Conductive foam protects sensitive electronics from electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage during storage, handling and transport. This guide explains conductive vs anti-static vs static-dissipative foam, how surface resistance is controlled, and how to choose the right ESD foam for your components.
Why ESD Protection Matters
Static charge builds up on packaging and components and can discharge through a sensitive PCB, IC or LCD — causing latent failures that appear weeks later. ESD foam drains that charge safely instead of letting it build up on the surface.
Conductive vs Anti-Static vs Static-Dissipative
The three terms describe the surface resistance of the foam (measured in ohms):
- Conductive foam — typically 10³-10⁵ Ω. Carbon-filled, drains charge rapidly; used in trays and dividers that directly contact components.
- Static-dissipative foam — roughly 10⁵-10⁸ Ω. Slower, controlled discharge; used for cushioning and inserts.
- Anti-static foam — inhibits charge generation but does not necessarily drain it; used for film and light cushioning.
How Conductive Foam Works
Conductive polyethylene foam is made by loading the resin with conductive carbon black. The carbon forms a continuous conductive network inside the closed-cell foam, so a charge placed on the surface drains to ground instead of accumulating. Surface resistance can be tuned during production to meet your ESD specification.
ESD Foam Products
- Conductive foam trays — for PCB and component shipping.
- Conductive foam dividers — compartmented storage inside ESD cases.
- Anti-static blister trays — pocketed inserts for connectors and small parts.
- Anti-static injection molded trays — rigid handling trays.
- Anti-static foam LCD protection film — thin protective padding.
How to Choose ESD Foam
- Confirm the required surface resistance (often 10⁵-10⁶ Ω for dissipative, lower for conductive).
- Choose density and thickness for the weight and fragility of the part.
- Consider die-cutting and lamination for a finished insert.
- Check consistency across batches — resistance should not drift.
See our ESD foam hub and request an ESD foam sample or quote →
Related Reading
See also: PE foam product page · Closed-cell vs open-cell foam