ESD foam: An Overview about anti-static material in packaging industry

WHAT IS ESD FOAM?

ESD foam, also known as anti-static foam, is a versatile material used for protecting and packaging electrostatic-sensitive devices. It meets a range of requirements and comes in different types based on resistance levels, such as anti-static foam, conductive foam, and static dissipative foam. This foam is available in various forms, including foam rolls, anti-static foam sheets, foam blocks, ESD foam inserts, foam padding, plank foam, and custom shapes to suit diverse packaging.

New Edge ESD EPE Foam Measurement

HOW IT WORKS? ESD FOAM WORKING PRINCIPAL.

The principle of antistatic foam in preventing static electricity involves the use of conductive materials and treatments to create a network for charge dissipation, preventing the buildup of static charges. This ensures the protection of sensitive electronic components and other delicate items from the harmful effects of electrostatic discharge. The foam also provides physical cushioning, making it an ideal material for packaging and handling static-sensitive items.

New Edge ESD PU foam for airplane's component packing

CLASSIFICATION

In today's packaging market, there are numerous types of ESD foam available. However, this essay will focus on the three most commonly seen types in the packaging industry: EVA foam, EPE foam, and PU foam. We will explore their distinctive features and applications.

1. ESD EVA FOAM

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam, also known as Anti-static EVA foam, is a specialized material designed to prevent static electricity buildup. It is produced by mixing polyethylene (PE) and ethylene vinyl acetate with various additives, including a foaming agent, and then undergoing a fixed molding foam process. This ESD foam can be made into various shapes to catch up with customer’s demands such as foam rolls, foam sheets, ESD foam trays, combining ESD EVA with tape or foam shock absorbing cushions.

Due to the materials and additives used in its production, ESD EVA foam may have a slight odor. The most common color is black with high density, around 85kg/m3 for packaging field.

ESD EVA foam feature:

1. Material type: EVA foam

2. Size: customized

3. Surface resistance: 10^5-10^9 

4. Color: Black

5. Cell structure: closed cell.

6. Anti static duration: Long-term

ESD EVA Foam Tray for electronic storage and transferring

2. ESD EPE FOAM

EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) anti-static foam is a versatile packaging material known for its cushioning and protective properties. This non-cross-linked closed-cell foam is designed to prevent static electricity buildup, making it ideal for safeguarding sensitive electronic components. The anti-static properties are achieved by incorporating an anti-static liquid into the foam during production. Commonly available in pink and red, EPE anti-static foam typically comes in standard sizes of 1000x2100 mm and features a surface antistatic value ranging from 10^8 to 10^11. Its lightweight, flexible, and durable nature makes it a popular choice in various industries, particularly for packaging and shipping electronic goods.

ESD EPE foam feature:

1. Material type: EPE foam

2. Size:customized

3. Surface resistance:10^5-10^9

4. Color: Pink / Red

5. Cell structure: closed cell.

6. Anti static duration: 6 months - 1 years due to storage condition

ESD EPE cushion produced by New Edge

3. ESD PU FOAM

Antistatic polyurethane foam is derived from polyurethane (PU), an open-cell foam that incorporates conductive fillers during its foaming process, followed by cross-linking. These fillers form an internal network within the foam, creating a path for antistatic dissipation. This design effectively manages static discharge.

The size of antistatic PU foam can be customized to meet specific customer needs, making it ideal for packaging various general-purpose electronic components. Importantly, its antistatic properties remain unaffected by post-processing procedures.

With an open-cell structure and integrated conductive padding, antistatic PU foam controls static electricity, ensuring the safe handling and transportation of sensitive electronic components.

ESD PU foam feature:

1. Material type: PU foam

2. Size:Customized

3. Shape: Flat / Contour/ Egg shape

4. Surface resistance: 10^9-10^11

5. Color: Pink

6. Cell structure: open cell.

7. Anti static time: 6 months - 1 years due to storage condition

ESD PU Foam product at New Edge

WHICH ESD FOAM IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR CUSTOMER?

Among three common ESD foams above, it is hard to choose the best foam. In other words, there is no best foam, but there will be the suitable one with your specific needs. There are always some properties of one type that is superior than the other types, and some material will be preferred by consumers. To help customer has the overview about these three excellent foams, let refer the brief comparison among them.

Property	PU (Polyurethane) Foam	EPE (Expanded Polyethylene) Foam	EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Foam
Cushioning	Excellent	Excellent	Superior
Flexibility	Highly flexible	Highly flexible	Flexible
Durability	Moderate	Good	Excellent
Density	Lower	Moderate	High
Weight	Light to moderate	Lightweight	Heavier
Cost	Moderate	Economical	Expensive
Thermal Insulation	Good	Good	Moderate
Shock Absorption	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Chemical Resistance	Moderate	Moderate	Good
Moisture Resistance	Moderate	Moderate	Good
Anti-static Properties	Temporary	Temporary	Long-term
Typical Applications	Cushioning, flexible packaging	General packaging, shipping	High-protection packaging, sensitive electronics

Brief comparison between ESD PU - ESD EPE - ESD EVA

ESD foams are indispensable in modern industries where static electricity poses a significant risk to electronic devices. Their ability to dissipate static charges effectively while providing cushioning and protection underscores their importance in maintaining product integrity and reliability. Choosing the right type of ESD foam will ensure the safe handling, storage, and transport of sensitive electronic components, thereby safeguarding against potential damage caused by electrostatic discharge.

ESD PU Foam with double side tape

If you’re not sure which anti-static foam will fit your demands, let’s New Edge help you with our professional choices. We’re here ready to bring you the best solution - the perfect ESD foam to protect your valued electronic products. Don’t hesitate to contact our team to get the best service - the best ledtime and the best price for your packaging.

Thank you.

P.S: New Edge News