Static Dissipative Foam Washers
Static Dissipative Foam Washers
Amongst the range of foams, sponges and rubber washers produced and supplied by Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd are those made using one of many Polyethylene foams, including Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Washers. Polyethylene (PE) foams are a highly durable group of materials which are manufactured in a range of colours, densities and grades suited for use in different applications.
Polyethylene foams and washers cut from the material can be used for sealing, gap filling and cushioning with certain grades being produced for very specific applications. One such grade available from ASG is Static Dissipative Polyethylene, sometimes also referred to as Anti-static polyethylene. Static Dissipative PE foam is black in colour, manufactured in sheet and roll forms in thicknesses up to around 100mm, making washer conversion quicker and easier.
Static Dissipative foam washers are produced in-house and made to order, produced using dimensions, samples or drawings provided by our customers, ensuring the final product perfectly fits the application - with ASG even offering a small sample run if required. Depending on the size and quantity of the washers required, our production team will select from our range of atoms, autos, travelling head presses, kiss cut pressing machines or for very large or thick washers - we can programme our CNC (oscillating knife) in order to produce the washers in the most efficient way to keep costs and lead times down.
Static Dissipative foam is stocked in a range of grades and densities, which can be laminated to other materials or coated with a self-adhesive backing or foil prior to the washers being cut. Depending on the size and quantity of the washer required, they can be supplied as loosely packed parts, or kiss-cut on a roll for quick and efficient use.
Product Enquiry
For information on Static Dissipative Foam Washers please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Characteristics Of Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam
- Colour: Black
- Density: 30 - 45kg/m3
- Temperature: MAX operating temperature 90℃
- Flammability: Tested to MVSS302
- Resistances: Impervious to chemicals, moisture and mould/fungal growth
- Sheet Size: 2mtr x 1mtr or 1mtr x 1mtr
Full technical data can be supplied upon request,
or downloaded from our online portal.
What are Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Washers?
Static Dissipative Polyethylene foam washers are just one type of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) available from Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd. These SD foam washers are a flat ring, comprising of an Outer Diameter (OD), Internal Diameter (ID) and the thickness, cut from a sheet or roll of material, which is placed between two surfaces in order to create a level surface, to act as a spacer or to be placed between a nut/bolt to spread the pressure when tightened, creating a seal and a snug fit.
The Static Dissipative foam washers are made using a material which is a black coloured, closed cell, polyethylene foam which is formulated using a combination of granules of raw PE material, conductive carbon, fillers and blowing agents causing the material to foam prior to curing which creates cellular structure within the material. Static dissipative PE offers a static dissipative function which is permanent, and has a lower carbon content than conductive foam meaning anti static foam can be used and an alternative to static dissipative applications. Static Dissipative PE foam washers will not generate static charge when they rub against itself or objects around it, but will eliminate a charge through itself or ‘dissipate’ it, allowing the charges to flow to ground slower and in controlled manner, preventing discharge or shock.
Why Use Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Washers?
Specialist foams are often required when sensitive, fragile and expensive products are being stored or transported. Choosing the right protective packaging is vital in protecting the goods from damage, so too is the profile of the foam being used as a poor fit or inadequate coverage will not be as effective. This also applies to electronic components which are static sensitive which can become unusable if stored or shipped within inadequate packaging or without certain parts of the device being adequately protected.
Electronic components all have a dielectric nature and so electrostatic charging cannot be completely prevented during handling of devices, or where sensitive components are connected to the product creates ESD (Electrostatic discharge) which is a sudden surge of electric discharge between two electrically charged objects caused by contact or friction resulting in an electrical short or dielectric breakdown.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of ESD is to use a material which will slowly conduct or ‘dissipate’ it, allowing the charges to flow to ground slower and in controlled manner, preventing discharge or shock. Static Dissipative washers are not only used to hold items in place or used as spacers, they can also be used as components within devices or machinery to keep them safe to use.
Advantages of using Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Washers
Customers will often choose to have their washers cut from ESD Foams including Static Dissipative foams as they offer many features and advantages which not only result in cost savings, but also maintain a safe environment. Some of the desirable properties demonstrated by static dissipative foam washers include excellent strength and tear resistance, high shock absorbency, resistance to chemicals such as solvents, acids and grease. Being closed cell SD polyethylene foam washers don’t support mould and bacteria growth or allow for moisture absorption, they will not cause chemical corrosion to components or surrounding packaging and as with most Polyethylene foams, these washers can withstand temperatures of up to 90℃.
As Static Dissipative Foam is manufactured and stocked in block form or roll form (depending thicknesses), they can be quickly and easily split or laminated allowing ASG to convert washers in almost any thicknesses and as bespoke profiles for added security and protection from impact, movement and most importantly, damage from static charge, therefore saving end-users and manufacturers money on having to replace damaged products and also protects those in contact with the component from static shock.
Applications in which anti static polyethylene foam washers can be used include LCD screens on production lines of electrical devices such as mobile phones, laptops, computers and optic electronics.
Benefits Of Using Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam
- Lightweight for lower transport costs
- A soft material which offers cushioning
- Slow and controlled dissipation of static electrical discharge
- Reduces cost of replacing damaged items
- Closed cell material protects goods from moisture damage
- Washers can be cut from roll or sheet material
Alternative Types of Packaging Foam
- Convoluted or Eggbox Polyurethane
- Pick & pluck Polyurethane
- Anti static polyethylene
- Anti-static Polyurethane
- Conductive Plastazote foam
Please contact us using the form below or by calling us on +44(0)1384 252555.