Materials & compliance
What does ESD-safe mean, and which packaging materials are ESD safe?
Short answer
ESD-safe packaging protects electronic parts from electrostatic discharge by letting static charge drain away slowly instead of sparking. Static-dissipative materials have a surface resistivity between about 10⁴ and 10¹¹ Ω/sq; ordinary plastics are insulating, so they need an anti-static coating or additive. AVI's coated anti-static PET sheet, on an APET or rPET base, is published at 10⁶–10⁹ Ω/sq.
Part of the guide: PVC, blister and specialty films guide
- Static-dissipative10⁴–10¹¹ Ω/sq
- AVI ESD PET10⁶–10⁹ Ω/sq
- Base sheetAPET or rPET
AVI's ESD sheet and trays
- ESD / Anti-Static PET Sheets for Electronics PackagingAVI's ESD-safe, static-dissipative PET sheet, on APET or verified rPET base with anti-static coating, for...
- ESD / Anti-Static Films & Trays PackagingAVI Global Plast ESD sheets and trays — static dissipative and anti-static PET, PETG and rPET, 0.3–1.5mm gauge, ASTM...
- Industrial Component Trays PackagingAVI Global Plast custom-tooled trays for industrial component handling — ESD-safe where needed, in PET, PETG or...
Three classes of material
| Class | Surface resistivity | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| Conductive | below 10⁴ Ω/sq | Charge moves very fast; can discharge quickly into a part |
| Static-dissipative | 10⁴ to 10¹¹ Ω/sq | Charge drains away in a controlled way |
| Insulating | 10¹¹ Ω/sq and above | Holds charge; not ESD safe on its own |
Is plastic ESD safe?
Not by itself: standard PET, PP or PVC is insulating. It becomes ESD safe with a static-dissipative coating or an additive. Performance also depends on humidity, so specify the conditions your parts will see.
Related questions
What is the difference between anti-static and static-dissipative?
Anti-static usually means the material does not build up much charge when rubbed; static-dissipative means it drains charge in a controlled range of surface resistivity. ESD packaging specifications normally ask for the resistivity.
Can ESD PET be thermoformed into trays?
Yes. AVI forms ESD trays and clamshells from its anti-static PET sheet for components, hard disks and boards.