ESD Acrylic vs. ESD Polycarbonate

Attribute	ESD Acrylic	ESD Polycarbonate
Material	Acrylic	Polycarbonate
Surface Resistivity	10^6 - 10^9 ohms/square	10^6 - 10^9 ohms/square
Transparency	High	High
Impact Resistance	Lower	Higher
Chemical Resistance	Good	Excellent

Introduction

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) materials are essential in industries where static electricity can damage sensitive electronic components. Two common materials used for ESD protection are Acrylic and Polycarbonate. Both materials have unique attributes that make them suitable for different applications. In this article, we will compare the attributes of ESD Acrylic and ESD Polycarbonate to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right material for your needs.

ESD Acrylic

ESD Acrylic is a type of acrylic material that has been specially formulated to dissipate static electricity. It is commonly used in applications where static electricity can cause damage, such as electronic manufacturing facilities and cleanrooms. ESD Acrylic has a surface resistivity of less than 10^12 ohms/square, making it an effective ESD protection material. It is transparent, lightweight, and easy to fabricate, making it a popular choice for applications where visibility and aesthetics are important.

• Surface resistivity of less than 10^12 ohms/square
• Transparent and lightweight
• Easy to fabricate

ESD Polycarbonate

ESD Polycarbonate is another type of ESD material that is commonly used for static control applications. Polycarbonate is a durable and impact-resistant material that is often used in applications where strength and durability are important. ESD Polycarbonate has a surface resistivity of less than 10^6 ohms/square, making it a more conductive material compared to ESD Acrylic. It is also transparent, making it suitable for applications where visibility is important.

• Surface resistivity of less than 10^6 ohms/square
• Durable and impact-resistant
• Transparent

Comparison of Attributes

When comparing ESD Acrylic and ESD Polycarbonate, several attributes need to be considered to determine which material is best suited for a specific application. One of the key differences between the two materials is their surface resistivity. ESD Polycarbonate has a lower surface resistivity compared to ESD Acrylic, making it a more conductive material. This can be beneficial in applications where a higher level of static dissipation is required.

Another important attribute to consider is the durability of the materials. ESD Polycarbonate is known for its durability and impact resistance, making it suitable for applications where the material may be subjected to rough handling or impact. On the other hand, ESD Acrylic is more lightweight and easier to fabricate, making it a better choice for applications where weight and ease of fabrication are important.

Both ESD Acrylic and ESD Polycarbonate are transparent materials, which makes them suitable for applications where visibility is important. However, ESD Acrylic tends to have better optical clarity compared to ESD Polycarbonate, making it a better choice for applications where optical quality is crucial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both ESD Acrylic and ESD Polycarbonate have unique attributes that make them suitable for different applications. ESD Acrylic is lightweight, easy to fabricate, and has good optical clarity, making it a popular choice for applications where visibility and aesthetics are important. On the other hand, ESD Polycarbonate is durable, impact-resistant, and has a lower surface resistivity, making it a better choice for applications where strength and static dissipation are crucial. When choosing between ESD Acrylic and ESD Polycarbonate, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the application to determine which material is the best fit.