--- title: "Custom ESD Trays: Conductive & Dissipative | Termotray" description: "Anti-static trays for PCBs, memory, and connectors, in the appropriate ESD class. Not every part needs ESD protection, so our engineers assess each case." url: "https://www.termotray.com.br/en/solutions/esd-trays" --- # Conductive and static dissipative ESD trays, in the appropriate class for your application For PCB assemblies (PCBAs), bare die, memory modules, connectors, and sensors. Not every part needs electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, and when it does, choosing the correct class avoids unnecessary cost. 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. Board standing upright, held by the slot's retention teeth ### 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. Glossary: [ESD](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/glossary#esd) ### 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. Glossary: [Latent damage](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/glossary#dano-latente) ### 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. [Read the Article: Conductive vs. Dissipative](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/library/conductive-vs-dissipative) Glossary: [Conductive](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/glossary#condutivo) [Dissipative](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/glossary#dissipativo) [Insulative](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/glossary#isolante) ### 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. Glossary: [Topical anti-static coating](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/glossary#antiestatico-de-superficie) [In-resin anti-static additive](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/glossary#antiestatico-na-massa) ### 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. Glossary: [Matrix tray](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/glossary#bandeja-cartesiana) ### 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. [ Request a Data Sheet](https://wa.me/5511976999471?text=Hi%20Termotray%2C%20could%20you%20send%20me%20the%20technical%20data%20sheets%20for%20your%20ESD%20materials%3F) ### From the Technical Library - [![](https://www.termotray.com.br/images/fotos/ts-09-processo-canais-destaque-1200.webp)Specify It RightConductive or dissipative: how to avoid overpaying](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/library/conductive-vs-dissipative) - [![](https://www.termotray.com.br/images/fotos/ts-04-placas-verticais-destaque-1200.webp)Specify It RightTopical or in-resin: which ESD protection lasts as long as you need it](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/library/topical-vs-in-resin-antistatic) ### Frequently asked questions #### Does every part need ESD protection? 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. #### What's the difference between conductive and dissipative trays? 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. #### Topical or in-resin anti-static: which should I choose? 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. [Request a Quote](https://www.termotray.com.br/en/quote) [Contact Engineering](https://wa.me/5511976999471?text=Hi%20Termotray%2C%20I'd%20like%20to%20find%20out%20which%20ESD%20class%20a%20board%20or%20component%20needs.) --- Termotray is a Brazilian manufacturer of custom thermoformed trays for auto parts, electronics, and sensitive components, based in Guararema, São Paulo. - Request a Quote: https://www.termotray.com.br/en/quote - Site index for AI agents: https://www.termotray.com.br/llms.txt - Instructions for AI agents: https://www.termotray.com.br/agents.md