What is an Anti-Static Bag?
An anti-static bag keeps static charges from interfering with sensitive electrical components. These bags are constructed of polyethene terephthalate plastic and are frequently used to handle and store electrostatic sensitive products.
Because polyethene plastic does not contain or generate charges, the turbocharging effect does not occur whenever something external rubs against the bag’s contents. The polyethene plastic bag is used in product transportation as a bag and as a poly-foam or polyethene bubble wrap to protect the package.
Static electricity can make electronics useless by inflicting severe damage to microprocessors or the internal circuitry of components. These bags are excellent at preventing static build-up, but they do not protect equipment from direct static discharge. Hence, they are only suited for electrical components not affected by static discharges but could be used when static build-up discharge could affect more sensitive parts.
They are available in various sizes, ranging from small bags for RAM chips to large motherboard bags. Many anti-static bags are semi-reflective and silver in colour, while others are primarily clear and black, blue, or pink. The anti-static bag is often used with computer hardware, such as a hard drive or video card.
It’s important to note that only the inside of an anti-static bag is safe. A hardware device placed on the bag rather than within it will not protect it. Placing an electrostatic-sensitive device on top of the bag is potentially riskier.
Applications
Use anti-static bags to store and carry items that may come into contact with an ESD-sensitive device. Tools, safety equipment, spare parts, and anything else that could discharge onto a product can all be stored in anti-static bags.
What is a Static Shielding Bag?
Static shielding bags prevent static electricity build-up and guard against ESD. The Faraday Cage created by these multi-layer materials protects components against ESD. Due to the multiple layers of materials, these bags are heavier and bulkier than anti-static bags.
A static sensitive bag Applications
A static sensitive bag should be used to package any product prone to damage from a static electricity discharge.
Microchips
Motherboards
Graphic cards
Other forms of printed circuit boards
When choosing the correct ESD bag, it’s essential to know the purpose of the packaging. We can classify ESD-focused packaging in one of these three levels:
Intimate packaging – Packaging that can safely come into contact with static-sensitive components
Proximity packaging – Packaging that can enclose (but not come into direct contact with) the product
Secondary packaging – Packaging which can only be used for protection against physical damage during the shipping process
Static shielding bags are the only permitted packaging for ESD-sensitive products since they provide intimate and proximity protection. On the other hand, anti-static bags only provide proximity and secondary security. They are only suitable for carrying non-statically sensitive products and components.
