News Centre
News Type
Send your inquiry
ESD Plastic Testing Standards: IEC 61340-5-1 & ANSI/ESD Explained
Surface Resistance Classification
Classification | Surface Resistance Range | Material Type |
Conductive | < 10⁴ Ω | Carbon-filled, metal-filled |
Dissipative (ESD) | 10⁴ – 10⁹ Ω | ESD POM, ESD PEI |
Antistatic | 10⁹ – 10¹¹ Ω | Topical antistatic treatments |
Insulative | > 10¹¹ Ω | Standard PEEK, POM, PEI |
For semiconductor manufacturing, the dissipative range (10⁴ – 10⁹ Ω) is the target zone.
IEC 61340 Standard
IEC 61340-5-1
The primary international standard for ESD protection in electronics manufacturing:
· EPA (ESD Protected Area): All surfaces must be dissipative
· Grounding: All conductive and dissipative items must be grounded
· Packaging: ESD-sensitive items must be packaged in dissipative materials
IEC 61340-2-3
Defines the test method for measuring surface resistance:
· Test voltage: 100V (for materials > 10⁶ Ω) or 10V (for materials ≤ 10⁶ Ω)
· Electrode: Concentric ring electrode
· Conditioning: 23°C, 12% or 50% relative humidity
ANSI/ESD Standards
ANSI/ESD S20.20
The American standard for ESD control programs:
· Sensitivity threshold: Designed for devices sensitive to ≥ 100V HBM
· Key difference from IEC: Allows insulative materials if at least 12 inches from ESD-sensitive items
ANSI/ESD STM11.11
Test method for surface resistance measurement — similar to IEC 61340-2-3 with slight differences in electrode geometry.
How ESD Plastics Are Tested
1. Sample preparation: Cut samples to specified dimensions (typically 100×100mm)
2. Conditioning: Equilibrate at 23°C, 12% RH and 50% RH
3. Surface resistance measurement: Apply test voltage, measure using concentric electrode
4. Volume resistance measurement (if required): Measure through-thickness resistance
5. Documentation: Record test conditions, values, and certification
Selecting ESD Materials
When choosing ESD engineering plastics, verify:
6. Surface resistance within dissipative range (10⁶ – 10⁹ Ω)
7. Test data per IEC 61340-2-3 or ANSI/ESD STM11.11
8. Humidity independence (performance at 12% RH)
9. Permanence (carbon-filled vs topical)
10. Cleanroom compatibility (outgassing and particle data)
FAQ
Q1: What is IEC 61340-5-1?
The international standard for ESD protection in electronics manufacturing, defining EPA, grounding, and packaging requirements.
Q2: What surface resistance defines ESD-safe?
Dissipative materials: 10⁶ to 10⁹ ohms. Below 10⁴ is conductive, above 10¹¹ is insulative.
Q3: IEC vs ANSI/ESD?
IEC is more stringent (all EPA surfaces dissipative). ANSI allows insulative materials if 12+ inches from sensitive items.
Ready to source quality engineering plastics? Contact NAGOMER today for a free quote, or browse our PEEK sheets, POM rods, and ESD materials.
NAGOMER — Professional Engineering Plastics Solutions
www.nagomer.com | info@nagomer.com