ESD shielding bags are commonly used for the packaging of electronic components to prevent damage caused by electrostatic discharge events that electronic devices can be prone to. It is important to understand how to use ESD shielding bags properly.
The following 5 tips should help you use ESD shielding bags properly:
-
Shielding bags should be large enough to enclose the entire product within.
The shielding bag should be closed with a label or tape. Alternatively, you can use a zipper-style shielding bag. This ensures that electrostatic shielding is provided. This is the only way to ensure that ESD sensitive devices placed inside the shielding bag are protected - an unsealed ESD bag offers NO protection!
-
Eliminate charges from the ESD Shielding Bags
When receiving an ESD sensitive device packaged in a shielded bag, be sure to place the closed shielded bag on the ESD work surface before removing the product. This will eliminate any charge that may have accumulated on the surface of the shielding bag.
-
Do not overuse shielding bags
If the shielding bags are undamaged, it is acceptable to re-use them. However, any holes, tears or excessive wrinkles on the shielding bag are all signs that the bag should be discarded.
-
Shielding bags are not a working surface area
ESD shielding bags are just to keep the ESD sensitive products away from ESD damage.
You should use a properly grounded ESD work surface for working with ESD sensitive products.
-
Do not handle ESD sensitive devices with Shielding Bags
Do not use a shielding bag as an “ESD potholder” or “ESD glove” to handle ESD sensitive devices because it does not offer any ESD protection to the devices. You should always use wrist straps or heel grounders to handles ESD sensitive devices.
For more technical information about ESD shielding bags, please visit the below thread: