Tape in the EPA: why is ordinary tape a risk and which ESD tape is right for which job?
Ordinary tape charges to several kilovolts as it is pulled off the roll and carries that field straight to sensitive components. In an EPA under IEC 61340-5-1, ESD tape belongs at the workstation instead: antistatic tape for sealing, polyimide tape for soldering, grid tape for covering connectors, each used with a grounded dispenser.
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Why is ordinary tape a risk in the EPA?
When tape is pulled off the roll, the adhesive separates from the back of the layer beneath it. Separating two dissimilar materials is triboelectric charging in its purest form: standard polypropylene or PVC tape typically reaches several kilovolts. The tape is an insulator, so the charge stays put and acts as a field on everything nearby.
Direct contact is not the only danger. A charged strip next to an assembly induces a charge shift in its conductive parts. When the assembly is then grounded, on the bench mat or by the soldering tip, the device discharges abruptly. Tape stuck directly on the board creates a second charge when peeled off, right at the component.
What does IEC 61340-5-1 require?
The standard requires non-essential insulators to be kept away from the ESD workstation. If an insulator is essential to the process, its field is assessed; above 5000 V/m a minimum distance of 30 cm from the sensitive device applies, or ionization is used.
What types of ESD tape are there?
ESD tapes differ in how they limit charging. Antistatic tapes generate only a low voltage when unwound, dissipative tapes bleed charge off through the film or adhesive in a controlled way, and conductive grid tapes carry it away quickly through a grid. Heat-resistant tapes for soldering and marking tapes printed with the ESD symbol complete the range.
| Tape type | Property | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Antistatic cellulose tape | Low unwind voltage, film 109 to 1011 Ω, transparent | Sealing bags and cartons, attaching paperwork |
| Antistatic polypropylene tape | Tear-resistant, antistatic treatment, effect depends on humidity | Carton sealing for shipping |
| Conductive grid tape | Conductive grid 104 to 106 Ω, shields against fields | Covering connectors and pins for transport |
| Dissipative tape | Film or adhesive in the dissipative range, slow charge decay | Securing items on ESD work surfaces |
| Polyimide tape, conductive adhesive | Up to 300 °C for short periods, adhesive side 102 to 105 Ω | Masking gold contacts in wave and reflow soldering |
| High-temperature crepe tape | Up to 150 °C for under an hour, charges but does not retain charge | Painting, screen printing, soldering below 150 °C |
| Marking tape with ESD symbol | Antistatic carrier with warning symbol | Marking packaging and documents |
Which tape is suitable for soldering, reflow and wave soldering?
Polyimide tape is used for soldering processes. The polyimide film withstands 300 °C for short periods, as found in wave soldering and reflow ovens, and can then be removed largely without residue. For ESD areas, the version with a conductive adhesive is intended: it generates hardly any voltage when unwound or peeled off the assembly.
- Protect gold contacts such as edge fingers and pin headers from solder and flux.
- Cover holes and component areas that must not be wetted.
- Press the tape down with a rubber roller so the adhesive follows the contours and no solder creeps underneath.
- Standard polyimide tape without a conductive adhesive charges strongly when peeled off populated boards.
When is high-temperature crepe tape enough?
Crepe tape on saturated paper withstands up to 150 °C for less than an hour and covers painting, screen printing and soldering below that temperature. It charges when unwound but does not retain the charge; unwind it slowly under an ionizer. As a masking tape it should not stay on the assembly for more than 24 hours.
What is ESD tape used for in the EPA?
The typical tasks are masking, sealing, securing and marking. Each has a suitable tape: polyimide or crepe tape for masking, clear antistatic tape for sealing shielding bags and cartons, dissipative tape for securing items, and tape printed with the ESD symbol for identifying sensitive goods.
- Sealing: fold shielding bags over and close them with antistatic tape instead of staples or standard tape. The guide ESD packaging shows which packaging suits which purpose.
- Covering: protect open connectors and pins on assemblies with conductive grid tape during transport and storage.
- Marking: tape with the ESD warning symbol on packaging and paperwork makes sensitive goods visible.
Marking tapesTapes printed with the ESD symbol for packaging, documents and storage locations.
View productsWhy should ESD tape be used on a grounded dispenser?
ESD tape also generates a small charge when unwound. A dispenser with a conductive housing and a ground cord drains it through the core and cutting edge before the strip reaches the assembly. With conductive grid tape, the unwind voltage on a grounded dispenser drops to almost zero. A plastic dispenser, by contrast, is itself an insulator at the workstation.
- Connect the dispenser to the workstation ground point rather than just standing it on the bench mat.
- Store rolls flat and turn them over regularly, in a dry place at about 20 °C and out of direct sunlight.
- Check tape older than one year for adhesion and charging before use.
How is ESD tape tested?
At goods receipt or in an audit, measure the surface resistance of film and adhesive side to IEC 61340-2-3, and unwind charging with a field meter at a fixed distance. Record temperature and humidity and compare with the data sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Can ordinary tape be used in the EPA?
Only if it is essential to the process and kept away from sensitive devices. Standard tape charges to several kilovolts when unwound. IEC 61340-5-1 requires non-essential insulators to be removed; since ESD tape exists for every task, replacing it is the simpler solution.
What is the difference between antistatic and conductive tape?
Antistatic tape charges very little but hardly drains charge. Conductive grid tape carries charge away quickly through its grid and generates practically no voltage on a grounded dispenser. It also suits covering open connectors.
Which tape withstands wave soldering?
Polyimide tape withstands up to 300 °C for short periods and therefore covers wave soldering and reflow. For ESD areas, choose the version with conductive adhesive and press it down with a rubber roller. High-temperature crepe tape is only suitable up to about 150 °C.
Does floor marking tape have ESD properties?
Usually not. Marking tape indicates the EPA boundary and warns against entering without grounding, but it does not drain charge. Dissipation is handled by the ESD floor; the tape is only a visible marker laid on top of it.
Which ESD tape suits your process?
Antistatic, conductive and heat-resistant tapes and groundable dispensers are grouped under ESD tape and accessories.
Standards-based
Classified according to IEC 61340-5-1.
Low charging
Unwind voltage as a selection criterion.
Process-specific
Tape chosen by temperature and task.
Selection help
We help you choose the right products; technical details are clarified with the manufacturer.