ESD Packaging Selection: Surface Resistance × Shielding × Cushioning
"Anti-static", "conductive", and "shielding" are three distinct concepts. Aspirature categorises ESD products by surface resistance and by construction form: - By resistance tier (manual §2): 10⁹–10¹¹ Ω anti-static, 10⁶–10⁹ Ω grid-conductive, 10³–10⁶ Ω conductive; - By construction (manual §3): PE bag / bubble bag / shielding bag / shielding-film bubble bag / grid bag / grid-film bubble bag / conductive bag / conductive-film bubble bag / EPE foam bag. The right choice is not "the most expensive" — it is matching device sensitivity class + cushioning requirement + external-field shielding requirement.
1. Anti-static / Conductive / Shielding: three distinct jobs
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| Concept | Surface resistance (Ω) | Main job | Typical devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-static | 10⁹–10¹¹ | Suppress static accumulation | General static-sensitive parts (resistors, capacitors, PCBs) |
| Grid-conductive | 10⁶–10⁸ | Provide a controlled discharge path to avoid fast-discharge damage | Moderately sensitive (ICs, modules) |
| Conductive | 10³–10⁶ | Rapid discharge for transient-sensitive devices | Highly sensitive (MOSFETs, semiconductor wafers) |
| Shielding (multi-layer metallised) | 10⁹–10¹¹ (outer) + Faraday-cage structure | Block external static fields from entering | Devices exposed to strong external fields in transit |
Selection note: low charging, resistance and discharge shielding are separate properties. A multilayer bag may provide all three. Select against the device and handling requirements rather than the colour or product name.
Mapping Aspirature's 9 ESD products to the matrix (per manual §2):
| Resistance tier | Aspirature products |
|---|---|
| 10⁹–10¹¹ Ω | Anti-static PE bag (4253), Shielding bag (4258), Anti-static bubble bag (193), Anti-static EPE foam bag (191), Grid-film bag |
| 10⁶–10⁹ Ω | Grid-film bubble bag (4257), Shielding-film bubble bag (4260), Conductive-film bag |
| 10³–10⁶ Ω | Conductive bag (4254), Conductive-film bubble bag (4255) |
2. Cushioning or not: film vs bubble vs EPE foam
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The resistance tier decides ESD performance; the construction decides cushioning. Choose them separately:
| Construction | Cushioning | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| PE bag / Shielding bag / Grid bag / Conductive bag | No cushioning | Device has its own enclosure / dust + ESD only |
| Bubble bag / Shielding-film bubble bag / Grid-film bubble bag / Conductive-film bubble bag | Medium cushioning (single or double bubble) | Mid-size electronics, general handling bumps |
| Anti-static EPE foam bag | Strong cushioning (foam structure) | Precision parts, LCD panels, camera modules |
The manual specifies: anti-static bubble bag thickness 0.03–0.15 mm; bubble style single-side (more grippy) or double-side (smoother); shielding-film bubble inner basis weight 140 / 160 g/m²; conductive-film bubble inner basis weight 80 / 130 / 150 g/m².
3. 5-step selection method
- Confirm device sensitivity and the ESD control plan. Use HBM/CDM information from the device manufacturer. Do not convert an HBM class directly into one universal bag-resistance requirement.
- Confirm the handling environment. Packaging outside an electrostatic protected area needs discharge-shielding properties in addition to suitable low-charging and conductive or dissipative properties. Indoor handling alone does not establish that shielding can be omitted.
- Choose cushioning separately. Film bags, bubble laminates and EPE foam constructions serve different mechanical-protection needs. Validate the packed item.
- Request the applicable test evidence. Identify the sample, test method, conditioning, humidity, temperature and results. A system standard is not a substitute for a material test report.
- Agree the order specification. State the required resistance, shielding and mechanical properties and any destination-market material requirements. A broad product range is not the specification of a single SKU.
4. Key terms for quote and contract
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The manual (Section 2) defines: product info table = customisable range, technical parameter table = default shipment spec. The quote and contract must specify which value the customer requires.
| Product | Customisable range | Default spec | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-static PE bag (4253) | 10⁹–10¹¹ Ω | 10⁹–10¹¹ Ω | Both tables identical |
| Shielding bag (4258) | 10⁹–10¹¹ Ω | 10⁹–10¹¹ Ω | Both tables identical |
| Conductive bag (4254) | 10³–10⁹ Ω | 10³–10⁶ Ω | ✅ Confirmed |
| Anti-static bubble bag (193) | 10³–10¹¹ Ω | 10⁹–10¹¹ Ω | Inferred (pending) |
| Grid ESD bag (4256) | 10⁶–10⁹ Ω | 10⁶–10⁸ Ω | Inferred (pending) |
| Anti-static EPE foam bag (191) | 10⁹–10¹¹ Ω | Not disclosed | Pending |
The 10³–10¹¹ Ω range for the anti-static bubble bag spans 8 decades — different material systems are typically required; confirm the practical span with sales before quoting.
5. Common pitfalls
- Anti-static and shielding are different properties. Request evidence for the properties the application needs.
- Lower resistance is not automatically a better choice. Follow the customer's device and handling requirements.
- Cushioning must be tested separately. Film thickness alone does not establish transit protection.
- Chemical test reports do not establish ESD performance. Request the relevant electrical and shielding test results separately.
The product-range tables in this guide reproduce company manual values. Confirm the material, sample and test conditions for the actual order.
·Selection steps·
Step-by-Step Guide
- 01
Classify ESD sensitivity
Obtain HBM and CDM sensitivity information from the device manufacturer and follow the customer’s ESD control plan.
- 02
Decide on shielding
Confirm whether the item remains within an electrostatic protected area or needs discharge-shielding packaging outside it.
- 03
Decide on cushioning
PE / shielding / grid / conductive bags offer no cushioning; choose bubble or EPE foam by cushioning need.
- 04
Confirm standards and reports
Require third-party reports per ANSI/ESD S541-2019, ESD S20.20-2021, plus compliance statements for RoHS, (EU)2015/863, REACH 1907/2006.
·Frequently asked questions·
Frequently Asked Questions
01 How do anti-static, conductive, and shielding bags differ?
Low charging, conductivity or dissipation, and discharge shielding address different risks. A multilayer bag may provide several of these properties; confirm them with the appropriate tests.
02 Is a lower-resistance conductive bag always better?
No. Resistance is one part of the specification. Select it together with charging, shielding and the device manufacturer’s handling requirements.
03 Is the 10³–10¹¹ Ω range on the anti-static bubble bag a single SKU?
No. Spanning 8 decades physically requires different material systems. Aspirature lists the broad range in the manual; the specific tier is confirmed per customer before quoting.
04 Why combine shielding with anti-static?
Low-charging surfaces limit charge generation during contact, while a suitable shielding structure protects against external discharge. A complete package may need both.
References and scope
- ANSI/ESD S541-2019 — Packaging Materials for ESD Sensitive Items
- ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021 — Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment
- ESD ADV11.2-1995 — Triboelectric Charge Accumulation Testing
- RoHS 2011/65/EU + (EU)2015/863 — Restriction of Hazardous Substances
- REACH 1907/2006 — Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
- CTI Test Report A2220543523101 (PE ESD bag) / A2230110564101R1 (Shielding film bubble bag)
Source note: resistance tiers, test conditions and reference standards come from public international standards (ANSI/ESD, RoHS, REACH) and the Aspirature ESD product manual v2026-07. Specific resistance values are listed to indicate the ranges Aspirature can deliver, not to certify any individual product. Third-party reports (CTI, SGS, etc.) are available on request.
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