ESD Systems - Questions And Answers

There are some companies that use pink foams to secure PCBAs from moving around when transfering between stations in the production floor.
What are the guideline for purchasing the foams?
What kind of material is recommended?
Are there other alternatives other than the foam?

Either pink or black foam need to be dissipative or conductive to provide ESD protective properties. Typically pink foam is recommended for shipping one time applications. Black foam with permanent dissipative/conductive properties are better for repetitive in-factory applications. Per ANSI/ESD S541 section 7.2.2 Resistance of Dissipative Materials “A static dissipative material shall have a surface resistance of greater than or equal to 1.0 x 10^4 Ohms but less than 1.0 x 10^11 Ohms. Packaging materials that are in intimate contact with devices should be dissipative.”

For protecting PCB or other ESD sensitive items physically, from electrostatic charges and discharges as well as from vibration and shock, see our In Plant Handlers on our website. As well as being low charging and dissipative, with the lid in place, our In Plant Handlers provides the ESD control property of shielding.

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