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Are antistatic and dissipative bags the same?

Antistatic is an ESD control property properly referred to as "low charging". This is an important property for all bags used inside or outside of an ESD protected area (EPA). Specifically, it is important that the inside of the bag is low charging. This ensures that when the ESD Sensitive Device is inserted into the bag or otherwise moves, there is minimum electrostatic charge generation. Dissipative is the electrical property of resistance so when grounded electrostatic charges will be removed to ground. This is an important ESD control property as the bag can be grounded; being dissipative provides an electrical path for an electrostatic charge to dissipate from the bag.

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Shielding Bag used in an ESD Protected Area (EPA)

All bags inside the ESD Protected Area [EPA] should be both low charging and dissipative whether packaging ESD sensitive item or non-ESD sensitive items. Packaging Standard EN 61340-5-3 clause 5.3 Outside an EPA: "Transportation of sensitive products outside of an EPA shall require packaging that provides both: a) dissipative or conductive materials for intimate contact; b) a structure that provides electrostatic discharge shielding. NOTE 1: If electrostatic field shielding materials are used to provide discharge shielding, a material that provides a barrier to current flow should be used in combination with the electrostatic field shielding material. NOTE 2 Dissipative materials are preferred for intimate packaging in situations where charged device model (CDM) damage is a concern."

View our offering of ESD Bags HERE.

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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