What is static shielding? All about Static Shielding Bags

If you work with sensitive electronic circuitry such as circuit boards, the need may arise for you to place these electronics into a protective container. It may be for temporary storage or for shipping the item to a customer. Bags are a convenient method for insulating electronics. However, it’s essential that you choose bags made specifically for protecting electronics. Static-shielding bags are ideal for this use.

What Is a Static-Shielding Bag?

Static-shielding bags by definition are the quintessential anti-static bag. They are made of polyethylene plastic, a durable material that doesn’t create static and keeps static electricity from building. They are designed to look like standard shipping bags, but they typically come in silver or black colors.

How Do These Bags Work?

Bulkier and heavier than dissipative anti-static bags, static-shielding bags are made of multiple layers. In addition to the polyethylene plastic, there is a metalized layer that has the effect of grounding any static charges forming around the electronic components. Dissipative coating is added to the inside and outside layers as an extra form of protection.

What Are Static-Shielding Bags Used For?

All static-shielding bags are an excellent protective cover for a range of electronic items that must have protection from static discharge. They are popularly used for storing and shipping the following:

Disk drivers
Memory cards
Populated circuit boards
Printed circuit boards
Processors
Resistors
Semiconductors
Sensitive integrative circuits

It should be noted that in order to reap all of the protective benefits from static-shielding bags, they must be sealed completely. When sealed, they also offer good protection from moisture and from static charges produced by flammable items.

Are Regular Anti-Static Bags the Same?

Yes and no. The average dissipative anti-static bag is good for general static protection. However, they are not capable of protecting items from direct static discharge. The static-shielding bag produces a Faraday cage effect, offering a higher level of protection for sensitive items.

Extra Caution Needed for Shipping

Since these bags are constructed with multiple layers, you may think that they are relatively indestructible. The opposite is true. All of the work that goes into making it a strong anti-static bag can go out the window with a single storage mistake. When placing items inside of the bag, caution is recommended to prevent sharp objects from destroying the bag’s protective layers during shipping. A single tear anywhere in the bag can expose electronics to damage from static discharge. Puncture-resistant bags can help prevent this damage.

Popular Anti-Static Bag Styles

You have three good options when it comes to static-shielding bag styles. They also come in several size options that make it possible to protect and ship a wide variety of component types.
Bubble Cushion. The bubble cushion style bag provides heavy-duty protection in a lightweight ESD design. Bags made with high-quality construction also offer puncture resistance, providing added peace of mind.

Open Top. The open-top bag has a similar design to standard large mailing envelopes found in post offices and shops that sell mailing materials. You can easily slide your component into the bag. They are often heat sealed for maximum security.

Zip Top. This style of bag with the zip closure is popular for storing and shipping small to medium-sized components. The zip closure is easy to use.