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ESDElectrostatic discharge protection
Electrostatic discharge protection, matched to each application
Circuit boards, chips, and other electronic components can be damaged by static electricity. That's why Termotray specifies the material of each thermoformed tray based on the level of protection the application requires.
Not every part needs ESD protection
ESD protection requirements vary by component and application. Before specifying the tray, Termotray assesses what actually needs protection and recommends the most suitable option.
Damage that doesn't show up in inspection
Much of the damage caused by electrostatic discharge is latent: the part passes testing and fails later, in the field.
8% to 33% of product losses in electronics are attributed to static electricity, according to an ESD Association estimate.
Conductive, dissipative, or insulative
- Conductive, 10⁴ to 10⁶ ohms: drains charge quickly. These are the black trays made from carbon-loaded material.
- Dissipative, 10⁶ to 10¹¹ ohms: releases charge gradually and in a controlled way.
- Insulative, 10¹¹ ohms or more: holds charge and needs special precautions in applications with ESD-sensitive components. It's typically used to hold finished, already protected products or to move parts before final packaging.
Choosing the correct class avoids over-specifying and helps balance protection, performance, and cost.
Topical or in-resin anti-static
- Topical anti-static coating: applied like a varnish, with a limited shelf life. Works well for single-use or short-cycle trays.
- In-resin anti-static additive: compounded into the material, it gradually migrates to the surface and keeps the tray protected for years. This is the so-called permanent effect. Recommended for trays with a service life of three to five years.
Neither is better than the other. The choice depends on the tray's service life.
Topical anti-static coating life: six months to two years, depending on handling.
Designed to work with your production line
Trays can be designed to support machine loading, automated handling, and part organization throughout the process. In a robot-ready matrix tray, every pocket sits at an exact position for robots and vision systems.
Materials and documentation
Termotray processes conductive (black) and dissipative (black or clear) ESD materials.
We verify protection with a digital static field meter, which measures electric field strength or surface potential.
Technical data sheets (TDS) and material test reports are available on request.
Frequently asked questions
No. Not every part needs ESD protection. It depends on the component and the application. In general, exposed components need ESD protection, while encapsulated parts often don't. Before specifying the tray, Termotray assesses what actually needs protection and recommends the most suitable option.
Conductive material drains charge quickly, while static dissipative material releases it gradually and in a controlled way. In many cases, dissipative material is all the component needs. Because conductive material costs more, it's worth confirming the class with Termotray's engineering team before you request a quote.
The choice between topical and in-resin anti-static depends on the tray's service life. A topical anti-static coating works well for single-use or short-cycle trays. An in-resin anti-static additive keeps the tray protected for years and suits trays built for many use cycles.
Send us the drawing of your board or component
Our engineering team assesses whether ESD protection is needed, recommends the appropriate class, and presents an initial tray proposal.