Conductive Polyethylene Foam
Polyethylene foams (used to manufacture our conductive polyethylene foam) are amongst one of the most popular and durable material types supplied by Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd. These materials can be utilised in a wide range of industries and applications from fire seals to costume props, as it is manufactured in a number of densities, each with its own unique set of properties and characteristics.
One such grade ASG can offer and convert is Conductive Polyethylene, which like most other PE foams, conductive polyethylene foam is manufactured in block form which using our state of the art in-house conversion facilities, can be split down to as little as 1.5mm as sheets or joined into continuous rolls prior to splitting.
These sheets and rolls can be supplied in full, or further converted into a range of finished products including pads, strips, washers, gaskets and even routered into bespoke case inserts.
Material Enquiry
For information on Conductive Polyethylene Foam please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Characteristics of Conductive Polyethylene Foam
- Colour: Black
- Density: 30 - 45kg/m3
- Temperature: MAX operating temperature 90℃
- Flammability: FMVSS.302-Burn rate <100mm/min
- Pass: 12mm and thicker
Resistances: Impervious to chemicals, moisture and mold/fungal growth
Sheet Size: 2mtr x 1mtr
Full technical data for our conductive polyethylene foam can be supplied upon request, or downloaded from our online portal.
What Is Conductive Polyethylene Foam?
Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd offer a number of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) foams, including conductive polyethylene foam. This grade is similar to standard PE foam but has carbon added to the compound mix which produces the black colour, a surface resistance of less than 106ohms and high levels of conductivity, designed to allow electrical current to pass through away from the product or component it is protecting.
Care must be taken when using conductive polyethylene foam as these materials are even capable of draining batteries if the contacts aren't insulated. Unlike some of the other ESD foams on the market, Conductive Polyethylene is permanently conductive and therefore suitable for repeated transport and handling use.
Why Use Conductive Polyethylene Foam?
During production, packing and transportation, fragile and expensive items require extra protection. This is also true for electrical c static sensitive components which are at risk from becoming unusable if stored or shipped using the wrong or inadequate packing type.
Electrical goods and electronic components all naturally have a dielectric nature which makes them prone to damage from surrounding electrostatic charge created during handling and movement of devices, and where the item is connected to a product which creates ESD - this is where a sudden surge of electric discharge between two electrically charged objects caused by contact or friction resulting in an electrical short or dielectric breakdown.
Conductive PE foam is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of ESD as it slowly conducts the charges, allowing them to flow through its cell structure in a controlled manner which prevents discharge or shock.
Benefits Of Using Conductive Polyethylene Foam
- Permanent ESD protection
- Ideal for multi repeat use during packaging, storage and in-plant handling applications
- Quick and controlled transfer of static charge
- Available die cut parts, CNC routed inserts of full sheets/rolls
- A soft material which offers cushioning
- Reduces cost of replacing damaged items
- Closed cell material protects goods from moisture damage
Advantage Of Using Conductive Polyethylene Foam
Conductive PE foams as with other ESD foams, offer many advantages and features which help maintain a safe environment, save money and protect expensive components.
Some of the properties demonstrated by conductive polyethylene include its strength and resistance to tear, if offers good shock and impact absorption, vibration dampening and resistance to water, grease, solvent and chemicals. Being a closed cell PE foam, conductive polyethylene doesn't support the growth of mould and bacteria, nor does it allow for moisture absorption, it is odourless, non-toxic (unless ignited) and will not cause chemical corrosion to components or surrounding packing.
As conductive polyethylene foam are manufactured in block form, they can be quickly and easily split and supplied in many thicknesses or cut down into perfectly fitting profiles and inserts 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 conductive PE can be found include medical devices , handheld electronic devices, display units such as LCD, LED lighting and within telecommunications, to name a few.
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.