ESD Gasket Applications
At NEDC, we manufacture gaskets, and custom pads. One of the more interesting materials offer is electrostatic dissipative(ESD) gasketing. Out of those materials we manufacture ESD Gaskets.
What is ElectroStatic Dissipative Gasketing?
It might be a good idea to start with the definition of what electrostatic dissipative gasketing is. It’s important to distinguish what Electrostatic Dissipative is versus what Electrically Conductive Gasketing is. This is defined on a spectrum. I actually Googled this myself because I view it as relative to the application but the definition is: “1×10 to the 5th ohms/square but less than 1×10 to the 11th ohms/square. “ Essentially its defined as how quickly electricity moves through an object.
Quick Hand Definitions:
Conductive is 10 to the 4th, and lower- meaning electricity moves through these objects/materials very quickly.
Insulative is 10 to the 11th and up- meaning electricity moves very slowly, or does not move at all through it.
Anti-Static/Static Dissipative is between Conductive/Insulative- so it all depends on the application.
So essentially, an ESD Gasket is material cut into a custom shape for an application that fall in between insulative/conductive materials.
Effects of Lack of ESD Control
When static build-ups in an application, it can damage or cause equipment to malfunction. Electronics that are sensitive to this, can have devastating effects.
Availability of Electrostatic Dissipative Gasketing Materials:
Silicone Rubber Electrostatic Dissipative
Product Availability: Saint Gobain EC-102 (click to Download Datasheet)
-Qualified for outdoor use/gasketing
-Same benefits as typical silicone, wide temp range, stands up to ozone, and UV rays
Neoprene(Chloroprene) Rubber Electrostatic Dissipative
-(50A-70A) durometer is standard
-Various Manufacturers
-Qualified for outdoor use/gasketing
-Good Oil Resistance typical of Neoprene type rubber products
-Available up to .250’’ .
Conductive Foam Grounding Pads
These foams are good because they offer a good compression opportunity that allows the material tolerance to have a small set, and take up space in the application while also maintaining a ground. They have good chemical resistance, and decent heat resistance.
Use of Conductive Foam for grounding pads is very common. Materials such as:
CF500/CF700/CF600/CF800 from Laird
CF Conductive Foam by Schlegel
Condux PORON Plus by Rogers Corporation
Applications that utilize Electrostatic Dissipative Materials:
-Grounding Pads
-Gasketing combined with ESD control
More Info on ESD Gaskets
As is typical with most gasketing than NEDC offers, we sell adhesive tape products applied to them to help with assembly. These materials are available in nominal thicknesses ranging from .032’’ to .125’’. NEDC die-cuts or waterjet cuts electric static dissipative materials out of sheet stock. For more information on electric static dissipative gaskets, or pads, or you believe you have an application that could utilize this please contact sales@nedc.com.