ESD Bags: Antistatic, Shielding and Moisture Barrier
The three bags that are called "ESD"«
1. Antistatic (the pink one). Its only function is do not generate load It does not shield against external electrical discharge and does not stop moisture. It is suitable for wrapping, separating, and transporting within a controlled area, and for nothing else.
One detail that almost no one checks: formulations with amine They can corrode polycarbonate over time. If the component or its housing contains them, amine-free material must be requested.
2. Static shielding (the metallized one). It has a layer of metallized polyester between dissipative layers, and that forms a Faraday cageThe contents are protected from a discharge occurring outside the bag. This is the discharge required for the component to leave the ESD area.
3. Moisture barrier (MBB). It's a laminate with a inner layer of aluminum, Not just metallic. This difference significantly reduces water vapor transmission, making it suitable for moisture-sensitive components. It also acts as a shield, thus fulfilling the previous function as well.
The industry benchmark for antistatic barrier material is MIL-PRF-81705 Type I, and that is the one that the bags require. IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033 for MSD component packaging.
Which one do you get?
- The component does not leave the ESD area and you just have to separate it or wrap it → antistatic.
- The component leaves the area, travels between plants or is stored outside → static shielding.
- The component has declared MSL level —semiconductors, integrated circuits, modules— or it will be stored for months → moisture barrier, sealed, with desiccant and indicator inside.
If in doubt, the barrier option covers all three functions. It costs more per piece but less than an emergency baked batch.
The bag alone offers no protection.
A sealed barrier bag with nothing inside only traps the humid air that was present at the time of sealing. The packaging of an MSD component consists of four things, and all four must be present:
- The barrier bag, heat sealed.
- Desiccant, dosed according to the area of the bag. J-STD-033 measures it in units, Not in sachets: two small sachets do not equal the correct dose.
- Humidity indicator, to find out later if the packaging met the requirements.
- The MSD caution label, with level and sealing date. Without a date, the floor life cannot be calculated.
If the indicator has already changed, the next step is bake before assembling.
ESD Annual Guide
We published a guide that cross-references bag type, size, and application to resolve the selection without back-and-forth.
How to seal and reopen it
- Insert component, desiccant and indicator, leaving room for sealing and for two reopenings.
- Heat seal with a continuous strip. A seal with a fold is a leaky seal.
- Label with MSL level and sealing date.
- When opening, cut above the previous seal to preserve a useful length, and note the date: from that moment on, the floor is ready for use.
- When resealed, use new desiccant and indicator. The used ones are no longer usable.
Quote ESD stocks
Tell us what you're going to protect, whether the component has an MSL rating, the size, and the quantity. With that information, we can tell you which of the three bags is right for you. Contact us.
How it combines with the rest of the humidity control
The bag seals, but it doesn't say what happened inside. That's why it goes with it. humidity indicators, which record the exposure, and desiccant, which absorbs what enters. If the component has already exceeded its exposure time, the next step is the baked.
The complete catalog is available at ESD consumables.
What we handle
- Moisture barrier and static shielding bags, in various constructions depending on the level of protection required by your specification.
- Catalog measurements of 10 × 12, 10 × 20, 10 × 30 and 16 × 18 inches, and others upon request.
- Desiccant silica gel and clay, and humidity indicators in different ranges.
- He Complete packaging as a serviceWe seal the component with a bag, desiccant and indicator and deliver it to you ready, vacuum sealed where applicable.
If it's in stock and you're in the same city, it will be delivered the same day.
Buy ESD bags online
Moisture barrier and antistatic bags, along with ESD wristbands and heel pads, are available. SBC Store Price per unit, VAT included, and shipping throughout Mexico. To seal the packaging according to J-STD-033, the following are available in the same store: desiccant and the humidity indicator cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pink anti-static bag suitable for shipping components?
Not on its own. The rose prevents generating a charge, but It doesn't impress It does not protect against an external discharge nor stop moisture. For the component to leave the ESD area, a shielding bag is required, and if it has an MSL level, a barrier bag is also necessary.
What is the difference between metallized and barrier?
The metallic shield; the barrier version also has an inner layer of aluminum that significantly reduces the passage of water vapor. The second type is necessary for moisture-sensitive components.
How many desiccants are in each bag?
It depends on the area of the bag, not the number of components. J-STD-033 specifies the dosage in desiccant units. Tell us the size and we'll tell you the dosage.
Can they be reused?
The bag is fine if the seal is cut at the top and the material is not punctured. The desiccant and indicator are not: they are replaced with each reseal.
What measures are they using?
Catalog sizes: 10x12, 10x20, 10x30 and 16x18 inches. Other sizes available upon request.
Do they sell just the bag or the complete package?
Both. You can buy the consumable or send us the component and receive it sealed with desiccant and indicator.