17/10/2017 at 08:31:08
ESD packaging, such as antistatic bags and static shielding bags, are some of the most important safety products used in manufacturing environments. Without these specialised packaging solutions, it would be virtually impossible to safely transport products and components from the production line to their final destination.
However, despite their importance to ensure quality and reliability of product, there is still confusion about the differences between antistatic and static shielding bags. Let us clarify here
ESD-focused packaging is always classified in one of three levels:
- Intimate packaging: this is packaging that can safely come into contact with static-sensitive components
- Proximity packaging: is packaging that can enclose (but not come into direct contact with) the product
- Secondary packaging: is packaging which can only be used for protection against physical damage during the shipping process
Static shielding bags fall in to the categories of both intimate and proximity packaging. These bags protect ESD-sensitive products from static electricity that may build up inside or outside the bag. The way they do this is through their construction:
- The innermost layer of the bag is constructed from a static dissipative polyethylene
- The intermediary layer is an aluminium sheet which offers additional protection against static damage
- Finally, the outermost section of the bag is a static dissipative polyester covering that helps dissipate external static charges
Antistatic bags are much simpler containers and are classed as either proximity packaging or secondary packaging. These bags "will not generate or hold a triboelectric charge" and can be used to safely transport non static sensitive components into a static controlled environment without the threat of static discharge.
In some cases the use of moisture barrier bags is required in addition to antistatic and static shielding bags. These are used in conjunction with desiccant and humidity indicator cards to ensure moisture is kept to a minimum.
Vacuum sealers, is one better than the other?
Each bag has its advantages. Any product that is susceptible to damage from a static electricity discharge should be packaged in a suitable bag.
Generally speaking, static sensitive bags should be used for ESD-sensitive products themselves, while antistatic bags should be reserved for storing and transporting anything that may come into contact with an ESD-sensitive product. Antistatic bags can be used to hold tools, safety equipment, manufacturing equipment, spare parts, and anything else that could potentially discharge onto a product.
Either way, it’s important to protect your workers, manufacturing environment, supplies, and equipment by using bags that will minimise the risk of static discharge in order to avoid disruption to your operations.
03/10/2017 at 14:43:28
Following on from our recent prize draw to win tickets to witness first-hand the Bloodhound SSC’s first run in Newquay next month, two lucky people have been selected at random, and they are now counting down to the big day.
Scott from Felixstowe and Craig from Glasgow are now planning their visits to Cornwall, each with a guest, using their £500 prize money.
The Bloodhound project’s first public test run is at a VIP day on 26th October when project supporters (such as Antistat) plus members of the 1K Club get to see the years of hard work roar in to motion for the first time.
Preparations for the big day at the BloodHound SSC HQ have included:
- Delivery of a ‘flight worthy’ operational EJ200 jet engine from Rolls-Royce – this is the one that will power the car and it has now been installed into the car
- The team has been fitting and calibrating sensors for the upper chassis and adding water and air cooling systems throughout the car
- The brake disks and rear suspension have been added
- A lot of work has been done in and around the cockpit, such as fitting the power assisted steering, LP cock shut-off, smoke detectors, halon gas fire extinguisher, breathing air, throttle and brake pedals, 6-point harness, head protection, radio communications, wiring looms and control systems – all of which is tricky in such a confined space!
For those of you who unfortunately didn’t win, there are still a few tickets available on the public viewing days. Visit the project website to buy your tickets.
For all the latest news about the project and to learn about how the initiative is engaging schools and youth organisations, see their news pages.
04/09/2017 at 13:57:22
Antistat provided an ESD safe environment to build the world's most advanced straight-line racing car – The 1,000mph Bloodhound SSC
This world-leading, British-backed advanced engineering project simply wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the passion of its founder and project director Richard Noble, the driver and current land speed world record holder Andy Green, and the dedicated team who worked tirelessly on the design and construction of the car. It's a truly mesmerising project in terms of numbers; it's over 13m in length, can go from 0-1,000mph in 55 seconds, has a drag factor of 20 tons at full speed - and a power ratio of 135,000 brake-horse-power.
The truly ground-breaking engineering and electronics jet-powered vehicle, launched at London's Science Museum, has been in development since 2008 and is almost ready for its first test run later this year.
Richard Noble announced to the world the plan to smash the World Land Speed Record nearly ten years ago, presently held by Thrust 2 and at the same time wanted to inspire the next generation of Scientists and Engineers with an iconic British project. In a Post-Brexit world, this could hardly be more relevant today as a display of home-grown engineering and global technical ingenuity. The launch date is now confirmed - the vehicle will be blasting down the 12-mile test track runway at Newquay Aerohub in Cornwall at the end of October 2017.
A British Funded Engineering Project
The project, which has been fully funded by UK businesses, has been a collaborative affair with major partners like Rolls-Royce, Rolex, STP and Serco all donating their expertise, effort and numerous replacement parts to share an iconic research and development programme with a global audience to set a new world land-speed record of 1,000mph. As our clients span automotive, defence, aerospace, electronics and medical industries, we were pleased to be able to offer our support to the project.
The Bloodhound Project's objective is to instil enthusiasm in Engineering in Britain by obtaining the World Land Speed Record as safely and cost-effectively as possible. As such, the initiative is actively engaging with schools and youth organisations to ignite interest in the STEM-space (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). There are also opportunities for the general public to get involved, such as sponsoring the tail fin of this amazing machine, although space is running out, fast!
Bloodhound Tickets Prize Giveaway*
Antistat have agreed to give away a pair of tickets to see the first public test run of the Bloodhound SSC at a VIP day on 26th October 2017. The winner of the draw will receive:
- 2 x VIP Day tickets to the event and
- £500 cash towards travel & accommodation
The prize will include the opportunity to see the vehicle which will be the world's fastest supersonic car on its maiden test run. For your chance to enter (no purchase necessary) please simply enter your details here. You can also watch the video about the BloodHound SSC construction process and for those more technically minded, you can also see the supersonic construction details of the car on the website along with press images.
The draw is only open to residents of the UK, the draw closes on 15th September 2017 and winners will be selected at random and notified directly by the 26th September 2017. *Terms and conditions apply, please see website for full details.
The Bloodhound Project is a global Engineering Adventure, using a 1,000mph world land speed record attempt to inspire the next generation to enjoy, explore and get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. www.bloodhoundssc.com/project
17/08/2017 at 15:36:45
Although we operate globally, providing production consumables and supply chain solutions wherever our customers are in the world, one of the local stories we’re extremely proud of at Antistat is our long-standing, on-going collaboration with a hidden gem – Onward Enterprises – who we have been working with to deliver bespoke packaging projects for over 11 years.
Onward Enterprises is a social enterprise, which enables adults with learning difficulties or mental health problems to work as part of an integrated workforce delivering contract packaging and fulfilment services. The founding ethos of the organisation is to give people the opportunity to experience a real-life working environment.
Onward Enterprises was one of the first providers to offer this type of service and provide a stepping stone to employment. Families of people who are in the Onward team explain that the environment of supported working allows people to realise their potential, have a purpose, express themselves and live their lives.
Antistat has been able to work with Onward on a variety of projects over the years, and so we were delighted to join them recently at their 25th anniversary celebrations. Although the organisation has been operational in Harleston (Norfolk) for longer, the Thetford branch, run by the founder’s daughter Rachel Allum-Sindall, is now in its 25th year in the town, catering for people from Thetford, Watton, Attleborough, Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area.
The Onward motto is "valuing people, valuing industry, valuing communities” and this is something which we at Antistat wholeheartedly support, are proud to be associated with, and which echoes our own company ethos. With 11 years of collaboration behind us, we are looking forward to being part of the Onward story for many more years to come.
To find out more about the Onward story, visit their website.
07/08/2017 at 14:57:39
We are pleased to announce that the winner of July’s prize draw to win a Fortnum & Mason Adventurer’s Hamper is Mrs Cumbers from Clacton on Sea.
The lucky winners from June and July simply ordered more than £50 worth of goods online from our store, and are now enjoying the hampers’ delights – lucky them!
Sadly this particular prize draw is now over, but sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay abreast of all our news, including future competitions. Maybe it will be you next time!
05/07/2017 at 15:03:01
The results are in! Congratulations to Mr Dillingham from Sheffield – the winner of June’s prize draw for the Fortnum & Mason Adventurer’s Hamper.
If you didn’t enter last month don’t worry, there is still a chance for July. Simply order over £50 worth of goods online from our store and you will be automatically entered into the prize draw with a chance to win this beautiful hamper. For terms and conditions follow the link below.
26/05/2017 at 10:34:51
As you're reading this, chances are you already have an interest in Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) or work in an organisation with an EPA (an ESD Protected Area), in which case, you are probably already familiar with ESD matting. However, have you ever wondered how matting works, or why there are so many variants available?
ESD or Static matting is designed to drain static discharge from items placed on its surface. It also serves to protect the surface of the ESD sensitive devices from wear and tear (but that’s a secondary benefit). The way it does this is by slowing down the flow of static charge, which neutralises the static electricity and moves the charge in to the (grounded) mat, away from the electronic components being worked on.
The performance of ESD matting is based on the material it’s constructed from, as well as its electrical properties and abilities to withstand heat, chemicals and mechanical abrasion.
ESD matting is generally available in Vinyl or Rubber material.
- Vinyl mats are the most widely used for table top or work surface applications. They are cost effective, easy to cut to shape, and provide excellent static dissipation.
- Rubber mats are used where high resistance to heat and chemicals is required.
To work properly a mat must be able to conduct electricity, and its range of conductivity is important. If the mat’s resistance is too low, static transfers to the mat, and a spark is created causing an electrostatic discharge which will in turn damage electronic devices. If the mat’s resistance is too high, static transfers slowly and any items placed on the mat will not lose their charge. When that item is then removed from the mat, the static charge will be capable of discharging to other items.
ESD mats are divided in to two categories: ESD table top mats / ESD work surface mats; and ESD floor mats.
- ESD table top or work surface mats have a smooth or lightly embossed surface. The reason for the embossed surface option is to break down the surface’s reflective properties, reducing glare and improving operator comfort. Both smooth and embossed mats are available in light colours so the worker can easily see small parts of the components being worked on.
- ESD floor mats have heavy embossing or grooves to prevent slips. They also have anti-fatigue style cushioning to improve working conditions, and are available in dark colours to hide scuff marks and dirt. Finally, they are usually thicker than table mats to absorb more wear.
Choosing the right matting
Static mats can be made from solid sheets, multiple layers, and single-layer polymer mix, with each offering different levels of electrical performance.
Homogenous (Vinyl and Rubber)
Homogenous or solid mats are made of a single layer polymer mix, and therefore consist of the same material throughout. These mats provide good mechanical service with electrical performance normally limited to about 109 to 1010 RTG.
Three Layer (Vinyl)
Three layer mats are constructed from a conductive metal / carbon layer between a top surface of vinyl and a layer of vinyl on the back. The conductive layer improves the electrical properties by acting as a fast track to move static charge to ground. The foam back layer provides a cushioning effect, making it easier to pick up parts.
Two Layer (Vinyl)
This mat combines the foam from the three layer mat and the dissipative vinyl from solid mats. As it contains no metallized layer it provides average electrical performance. It does however provide a more cost-effective option.
Two Layer (Rubber)
This option provides a top layer of static dissipative rubber and the back layer of conductive rubber, giving the same electrical performance as the vinyl three layer mat, but with great tolerance to heat and chemicals. The type of matting however does come with a cost premium.
Still unsure which type of mat is best for you?
This table condenses all of the above in to a helpful at a glance format.
|Mat Type||Electrical Properties||Usage||Features|
|Homogenous||109 – 1010||109 – 1010||Table/Floor||Durable material|
|Three Layer Vinyl||107 – 108||107 – 108||Table||Excellent electrical properties|
|Two Layer Vinyl||109||109||Table||Low cost|
|Two Layer Rubber||107 – 108||107 – 108||Table||Heat / solder tolerant
Excellent electrical properties
If you would like more details or technical specifications for matting, visit the website website or call the team on +44 (0)1473 836 200 to speak to one of our team.
26/05/2017 at 10:03:22
It’s prize draw time! Because summer is upon us, and that’s a good enough reason to do something nice, we are running a prize draw to win a Fortnum & Mason Adventurer's Hamper!
All you have to do is spend £50* or more on our online shop and you will be entered in to the draw to win this amazing prize.
Containing luxurious biscuits, preserves, pickles, teas, coffee, wine, port and champagne, all packaged in a traditional F&M wicker hamper, this is sure to make the winner happy. In fact, there are enough goodies to be shared amongst the team if you’re feeling generous.
What’s more, there are also two chances to win, because we will be holding two draws! The first will be for online customers buying between 1st – 30th June 2017, with the draw taking place in July. The second will be for customers purchasing online between 1st – 31st July 2017 with the draw taking place in August.
All eligible** customers will be automatically entered in to the prize draw, and the winner will be announced in July.
See competition T&Cs here.
15/05/2017 at 10:20:06
And it’s more than a hand! While we all know that antistatic and conductive gloves perform a variety of purposes – not only preventing damage from ESD but also providing protection from grease, dust and particle contamination in high-spec production and cleanroom environments – are you always 100% certain about which type of glove will best suit your needs?
Within the world of ESD Protected Areas (EPAs) gloves are worn during one of two processes: Handling or Assembly. When Handling, the gloves protect the operators’ hands. When Assembling, the gloves are worn to prevent components and assemblies from becoming contaminated. In both scenarios, the gloves worn within the EPA should be conductive or static dissipative.
So which gloves do you need?
There are several types of ESD-safe gloves that are commonly used. These include nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves, latex gloves and fabric gloves.
Nitrile gloves. Uses and applications: Electronics, Biotech, Aerospace Science, Lab Examination, General Purpose.
Made from synthetic latex, making them ideal for people with latex allergy, these are also inherently anti-static. Nitrile gloves are also more resistant to puncture than rubber gloves, and offer resistance to many types of solvent and chemicals. The down-side? They are usually more expensive than latex or vinyl gloves because of their enhanced properties.
Vinyl gloves. Uses and applications: Electronics, Biotech, Aerospace Science, Lab Examination, General Purpose.
Vinyl gloves are another option for latex-sensitive workers. Although the fit is usually baggier than latex gloves, the material is very soft. As such, these gloves are less durable and can puncture more easily than nitrile and latex gloves.
Latex gloves. Uses and applications: Electronics, Biotech, Aerospace Science, Lab Examination, General Purpose.
These are the gloves most people think of when rubber gloves are mentioned. They are affordable, fit well, are durable and very elastic. The major disadvantage with latex gloves though is that they can’t be worn by people with a latex allergy.
Fabric gloves. Uses and applications: Electronics, Biotech, Aerospace Science.
There is so much choice when it comes to fabric gloves! Some hot gloves are used when handling ’hot’ circuit boards – the gloves dispel the ESD while providing comfort for the work. Some fabric gloves have a non-slip material on the palm and fingers for superior handling. Nylon gloves are another option. These can be found in stretch, low-lint and lint-free varieties.
Fabric gloves are reusable and can be washed many times without losing their anti-static properties. This reusable aspect makes them cost-effective in the long-term compared with disposable gloves.
Finger cots. Uses and applications: Electronics, Biotech, Aerospace Science.
Finger cots are another option for ESD protection. They come in a variety of materials and provide ESD protection with more mobility than some gloves.
Needless to say, wearing gloves does not negate the need for wrist straps or other effective personnel grounding methods, so they are only one part of the kit required in an EPA. However, this information should help you to purchase the correct glove for your application.
Antistat offer a full range of ESD-safe gloves, so if you would like to receive a product sample, do get in touch. Alternatively you can browse the selection now: www.antistatonline.co.uk
26/09/2016 at 09:15:55
We are pleased to announce we have moved our UK operations to new Global Headquarters in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk UK. This is part of our successful growth strategy and will support further the continuous expansion of our global business.
We are a synergistic yet diverse set of businesses delivering high-end, award-winning, technology-led solutions and expertise to varied industries spanning electronics, medical, defence, aerospace, creative and automotive.
Our new global headquarters address is:Antistat
Bury St Edmunds
The warehouse, logistics and shipping operations are already in place and all deliveries and collections are now being made from this location. Our phone, fax, emails and website have not changed.
For more information, contact +44 (0) 1473 836 200
19/04/2016 at 16:14:07
Cleanroom consumable expert Integrity® Cleanroom are proud to announce their appointment as official distributor for InSpec™ disinfectants. This partnership will offer an enhanced strategic distribution network for InSpec™ disinfectants to the UK medical device and Pharma industries via direct sales and e-commerce channels.
The InSpec™ range provides an ex stock complete contamination control solution including rotational biocidal disinfectants, sporicides, and in addition InSpec™ provides reliably powerful sterile alcohol cleaning solutions. This agreement is a perfect opportunity for Integrity® Cleanroom to enhance its broad range of high quality products to international customers spanning the Biotechnology, Pharma, Microelectronics and Automotive Manufacturing sectors.
For more information on InSpec™ products which include sprays and burst pouch wipes, contact Integrity® Cleanroom on +44 (0) 1473 836 205 or visit our InSpec™ page.
24/09/2015 at 16:28:21
At an event in London's Canary Wharf, The Antistat Sponsored BLOODHOUND Project revealed the world's fastest and most advanced racing car: BLOODHOUND SSC. The product of eight years of research, design and manufacturing, involving over 350 companies and universities, the car is the centre-piece of a free exhibition, booked out within days of being announced, with 8000 people coming to see the Land Speed Racer.
- Four and a half football pitches in 1 second
- 150 metres in the blink of an eye
- Faster than a bullet fired from a Magnum 357
- Its own car length in less than 3 hundredths of a second
Visit their website for more information about the ambitious project.
22/07/2015 at 08:06:15
On Wednesday 15th of July, Holbrook Primary School will play host to Europe. From Italy and Germany, two robotics teams will be visiting the school for a robot dance-off. Holbrook's RoboClub, the DigiMinds which is sponsored by the Ant Group, are the reigning UK champions in the dance league of RoboCup, the worlds largest Robotics Competition. As the DigiMinds could not afford the trip to China to take part in the World Finals this Summer, they invited other European teams to join them for a friendly European competition.
Holbrook Primary School winning Robocup dance entry
From Bremen, in Germany, 8 children who came third in their national competition, arrived on Tuesday, along with 5 Italian children from Brescia, who topped their national league but also could not afford the trip to the Far East. The children are accompanied by parents and teachers, as well as several home-made robots.
10/06/2015 at 09:51:23
Antistat Stretch Wrap is a new and innovative stretch film designed for use within an ESD Protected Area. Unlike standard film, Antistat Stretch Wrap has an impregnated antistatic agent which protects against the build up of charges.
With a high cling performance and tensile strength, the anti static LLDPE material creates a strong, durable and electrostatic protective barrier for sensitive devices and components.
For more information on Antistat Stretch wrap or our range of component packaging solutions, contact a member of our sales team for specialist advice on +44 (0) 1473 836 200 or email firstname.lastname@example.org.
13/04/2015 at 13:16:55
Holbrook Primary School's RoboClub the 'DigiMinds' who were sponsored by Antistat during the RoboCup 2014 in Brazil, went to the RoboCup National Finals in Warwickshire recently to compete in the RoboDance league.
RoboDance is a competition where children and robotics dance together on stage. The children had to create, program and decorate robots around a theme, then created a performance routine. Inspired by the visit of 'The Globe' and the 'MSC Oscar', they chose Felixstowe Docks as the theme.
This was the first time the team had competed in the RoboDance league, they were up against experienced competition who had taken part in previous international RoboDance competitions in Singapore and The Netherlands. The DigiMinds team performed very well, as did their robots. DigiMinds won first place and took the RoboDance trophy back to Suffolk!
Click this link to see the dance. YouTube.
The DigiMinds also attended BT's Adastral Park for the National Finals of the CoSpace Primary League. CoSpace is part of RoboCup and is hugely popular. This year, primary schools and secondary schools had to have separate days for their finals competitions.
The children worked incredibly hard to prepare for the CoSpace national finals. The team was split into 4 and came 1st, 2nd, 7th and 21st. They were delighted with their success and Holbrook Primary School is incredibly proud of all the work they have done towards this achievement.
Well done Digiminds and all at Holbrook Primary School.
24/03/2015 at 09:01:16
Multi award winning technology company Antistat, Europe's largest supplier of ESD, Production & Cleanroom consumables are proud to announce our product sponsorship of the Bloodhound Project; a British made 1,000mph supersonic car.
13/01/2015 at 15:46:52
During 2014, the Antistat team were busy raising money for St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich. With the challenge now over, money counted and cakes eaten, the team managed to raise a grand total of [drum roll] £469.50. Well done to all those who bought tickets, cakes and offered donations.
13/01/2015 at 15:34:11
8 children from Ant Group sponsored Holbrook Primary School robotics club, 'The Digiminds', went to BTs Adastral Park in Suffolk on Friday 9th of January for a CoSpace Masterclass. They learnt new programming skills for the CoSpace program, which is used in RoboCup Junior. CoSpace is a rescue simulation used by young people. It is a simulation designed to teach young people how to program a robot to rescue people from a disaster environment.
The children learnt how to write computer code in C# (a computer language) and put their program to the test against 12 other schools who were attending the event. In the fun competition, held at the end of the day, the Digiminds finished first overall, with the highest score of the day. They even beat several high-schools who were also attending the event. They were very proud of their achievement and were pleased to learn so many new skills.
Well done DigiMinds!