ESD Tapes

Static-Safe Tape

Most people are aware of regular high charging tape in ESD Protected Areas (EPAs) and know that these should be replaced with ESD tape. However, there is a lot of confusion out there as to what type of ESD tape should be used for what application.

All generators of electrostatic charges, such as untreated plastic films, foams, synthetic fibres, adhesive tapes, etc., must be prohibited and should be kept away from the EPA.

An EPA should never have any electrostatic generative adhesive tapes or labels, as these can cause very high potentials when applied or stripped off.

ESD Cellulose Tape

ESD cellulose tape is generally transparent, although some types have a blue, red, green or yellow hue. This type of tape is made from cellulose.

Application:

• Sealing ESD bags and other ESD packaging/containers
• General purpose ESD tape applications
• Secure (bundle) IC DIP tubes
• Prevents damage to sensitive electronic components in manufacturing
• Ideal for holding notes, work orders or instructions in offices, ESD workstations, or for general purpose
• Ideal for conformal coating or holding and sealing supplies in manufacturing
• Ideal in packaging for container sealing, static shielding bag closure and holding DIP tubes
• Use with ESD symbols for ESD awareness

ESD Conductive Shielding Grid Tape

ESD grid tape is generally tan or brown in colour with a black grid pattern. The tape is made from an antistatic copolymer with a conductive grid layer.

Application:

• For applications requiring EMI shielding
• Use in areas where the generation of static electricity is of concern
• Secure (bundle) IC tubes
• Cover external plugs, holes or connector pins on electronic chassis (black boxes, etc.) during transportation or storage

ESD High-Temperature Masking Tape

ESD high-temperature masking tape has a natural colouring and is made from crepe paper.

Application:

• Silk screening applications
• Masking application in spray and brush painting, non-staining
• Protective purposes in manufacturing processes, strips clean
• For securing polyethylene sheeting to walls during painting
• For OEM repair shops
• Use in applications masking PCBs gold features for wave soldering or soldering under 150°C
• Thick conductive adhesive excellent for conformability to protect critical PCB features
• Easily handles high temperatures of wave soldering without leaving significant residue
• Handles temperatures found in test and burn-in ovens
• For best results, apply to board using a rubber roller

ESD High-Temperature Polyimide Tape

ESD high-temperature polyimide tape is brown and opaque in colour. The tape is constructed from a polyimide material.

Application:

• Ideal for masking gold leads and other components on boards populated with sensitive integrated circuits
• Thick conductive adhesive excellent for conformability to protect critical PCB features
• Masking off PCBs for IR reflow ovens or wave soldering under 300°C for ~ 10 seconds

Aisle or Floor Marking Tape

Aisle and floor marking tape is generally yellow in colour with black printing. It is constructed from a PVC material.

Application:

• Use to mark off floors designating ESD Protective Areas
• Can be used as area signs
• Note: floor marking tape has no ESD control properties

Packaging Tape

Packaging tape can usually be found in a yellow colour with black printing. The tape is made from a PVC material.

Application:

• Suitable for sealing secondary packaging such as cartons
• Note: packaging tape has no ESD control properties

ESD tapes come in all sorts of widths and lengths so make sure you check the specifications to ensure your chosen tape will work for your application. Once you’ve picked the right kind of ESD tape, don’t forget to purchase an ESD tape dispenser to go with it.

Identifying an ESD Protected Area (EPA)

An EPA needs to be identified as such. You can use products such as floor marking tape and/or signs which are designed to attract attention and deliver a clear message to personnel and visitors, i.e. “You are entering an ESD Protected Area” or “You are leaving an ESD Protected Area”. This ensures operators and visitors are alerted when entering (or leaving) an ESD Protected Area which require special precautions (grounding via wrist straps and/or foot grounders etc.). It also indicates that they are entering (or exiting) areas where exposed ESDS items can be handled safely. Remember to be consistent throughout your workplace floor, i.e. use the same signs or tape. This will avoid confusion for your operators.

We have an extensive range of antistatic tape which are to be used within an EPA. These are ideal for any workplaces or industries which handle, use or package sensitive electronic devices/components and need to protect them from electrostatic discharges. Additionally, we also have general packing and paper tape to promote an ESD area or awareness.

Bondline offer a wide selection of ESD tapes, including:

• Conductive Grid Tape
• Floor Marking Tape
• Clear Anti-Static Tape
• High Temperature Polyimide Tape
• Paper Tape
• Blue Clear ESD Tape
• Three Language Tape
• ESD High Temperature Tape

Contact Us

Need help with choosing the right tape for your application? Please contact one of our expert sales members for advice.