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. Fortunately, Cortec® has led the industry in designing two-in-one packaging solutions that meet both needs and today 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 work bench 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.
