Protecting IC pins with foam

[Demon]

Update on that "anti-static" foam.


Start at 1:45.

It's not so anti-static as claimed.

Would passing over a fabric softener sheet do the job?
(sold as Bounce in Canada)

[Demon]

So fabric sheets don't seem a "complete" solution.
One guy did mention aluminium foil.

https://electronics.stackexchange.co...dryer-sheets-o


Should I line the plastic drawer with aluminum paper first, drop the foam in, then apply the ICs?

Or was my idea of using the A-S bags as liners be better?

But then I'm still unsure about using this foam. One guy says to wipe with a lightly damp cloth.

[Demon]

Wow, so even those trays are not "safe".


Starts at 3:45


He does explain how the mylar bags are the best protection.

[Demon]

This mylar would be just about right to line this plastic drawer (18cm model in my case).

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007976583729.html

Price is a bit steep, but it'll last a loooong time.

[Demon]

This is my first attempt by recycling the bags from the manufacturers:




- this was done with the 5mm foam.
- I'm going to order 10mm foam for MOSFETs and other TO-220 and the like (will have to test for transistors).
- it helps to have the ICs mounted on the foam during the application of the tape. The extra weight also helps when you slide the mylar into the drawer.
- the scraps are useful for those "extra" ICs.
- take a pic of the original label on the bag; it'll come in handy when you make labels.
- if you're not planning on adding external labels, place a basic label between the mylar and the front side; it won't be able to come out with that piece of tape along the top edge.




If you REALLY want to surround the ICs with the mylar protective layer, tape a layer on the back of a 3mm thick foam as a "lid".


Let me know if you think of other ways to improve this.

[Ioannis]

All these plastic bags or foams are conductive to some degree. That is why aluminum foil is also used. But i am a bit cautious with that since the chip may touch few pins and not all on the aluminum. Foam is much better since it will short all pins at once with a relatively low resistance.

You did nice job on the plastic boxes. I really like what you did with mylar.

I normally just use the foam and take care to have ESD wrist band on my hand, along with ESD floor mat and a mat on my bench. With these measures I had not a problem in respect with ESD.

Ioannis

[Demon]

I got that roll and set up a cutting board to reduce time (got over 800 drawers).

It's just a test to see if everything goes smoothly; and yeah, I'm waiting for a shorter set of steel rulers with cork backing. This 16in ruler is so cumbersome.