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Choosing the right type of ESD Tape for your Application

Most people are aware of regular high charging tape in ESD Protected Areas (EPAs) and know that these should be replaced with ESD tape. However, there is a lot of confusion out there as to what type of ESD tape should be used for what application. So we’ve put together an overview of the different types of ESD tape available and when to use them. 

All generators of electrostatic charges, such as untreated plastic films, foams, synthetic fibres, adhesive tapes, etc., must be prohibited and should be kept away from the EPA [ESD protected area].” (EN 61340-5-2 section 6)
EPA should never have any electrostatic generative adhesive tapes or labels, as these can cause very high potentials when applied or stripped off.” (EN 61340-5-1 section 7.4)

ESD Cellulose Tape

Technical information:

  • Colour: generally transparent; some types have a blue, red, green or yellow hue
  • Film construction: cellulose

Cellulose Tape


Examples of ESD Cellulose Tape - find out more

Application:

  • Sealing ESD bags and other ESD packaging/containers
  • General purpose ESD tape applications
  • Secure (bundle) IC DIP tubes
  • Prevents damage to sensitive electronic components in manufacturing
  • Ideal for holding notes, work orders or instructions in offices, ESD workstations, or for general purpose
  • Ideal for conformal coating or holding and sealing supplies in manufacturing
  • Ideal in packaging for container sealing, static shielding bag closure and holding DIP tubes
  • Use with ESD symbols for ESD awareness

ESD Conductive Shielding Grid Tape

Technical information:

  • Colour: tan/brown with black grid pattern
  • Film construction: antistatic copolymer with conductive grid layer

Conductive Shielding Grid Tape


Examples of ESD Conductive Shielding Grid Tape - find out more

Application:

  • For applications requiring EMI shielding
  • Use in areas where the generation of static electricity is of concern
  • Secure (bundle) IC tubes
  • Cover external plugs, holes or connector pins on electronic chassis (black boxes, etc.) during transportation or storage

ESD High-Temp Masking Tape

Technical information:

  • Colour: natural
  • Film construction: crepe paper

High-Temp Masking Tape


Examples of ESD High-Temp Masking Tape - find out more

Application:

  • Silk screening applications
  • Masking application in spray and brush painting, non-staining
  • Protective purposes in manufacturing processes, strips clean
  • For securing polyethylene sheeting to walls during painting
  • For OEM repair shops
  • Use in applications masking PCBs gold features for wave soldering or soldering under 150°C
  • Thick conductive adhesive excellent for conformability to protect critical PCB features
  • Easily handles high temperatures of wave soldering without leaving significant residue
  • Handles temperatures found in test and burn-in ovens
  • For best results, apply to board using a rubber roller

ESD High-Temp Polyimide Tape

Technical information:

  • Colour: brown opaque
  • Film construction: polyimide

High-Temp Polyimide Tape


Examples of ESD High-Temp Polyimide Tape

Application:

  • Ideal for masking gold leads and other components on boards populated with sensitive integrated circuits
  • Thick conductive adhesive excellent for conformability to protect critical PCB features
  • Masking off PCBs for IR reflow ovens or wave soldering under 300°C for ~ 10 seconds

Aisle or Floor Marking Tape

Technical information:

  • Colour: yellow with black printing
  • Film construction: PVC

FloorMarkingTape


Examples of Floor Marking Tape - find out more

Application:

  • Use to mark off floors designating ESD Protective Areas
  • Can be used as area signs
  • Note: floor marking tape has no ESD control properties

Packaging Tape

Technical information:

  • Colour: yellow with black printing
  • Film construction: PVC

Packaging Tape


Example of Packaging Tape

Application:

  • Suitable for sealing secondary packaging such as cartons
  • Note: packaging tape has no ESD control properties

ESD tapes come in all sorts of widths and lengths so make sure you check the specifcations to ensure your chosen tape will work for your application. And once you've picked the right kind of ESD tape, don't forget an ESD tape dispenser to go with it...  

Desco Europe is the newest brand in the Desco Industries family, consolidating our two previous UK-based brands, Charleswater and Vermason. Desco Europe sells the full range of DII products, manufactured in our facilities in the USA and UK, servicing the European market via trained distributors who will sell the Desco Europe value package and complete ESD solution to all ESD users in their territory, leading with hi-end solutions that mark us out from the competition.
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