Take a new approach to ESD packaging for electronics

1st August 2024

Cortec

Harry Fowle

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In the world of electronics manufacturing, ESD managers have the critical role of ensuring that components do not get damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Corrosion protection is often a lower priority but should also be on the radar for manufacturers who want their electronics to reach the end user in good condition. Cortec has designed two-in-one ESD packaging solutions that meet both needs and is eager to turn the spotlight on EcoSonic ESD Paper as a sustainable alternative to standard plastic ESD bags.

Corrosion + ESD protection

Shipping is a vulnerable time for electronics as they pass through a variety of climates and temperature fluctuations that could prompt condensation on subassemblies inside a package. Any corrosion or even staining will call the integrity of an electronic into question when the end user unwraps it. Cortec therefore coats EcoSonic ESD Paper with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI/VpCI) to protect multi-metals from oxidizing. VpCI molecules in the coating vaporize and diffuse throughout a packaging enclosure, adsorb on metal surfaces, and form a protective molecular layer that does not need to be cleaned off when the module is installed. To address ESD concerns, EcoSonic ESD Paper also has a static-dissipative coating to eliminate static electricity buildup. With this coating, the ESD properties of EcoSonic ESD Paper meet the requirements of ANSI/ESD STM11.11 for surface resistance and MIL-STD 3010C Method 4046 for static decay rate. The final result is a two-in-one recyclable VCI/ESD paper.

Replacing plastic bags for everyday use

Even while Cortec has been creating dual corrosion inhibiting / static-dissipative packaging for electronics, plastic bags have remained the main packaging format for a variety of reasons. EcoSonic ESD Paper takes an important departure from this norm by replacing plastic with recyclable paper sourced from trees, a renewable resource. This answers the call for paper packaging options from electronics manufacturers in Europe and Asia. EcoSonic ESD Paper can be easily applied by wrapping it around an electronic and taping the folds to hold them in place and create an enclosure. EcoSonic ESD Paper can also be used to create an instant static-dissipative workspace by laying the paper on a workbench where employees assemble or inspect sensitive electronic parts.

Take a new approach to electronics packaging

ESD managers and packaging engineers who need static dissipation should also consider whether a specific application needs corrosion protection. With EcoSonic ESD Paper, they have the additional option of choosing recyclable paper over plastic—in sync with the growing demand for environmentally responsible electronics packaging options.