Static Shielding vs Anti-Static: What's the Difference?

20 Nov.,2023

 

Posted: January 23rd, 2020 Author: Jim Higgs

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Static-Shielding Bags
How Do Static-Shielding Bags Work?
What Are Static-Shielding Bags Used For?
Pros
Cons
Types of Static Shield Packaging
Anti-Static Bags
How Do Anti-Static Bags Work?
What Are Anti-Static Bags Used For?
Pros
Cons
Types of Anti-Static Packaging
Static-Shielding Bags Vs. Anti-Static Bags

An anti-static bag is only static dissipative, whereas a static shielding bag is both static dissipative and static shielding by means of a Faraday cage. When a static charge comes in contact with an anti-static bag, the charge is quickly shed with no build-up of static — however, the charge could penetrate the wall of the bag and contact the packaged device. A static shielding bag for electronics and similar devices provides a shield for the packaged device from penetrating static.

Anti-static bags and static-shielding bags will protect your electronics from electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD and moisture could impact the functionality of an electronic device and can shorten its life.Proper packaging will keep your contents dry and will protect your electronics from static discharge.

We will help you discover which type of static-resistant bag is right for the transportation, shipping and handling of your electronic items. Below are the unique features, materials and use of both anti-static and static-shielding bags.

WHAT ARE STATIC-SHIELDING BAGS

A static-shielding bag can be used for shipping, transportation or storage of static sensitive electronics. Some devices are so sensitive to electricity that even the static shock from human touch could limit functionality. A sealed static-shielding bag will guard your electronic devices against ESD-related damage by eliminating static build-up created by the rubbing of surfaces, also called tribocharging. Additionally, by the Faraday cage effect, charges are prevented from penetrating the wall of the bag.

HOW DO STATIC-SHIELDING BAGS WORK?

An ESD can occur when there is an excess buildup of static electricity. The material within static-shielding bags contains multiple layers, including a metalized protective layer. The metalized layer creates a Faraday cage effect around the electronic device.

The Faraday cage effect acts as a shield against external static electric fields, in addition, the static dissipative coating on both the inside and outside layer of the bag continually remove and prevent the build-up of static electricity.

WHAT ARE STATIC-SHIELDING BAGS USED FOR?

Static-shielding bags prevent the buildup of static electricity. Static-shielding bags are ideal for transporting and packing static-sensitive items such as:

  • Printed circuit boards (PCBs)
  • Disk drivers
  • Resistors
  • Memory cards
  • Populated circuit boards
  • Processors
  • Semiconductors
  • Other sensitive integrative circuits (ICs)

PROS

Static-shielding bags provide an extra measure of protection when compared to anti-static bags. Static-shielding bagsprotect electronics from exposure to static electricity and also protect against an ESD from penetrating the wall of the bag. The multi-layer construction provides a good moisture barrier when the bag is heat-sealed closed. Static-shielding bags can also be a part of a fire prevention program where strong static charges are in proximity to flammable items.

CONS

Static-shielding bags must be completely sealed or closed in order to be fully effective. It’s important to exercise an extra measure of caution when shipping sharp objects that could compromise the integrity of the bag.

TYPES OF STATIC SHIELD PACKAGING

A static shielding bag is both static dissipative and static shielding, but there is another level of protection to be had in a Moisture Barrier Bag (MBB). An MBB provides all the benefits of a static shielding bag plus protection against moisture or water vapor. These bags must be heat-sealed and sometimes vacuum-sealed. These bags are typically much thicker and have greater puncture resistance than a static shielding bag.

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