It seems like there’s a unique packaging product for every item out there, doesn’t it?—there’s wardrobe boxes for clothes, insulated mailers for medicines, dispensary bags for cannabis. And since electronics components need protection from static electricity, they’ve even got their very own packaging supply, too: static shield bags. Let’s check them out.
What are static shield bags?
They’re poly bags made of static-dissipative layers of polyethylene and aluminum. Essentially mini Faraday cages, they prevent electromagnetic fields from both developing inside the bag and from penetrating from the outside. Once a bag is filled and sealed, it can be shipped without having to worry about electrostatic discharge.
How are they different from anti-static bags?
This is the question that really matters! Judging by their name, anti-static bags sound like they protect static-sensitive products completely. However, this is not the case—anti-static bags only prevent the build-up of static charge, they don’t protect against external static shock. As such, while they’re a less expensive alternative to static shield bags, they’re not appropriate for all items.
What are the types of static shield bags?
We’re certainly living in a digital age. The adoption of smart devices has led to a sizable increase in the demand for static shield bags, which in turn has led to the development of a wide variety of styles.
Open-ended bags are the most popular and economical choice. Easy to load, they’re the perfect bag for sending static-sensitive products to customers. But the bags must still be sealed to shield items properly.
TPC Tip: You can close static shield bags almost any way you like. The sole exception being metallic objects like staples—they compromise static shield bags entirely.
Reclosable bags have a built-in plastic zip closure that makes them both easy to secure and reuse (provided they’re handled properly). They’re often used (and reused) when shipping within an organization’s campuses or warehouses.
Both open-ended and reclosable bags come in transparent and opaque options. Transparent static shield bags let recipients quickly see what’s inside the packaging, making them great for easy-access storage and inventory purposes. The opaque option keeps prying eyes at bay, helping reduce the chances of theft or sabotage.
Dri-Shield bags protect electronics not only from static but moisture, too. Some components are hypersensitive to moisture exposure, and these are the only bags that will keep them safe.
Finally, there’s printed and non-printed bags. Printed bags conveniently have safety, recycling and distributor information pre-printed on them. In some situations, printed bags are deemed unnecessary or unappealing for a certain project. In this case, managers find unprinted bags to be the better option.
What accessories do you need for static shield bags?
If you’re using open-ended static shield bags, then an impulse sealer will benefit you greatly. Impulse sealers are an easy-to-use tool that use heat to close static shield bags. The seal they create is air-tight and stays closed until opened by an end user. Read more about impulse sealers.
Static warning labels are great for communicating and special handling precautions. Many static shield bags are reusable and there are printed labels that let people know not to throw them away.
Anti-static foam cushioning is suggested for awkwardly shaped items and products that need added protection. Foam is not only needed to protect products from external conditions, but also to blunt sharp edges that would otherwise pierce through the bags.
What businesses use static shield bags?
As society becomes more digitally-centric and smart devices become the norm, the increase in demand for these bags is undeniable. There’s plenty of businesses who can benefit from the use of static shield bags, including:
- Computer and assorted hardware distributors
- Stereo equipment developers
- Cell phone and smart device manufacturers
TPC Tip: It’s a real shame when your product is shipped and stored perfectly, only for a static charge to get it during unboxing. Handle static-sensitive products with anti-static gloves, as they ensure that any static built up on your body doesn’t short out the electronics.
Static shield bags are an interesting and important packaging supply. Providing a unique level of protection to static-sensitive items, they’re not to be overlooked when it comes time to plan packaging and shipping policies. Stop by our bags section to see the choices available to you.
