event.

Electrostatic damage to electronic devices can occur at any point from manufacture to field service. Damage results from handling the devices in uncontrolled surroundings or when poor ESD control practices are used. Using the correct packaging not only protects your static sensitive components but it can save money too.

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Which ESD Bag Do I Need?

Since some ESD bags share a similar nomenclature, it can be quite easy to select the wrong type of ESD bag. Each bag serves a different function when it comes to transporting ESD-sensitive products. Understanding each ESD bag’s purpose is crucial when trying to select the right one you need.

ESD-focused packaging is always classified in one of three levels:

• Intimate packaging: this is packaging that can safely come into contact with static-sensitive components.
• Proximity packaging: is packaging that can enclose (but not come into direct contact with) the product.
• Secondary packaging: is packaging which can only be used for protection against physical damage during the shipping process.

Metallised Shielding Bags (Silver In Colour)

Metallised Shielding bags provide a complete static safe environment for the safe storage and transportation of static sensitive devices and printed circuit boards ensuring easy identification. If bags, holding static sensitive components, are to be handled outside of an ‘EPA’ they should be in metallised shielding bags; a Faraday Cage. Metallised Shielding bags can be an effective Faraday Cage, subject to the quality of material and physical condition.

The Metallised Shielding bag is composed of a static-dissipative top outer coating, polyester and aluminum shield inner layers and a static-dissipative polyethylene bottom layer.

Feature Summary:

• Metallised shielding bags should be used for storing all electronic components i.e. assemblies and boards.
• Used to safely transport and store static sensitive devices and printed circuit boards.
• Semi-transparent for easy identification of component.
• Static shielding bags provide a ‘Faraday Cage’.

We offer two different bag features to suit your preference: Resealable loc-top and open top.

Loc-Top Resealable	Open Top

Bespoke sizes, thickness, printing and packaging solutions can be manufactured on request.

Moisture and Metallised Barrier Bags

Moisture and metallised barrier bags are designed for the packaging of SMD’s protecting them from moisture and static damage. They are ideal for PCBs or integrated circuits. Dry devices are placed inside the moisture/metallised barrier bag and the moisture laden is evacuated. The bags are opaque and light-tight ensuring the contents cannot be seen from the outside, adding a layer of operational security. The 4mil puncture resistant and moisture-proof packaging has a flexible structure and is suitable for vacuum-sealing.

The Metallised Barrier bag is composed of a static-dissipative top outer coating, static-dissipative polyester and aluminum shield inner layers and a static-dissipative polypropylene bottom layer. The Moisture Barrier bag, on the other hand, is composed of a static-dissipative polyester top outer coating, aluminum shield inner layer and a static-dissipative polyethylene bottom layer.

Feature Summary:

• Moisture and metallised barrier bags are used for storing all electronic circuits.
• Opaque and light-tight.
• Protects SMDs from moisture and static damage.
• Ideal for storing static sensitive devices in humid environments.
• Safely transport Jedec Trays.
• Bags are Heat Seal-able with Faraday Cage protection.

Moisture and metallised barrier bags have a similar structure to the metallised shielding bags. However, they are generally stronger than metallised shielding bags. They are usually used when barrier protection or maximum shielding protection is needed without transparency being an issue.

Moisture Barrier Bag	Metallised Barrier Bag

Bespoke sizes, thickness, printing and packaging solutions can be manufactured on request.

Antistatic Bags (Pink In Colour)

These are the only acceptable “plastic” bags in an EPA. Antistatic bags offer NO effective protection against a contact ESD. They should only be used for non static sensitive components, e.g. nuts, bolts, paper etc. Pink antistatic bags have a layer of anti-static coating and no shielding ability. The material will not charge if rubbed in conjunction with other materials.

The Antistatic Pink bag is composed of an antistatic outer coating and a polyethylene bottom surface.

Ordinary plastic bags can generate and hold static charges in excess of 10,000v. Antistatic bags deteriorate with time and wear – monitoring them is vital.

Feature Summary:

• Use antistatic bags for non-electronic parts that need to be close to electronics i.e. nuts, bolts, paper, etc.
• They offer no protection against a contact ESD.
• No shielding ability.

We offer two different bag features to suit your preference: Resealable loc-top and open top.

Loc-Top Resealable	Open Top

Bespoke sizes, thickness, printing and packaging solutions can be manufactured on request.

Does One Bag Surpass The Others?

Since each bag serves a different function, each bag has its own advantages. Anti-static bags protect static sensitive components from damage due to static electricity. Static shielding bags are best to use in situations that require the protection of static sensitive components that are being moved into a static sensitive environment. Moisture and metallised barrier bags are designed for the packaging of SMD’s protecting them from moisture and static damage.

Bag Sourcing

When choosing a bag, investing in the least expensive bag may not provide the best results. Manufacturers should test their bags before shipping to ensure the quality is of a good standard. Always review the supplier’s material trace-ability, quality program and test standards.

When Should I Use An ESD Bag?

If you need to safely transport or store a product that is susceptible to electrostatic discharge then it should be packaged in a static-sensitive bag. The typical type of products that require ESD packaging include:

•  Microchips.
•  Motherboards.
•  Graphic cards.
•  Other forms of printed circuit boards.

You can also use antistatic bags to hold tools, safety equipment, manufacturing equipment, spare parts, and anything else that could potentially discharge onto a product. Ultimately, you would want to protect your workers, supplies, equipment and work environment by using bags that will minimize the risk of static discharge.

Bespoke Packaging

At Bondline we offer bespoke customization for our ESD bags that can be manufactured on request.

Our customization options include:

• Sizes.
• Thicknesses.
• Printing.
• Packaging solutions.

To make an enquiry about our ESD bag customization, contact us below by filling out the form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

The Bondline Team.