Electronics deserve critical care and attention with their packaging due to the associated costs and sensitivities while traveling. Devices can build up electrostatic discharge (ESD) and suffer damage during shipping — some may even break completely. Modern packaging companies must use ESD-safe packaging to meet industry standards and ensure satisfaction for end users. Here’s the role it plays in today’s business landscape.

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Four functions of ESD-safe packaging.

Rising demand for shipping companies means ensuring client satisfaction is more important than ever. What role do ESD-safe materials serve with modern consumer electronics businesses? Here are a few things ESD-safe packaging fulfills.

1. Protecting electronics.

The primary role of ESD-safe packaging is protecting electronics. Companies insert these materials to prevent static inside packages, like boxes and pouches, because ESD can damage devices before they reach the end user.

Accidents happen during transportation, and tech gadgets can inadvertently touch one another. When devices make contact, they increase the voltage potential and risk destruction. Some electronics travel by ship, making ESD-safe packaging crucial because of its anti-corrosion properties. For example, anti-static bags protect metal and reduce the risk of corrosion when en route.

Electronic protection has become more critical when considering the shipping demand across industries. Automakers, healthcare, and other critical sectors require ESD-safe packaging to prevent downtime and boost safety. This growth has become evident in the market size of this innovative packaging, which experts say has a $2.4 billion value and an expected 5.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

2. Complying with regulations.

ESD-safe packaging has evolved from an innovative technology to a necessary component for companies. Executives must be wary of regulations depending on the industry because some may require ESD-safe packaging for liability purposes.

Modern regulations for electronic packaging derive from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the EOS/EOD Association — a group created to spread awareness about ESD avoidance. About 16,000 members in 55 countries adhere to its specifications, covering design standards, technical reports, test methods, and other crucial benchmarks.

As research and development grows, more governments, industries and organizations will likely adopt these safe materials to boost safety and reduce inefficiencies. For instance, the US military uses ESD-safe packaging for fire control systems on the M-1 tank and F-18 aircraft. Defective parts due to ESD could compromise safety for the armed forces.

3. Increasing efficiency.

Implementing ESD-safe technology increases efficiency for suppliers and end users in a few ways. First, packaging companies can worry less about product damage while shipping thanks to the protective materials dissipating energy. These businesses can safely transport their goods to customers while decreasing returns and warranty claims. Otherwise, the electronic devices will need repair or replacement before the end user opens the package.

ESD packaging also improves efficiency through its environmental consciousness. Many companies implement recyclable materials to prevent electrostatic damage inside their parcels.

For instance, a device arriving in a metalized bag can see multiple uses before reaching the end of its life, reducing the need for single-use packaging. Other businesses may use mycelium and other compostable materials to increase sustainability. Research shows packaging accounts for 45% of emissions in ecommerce, so increasing environmental consciousness is critical.

4. Welcoming a new era of shipping.

Shipping has changed in the last decade due to increased calls for sustainability, so ESD-safe packaging is one way businesses can reduce their carbon footprint. This transition has led brands to explain the new concept to their customers.

For decades, companies have had to use the ESD susceptibility symbol to indicate vulnerable electronics inside the package. Now, brands tout ESD-safe packaging by demonstrating its sustainability and how it protects a device’s long-term health.

How does ESD-safe packaging work?

ESD packaging is essential for transporting electronics and maintaining peace of mind. What materials do manufacturers use to increase safety? Here’s a look at how ESD-safe packaging works.

Materials:

The core of ESD-safe packaging starts with its materials. Here are a few different approaches businesses take in creating ESD-safe packaging:

• Anti-static: Anti-static materials are among the most common in ESD-safe packaging because they’re excellent in deterring tribocharging. Removing static from the parcel means there’s a lower chance of electricity buildup and compromised devices.

• Conductive: Some companies use conductive materials like metal because they remove energy from components inside the package. Therefore, the electricity level remains tolerable and won’t build up to create ESD.

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• Dissipative: Dissipative materials differ from other ESD-safe packaging because they slow electricity and protect the electronics inside. The electrical charge becomes weaker and less destructive to the components, considering the damage that can occur on the trip.

Packaging examples:

As ESD-safe packaging rises, more companies are finding ways to implement this practice into their shipments. Here are a few examples you’ll see on the market.

• Shielding bags: Shielding bags are a practical packaging choice because they use metalized film to block static and electromagnetic charges. Shielding bags emulate Faraday cages and typically consist of aluminum and treated plastic. Companies often use this material for medical devices, aircraft equipment, and other sensitive materials that need enhanced protection.

• Stretch film: Stretch film is another common material for reducing ESD because its anti-static properties minimize static. Manufacturers will blend polyethylene with other materials and treat it with other chemicals to prevent ESD buildup. You’ll typically see stretch film on machines and pallets handling packages to heighten safety.

• Bubble wrap: Anti-static bubble wrap is standard for many tech retailers because it’s a dissipative material that provides additional physical protection. For instance, you may see it when ordering a computer’s motherboard or hard drive.

A safer future for electronics.

The need for electronics grows with increased populations and business opportunities worldwide. Medical wearables, for example. Logistics companies must find ways to protect these devices during shipping and storage to ensure functionality and customer satisfaction. ESD-safe packaging has become more prevalent in recent years because it protects electronics while complying with sustainability goals.

3 Categories of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Films That You Should Know About

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) films offer effective protection against electrostatic discharge, a phenomenon wherein static electricity generates a flow of electric current between two objects of varying electric potentials. The very fact that electrostatic discharge has been one of the major restricting factors faced by semiconductor manufacturing industry, makes ESD films a valuable product in today’s world. ESD films are classified in three categories based on their working principle- conductive, dissipative, and anti-static.

Princy A. J  |  June 16, 2022

         

The electronics and semiconductor manufacturing industry faces numerous challenges which create hindrances in realizing its full potential. Shortage in raw materials for manufacturing semiconductor chips is one of the important restricting factors of this industry. Similarly, a phenomenon known as electrostatic discharge is an important challenge faced by the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Electrostatic discharge can be defined as a sudden flow of electric charge from a high voltage potential to low voltage potential. The electric charge or current develops as a result of the buildup of static electricity due to accumulation of electrically charged electrons over a small area. Not just in electronic circuits, electrostatic discharge is a common phenomenon and occurs in the atmosphere too, resulting in lightning strikes. However, the electrostatic discharge that takes place in semiconductors is rather subtle and causes sparking in these circuits. Nonetheless, this sparking can render the circuits useless.

In order to counter the problem of electrostatic discharge, electrostatic discharge packaging materials have been devised. Electrostatic discharge packaging materials essentially protect the electronic circuits by restricting the flow of electric current between them. Electrostatic packaging materials come in different configurations such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) films, electrostatic discharge (ESD) stick magazines, electrostatic discharge (ESD) matric trays, etc. Of these configurations, electrostatic discharge (ESD) films are one of the most opted ESD packaging materials.

Different Categories of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Films Available in the Market

Apart from the electronics and semiconductor manufacturing industry, the huge demand for electrostatic discharge (ESD) films from different sectors like food processing industry, medical sector, and aerospace industry has resulted in a massive boost in the electrostatic discharge (ESD) films market in the last few years. As a result, different types of ESD films are being marketed today to suit the needs of different industries and sectors. Basically, any electrostatic discharge (ESD) packaging material belongs to either of the three categories based on its properties- conductive, dissipative, or anti-static. The working of ESD films depend on the categories they belong, even though their main function remains the same.

1. Conductive Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Films

Conductive ESD films have low electrical resistance, meaning electrons, and hence the electric current, can easily pass through these films. Hence, when an electronic circuit is packaged using a conductive ESD film, instead of passing the electric current onto other circuit, the current passes through the films, thereby avoiding electronic discharge between the two circuits. Since the conduction of electric charge through these films is pretty fast, conductive ESD films can offer a discharge even to the strongest electric currents.

2. Dissipative Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Films

Dissipative ESD materials are different from conductive materials as they slow down the flow of electrons to the ground. Thus, the flow of the electric charge is in a controlled manner than that in conductive materials. A unique feature of dissipative ESD films is that they offer protection to the electronic components from the atmospheric moisture. In fact, these films soak in the moisture from the air to form a layer of water molecules over the surface of the film which, in turn, makes it difficult to generate and pass electric current.

3. Anti-Static Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Films

Anti-static electrostatic discharge films mainly focus on inhibiting triboelectric charging. Triboelectric charging is a type of static electricity wherein the contact electrification occurs upon separation of two electrically charged objects. Anti-static ESD films are extensively used in the aerospace industry as a protective material to cover and protect sensitive spacecraft components and equipment.

Recent Trends in Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Films Market

In the last few years, some major players of this industry have claimed to have invented extra-conductive ESD material which is suitable for discharging very strong electric currents. Also, a new kind of ESD film is launched recently which offers protection from corrosion and UV rays. This ESD film is said to be based on a technology called as Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitor Technology, which protects the semiconductors and metals from rust, oxidation, and tarnish. Moreover, the company, Cortec Corporation, which is involved in the research of this ESD film claims that the film is non-toxic and recyclable. Thus, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) market is undergoing a massive upheaval due to stunning innovations and technological advancements. This will surely help both the ESD films market as well as the electronics manufacturing market in the long run.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.

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