Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Anti-Static Paint — Parallax Forums

Anti-Static Paint

CircuitsoftCircuitsoft Posts: 1,166
edited 2013-05-30 06:27 in General Discussion
I bought some small plastic boxes for holding components, but realized they don't actually say anti-static on them.

So, does anyone know of a cheap way to make them anti-static? I tried looking for anti-static paint, but all I could find specifically was clearcoat, and that was $37 for one spray can. I don't care what color these are or what they look like, so I'm sure there are cheaper options. I'm just not sure what they are.

I've heard that Chrome paint is conductive, but I don't know for sure.

Comments

  • xanaduxanadu Posts: 3,347
    edited 2012-05-14 18:44
    What about just keeping things in anti-static bags inside the boxes?
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,934
    edited 2012-05-14 19:03
    Haven't heard of any ESD coating other than clear. I have used TechSpray Licron coating for making regular bins ESD compliant for 6 months+ that meet full ANSI/ESDS 2020 requirements. That might be the $37 per can stuff you mentioned. Also, 3M Antistat Spray is a spray on topical treatment, but it wears off quicker (weeks to months).
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2012-05-14 19:15
    If your boxes are polyethylene, you might have trouble getting any kind of paint to stick. I'd just go the static bag route that Xanadu suggested and not worry about it.

    Or don't use the static bags and not worry about it. :)

    what-me-worry-715605.jpg?w=245&h=300

    -Phil
  • GordonMcCombGordonMcComb Posts: 3,366
    edited 2012-05-14 20:05
    What are you putting into the drawers or boxes? For the kinds of things that need protection putting them in anti-static foam not only protects them from ESD, but from getting their little tender pins bent out of shape. I prefer the foam over ant-static tubes cut to length, and tubes over the bags. The bags take up space and make it harder to see what's inside.

    Phil, Nice piccy of my Uncle Alfie.

    -- Gordon
  • tobdectobdec Posts: 267
    edited 2012-05-14 20:15
    cut up some static bags and use epoxy or some strong adhesive and line the bins...thats a cheap way.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-05-14 20:20
    There is a big difference in price between normal plastic containers and static dissipative containers.

    Static dissipative conduct electricity but only barely. Their high resistance lets a static charge bleed off slowly. I doubt there's any easy way to convert your plastic containers into static dissipative containers.

    Here's and example of two vials. One is static dissipative and the other is just normal plastic (pollypropylene).

    The static dissipative ones cost $1.16 each and the normal ones cost $0.37 each.

    I used to be able to purchase the blue static dissipative vials from All-Spec. They work great with an analytical balance since static on normal plasitic containers will cause relatively severe weighing errors. I ended up having to buy 500 of the vials (from LA Container) when I needed more.

    All-Spec sells other static dissipative containers (they're expensive) but the blue vials were just the right size for my needs.

    I've noticed black streaks in some of the blue vials. The black material appears to be some sort of fine powder. I'm guessing it's the stuff they add to the plastic to make it static dissipative.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-05-14 20:33
    Andrew,

    For some reason the TechSpray site isn't working right now.

    I found this TechSpray paint at All-Tech. It's expensive, but it could be very useful if you need a static dissipative container in an unusual shape or size.
  • davejamesdavejames Posts: 4,047
    edited 2012-05-14 22:12
    ...um, how about this:

    http://forums.parallax.com/entry.php?165-Of-Things-Foil...

    ...mid-way down, look for the slug.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-05-15 09:20
    SparkFun also carries copper tape in two sizes.

    I'm not sure what the dangers are of storing sensitive electronics in conductive containers are, but I've noticed all the static dissipative containers have very high resistance, so I don't think a foil lined container is necessarily safe for electronic components.
  • GordonMcCombGordonMcComb Posts: 3,366
    edited 2012-05-15 11:47
    I don't think lining the drawers with metal or foil will be terribly effective, as there is really no way to assure each pin or lead will be touching. Your reaching in to grab one will be the likely route of damage. Lining them with cut up anti-static bags won't do anything at all; the component has to be fully inside the bag. The surface of the bag plastic is not conductive, or has a very low conductance.

    While I've seen parts drawers made of plastic that were low *generators* of static, I've never seen that alone as being enough of a safety for ESD-sensitive devices. I always see these parts stored on conductive foam or within anti-static tubes, that were then placed inside drawers.

    -- Gordon
  • davejamesdavejames Posts: 4,047
    edited 2012-05-15 12:47
    GordonMcComb wrote: »
    I don't think lining the drawers with metal or foil will be terribly effective, as there is really no way to assure each pin or lead will be touching. Your reaching in to grab one will be the likely route of damage. Lining them with cut up anti-static bags won't do anything at all; the component has to be fully inside the bag. The surface of the bag plastic is not conductive, or has a very low conductance.

    While I've seen parts drawers made of plastic that were low *generators* of static, I've never seen that alone as being enough of a safety for ESD-sensitive devices. I always see these parts stored on conductive foam or within anti-static tubes, that were then placed inside drawers.

    -- Gordon


    ...was just offering a suggestion to the poster's original request of finding a way to "line/coat" the inside of a non-conductive box.

    Yes - the only sure way to protect ESD sensitive devices during storage is to stick them into black conductive foam (or appropriate tube), put that combination into a metalized mylar bag (aka "nickle bag"), and then put that whole mess into a non-static generating bag (aka "pink bag").

    Of course, only work with the ESD sensitive parts on an ESD-safe work surface.

    No white styrofoam. No foam rubber. No cardboard. No regular paper. No regular cellophane tape. No bodies handling the parts w/o some form of grounding. No bodies handling the parts w/o wearing a conductive smock.

    ESD-safe gloves may be required if the handler wishes to ensure no body oils contaminate the devices leads.

    And, last but certainly not least...a humidity-controlled environment to keep the ESD level down in the first place.

    There's a lot to do if one wants to get real serious about the subject.
  • Peter KG6LSEPeter KG6LSE Posts: 1,383
    edited 2012-05-15 18:54
    Aqua daq for CRTs is one way to coat it ..
  • CatweaselCatweasel Posts: 34
    edited 2012-05-16 10:23
    Hi,

    Another solution is an anti static epoxy paint, such as:
    http://www.stencilrolls.com/paints.htm
    Though I have no idea about prices there...

    Cheers,
    Catweasel
  • EMHmark7EMHmark7 Posts: 93
    edited 2013-05-30 05:08
    My purpose is to find an enclosure for my project that can be opened to change 2 battery sets and programming, and will contain a wireless XBee module. I was thinking about some cheap pensil/card boxes. What I like of them is the closing system. But I want something long but not so big. Anyway, Looking for something good for electronic enclosure.
    Otherwise would go with expensive 3D stereolythography.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2013-05-30 06:27
    There are some enclosure suggestions in this thread.
Sign In or Register to comment.