Packaging, storing, and shipping high-end technological components and equipment pose challenges due to potential electrostatic discharge. A small electrostatic discharge can corrupt, alter, and destroy components. However, you can protect against that by using static shielding cushion pouches.
These ESD safe pouches safeguard against electrostatic discharge, whether you’re storing the components at a facility or shipping them worldwide. We explain more about static shielding pouches to help you understand why they can be an ideal solution for your electronic storage and shipping needs.
Static Shielding Cushion Pouches: Construction and Materials
Static shielding cushion pouches consist of two to three layers of metalized shielding, anti-static poly and bubble to protect against damage from electrostatic discharges. Two-layer pouches, such as the MIL-DTL-81997 Type I Static Shield Zip Close Cushion Pouch, include an inner layer of static dissipative cushioning and an outer layer of static shielding.
As you can guess, three-layer pouches include an extra layer of protection. The CP77-0406R Static Shielding Zip Closure 3-Layer Cushion Pouch is the perfect example. It consists of the following:
Let’s take a closer look at how these layers work.
Anti-Static Layers
The anti-static layer or layers consist of low density polyethylene. Anti-static poly meets static decay requirements of MIL-PRF-81705D, Type II and EIA-541. This amine free material will not affect polycarbonates and has superior performance in relative low humidity.
Most static shielding cushion pouches have an outside shielding layer and inside anti-static layer. The outside layer shields against static charges from the outside environment, while the inner layer protects against static that can build up inside the pouch.
Metal Layer
Metalized aluminum is used for the metal-in or metal-out layers when constructing static shielding cushion pouches. Aluminum acts as a conductor by creating the Faraday cage effect. It grounds electrical charges before they damage the components.
Cushioning Layer
Our 3-layer cushion pouches are made with an inner cushioning layer of ESD Safecell. ESD Safecell is a clear amine-free anti-static bubble that absorbs vibrations and shocks, providing added protection for electronic components and devices. This is especially important when shipping valuable electronic components. This bubble cushioning layer keeps those items safe, even when traveling hundreds or thousands of miles.
Science Behind Static Shielding
Many people use “anti-static” and “static shielding” interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Both types of products use polyethylene with a static dissipative coating to prevent the buildup of static electricity. However, static shielding cushion pouches also have a metal layer as part of the design. This metal conductor shields against electrostatic discharge due to the Faraday cage effect. Suppose you have valuable technological components to store or ship. In that case, it’s wise to choose a static shielding product instead of one that only provides anti-static properties.
Faraday Cage Effect
A Faraday cage uses conductive materials to shield electrical components. The conductive metal materials essentially neutralize electromagnetic charges and prevent them from reaching the electrical components.
Airplanes provide the perfect example of the Faraday cage effect. If you’ve ever flown in a plane, you might be surprised to know that lightning strikes are common. However, you don’t notice it because the plane’s design creates a static shield, much like a static shielding pouch.
Airplanes are manufactured with aluminum hulls that conduct electricity and prevent it from damaging equipment or harming passengers and crew. When lightning strikes an airplane, it passes through the conductive metal and moves away from the plane.
That same science is used to create static shielding cushion pouches. These pouches don’t fly in the sky but shield against electrostatic currents.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Static Shielding Cushion Pouches
Proper usage is vital when packaging, storing, and shipping items in static shielding cushion pouches. Below are some tips to help you optimize the protection these pouches provide.
Replace the Pouch As Needed
Most static shielding cushion pouches can be reused, but they have a finite lifespan. As a general rule, replace the pouch if it’s torn, ripped, or has other defects. Even wrinkles can degrade these pouches, so don’t use one with visible imperfections.
Place the Pouch on an ESD Surface Before Opening
Static charges can gather on the outside of the pouch when it’s sealed. Before opening, put the sealed pouch on an ESD surface such as a grounded ESD table mat. The charge will move to the ESD surface, allowing you to safely open the pouch and access its contents.
Only Use the Static Shielding Pouch As Intended
Some people use static shielding cushion pouches as ESD work surfaces or gloves, but that’s a mistake. You should only use the pouches for packaging, storing, and shipping electronic components and items. Other uses can degrade the bag, reducing or eliminating its ability to protect the contents.
Ensure the Proper Fit
Static shielding cushion pouches are available in different dimensions, and choosing the right size is critical. If your electronic component doesn’t properly fit, select a different size. Otherwise, the pouch won’t be able to create a Faraday cage and your electrical components could become damaged.
Seal the Pouch
These pouches create Faraday cages only when sealed. The sealing method depends on the type of bag you use, but it is often done by zipping or taping the pouch. Double-check to ensure it’s completely sealed before storing or shipping electronic components.
Ensure the Pouch has Ample Padding
Many electronic components have sharp edges that can damage bags. Before storing components with sharp features, check the pouches’ padding. It should provide sufficient cushioning to prevent the components from damaging the bag. If not, you can buy a different static shielding cushion pouch that offers more protection.
Static Shielding Cushion Pouches From Correct Products
Correct Products supplies a large selection of two and three-layer static shielding cushion pouches with widths between 3 inches and 12 inches and lengths between 5 inches and 23 inches. Custom sizes are available as well as the option of adding a front pouch for convenient document storage.
Our inventory includes open-top and zip-closure pouches, as well as tape-n-lip, and Slide-Rite Zipper. Pouches that conform to MIL-DTL-81997 Type I are also available.
Zip closure pouches, such as the 9083-35C Static Shielding Zip Close 3-Layer Cushion Pouch, provide a simple way to secure electronics. If you prefer a pouch with a foldable flap, consider our 9073-46-2C Static Shielding Cushion Pouch, which has an open-top design. It offers three layers of protection along with a foldable flap.
If you don’t find the exact size and combination on our website, please contact our expert sales team at 800-870-1199. We can help you find the right static shielding solution.
