ESD ANTI-STATIC PRODUCTS

We manufacture industrial packaging from ESD materials for the transportation of electronics.

You may have experienced that sudden “shock” when touching a plastic object or noticed sparks when putting on a polyester sweater. This is electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can cause significant problems, especially for electronic components or in environments like laboratories or chemical reactor zones.

In a world dominated by electronics and industrial technology, ESD control is becoming increasingly important. Electrostatic discharges can damage components, leading to financial losses, lower product quality, and increased returns(1). To address these challenges, engineers are increasingly turning to ESD materials—and we have joined them, producing such materials for years.

 

 

(1) Elektryczność statyczna – przyczyny i przeciwdziałanie – Wiadomości – Wortal Plastech

 

What are ESD Plastics?

 

ESD plastics are specialized polymer materials designed to dissipate or control the accumulation of electrostatic charges. Standard plastics, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), act as insulators and easily accumulate charges, leading to uncontrolled discharges. Surprisingly, we use these very materials in our production.

With the addition of special antistatic agents, our materials reduce electrical resistance, allowing electrostatic charges to dissipate gradually, minimizing the risk of discharges.

We choose PP and PVC not only for their cost-efficiency in production but also because they are fully recyclable.

 

How Do ESD Plastics Work?

 

ESD plastics are categorized into three types based on their conductivity levels:

  1. Antistatic plastics: Surface resistance of 109 to 1012 ohms. They prevent the buildup of static charges but are less effective at dissipating them.
  2. Conductive plastics: Surface resistance of 103 to 106 ohms. They rapidly dissipate charges but are more suitable for specific applications.
  3. Dissipative (ESD) plastics: Surface resistance of 106 to 109 ohms. They control charge dissipation, preventing sudden discharges.

A key feature of these materials is their ability to dissipate electrostatic charges without generating sparks, which is crucial in both production processes and for protecting electronics(2).

 

(2) Publikacja – Plastic recycling in Poland – a transformation towards a circular economy? – Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wrocławiu (ue.wroc.pl)

 

Where Are ESD Plastics Used(3)?

 

ESD plastics are used in a variety of industries, including:

  1. Electronics and microelectronics: Protecting delicate components such as semiconductors and integrated circuits from damage.
  2. Automotive: Preventing failures in systems like engine controllers or safety mechanisms.
  3. Medical: Shielding medical devices, such as MRI scanners, from ESD-induced interference.
  4. Chemical industry: Reducing the risk of ignition in environments where flammable substances are present.
  5. Industrial automation: Safeguarding automated production systems from disruptions.

 

(3) EOS/ESD Association, Inc. — Setting The Global Standards For Static Control | EOS/ESD Association, Inc.

 

ESD Packaging and Components

 

The production of ESD packaging is not much different from standard manufacturing processes. Our injection molding and extrusion technologies effectively handle these materials. We offer a wide range of ESD products, including edge profiles, handles, corners, and closures. Our designs feature structural panels with the appropriate ESD properties. What sets us apart? We can manufacture soft ESD components in various colors—not just black!

A crucial part of production is thorough quality control, including surface resistance testing.

 

Why Use ESD Plastics?

 

  • Product protection: Minimizes the risk of damage to electronics, reducing costs and improving reliability.
  • Worker safety: Reduces the risk of electric shocks and equipment damage in the workplace.
  • Longer product lifespan: ESD plastics are less prone to damage from electrostatic discharges(4).

 

(4) Zielony pakiet 2030 – 25 poprzednich 25 lat – Plastech.pl

 

 

Conclusion

 

ESD plastics play a key role in protecting against electrostatic discharges across many industries—from electronics to the chemical sector. They make production processes and products safer and more reliable. If you’re designing or manufacturing devices, consider using ESD plastics to safeguard your products from the harmful effects of electrostatic discharges.