Static Dissipative 90A Tubing

Freelin-Wade's Static Dissipative Polyurethane may save your sensitive electronics

Static electricity is a stationary charge of electricity on the surface of an object. We most often associate it with that little shock we get on a dry day when we walk across a carpet and grab a metal doorknob. We experience it in lots of other places too -- like when you pull a sweater over your head or a child rubs a balloon on their hair. What we are experiencing in these instances is electrostatic discharge (ESD). What you might not realize is that static charges are in many more places. Humans can only sense an ESD of greater than 3,500 electrostatic volts. The problem is that electronics can be damaged by an ESD as low as 100 electrostatic volts. The point being, you may touch something and think it is safe when in fact it isn't.

Another thing to be aware of is that a charge may exist in one part of an object, but not in another. You can neutralize a charge in one spot of an object, but leave a full charge in another.

The size of the object holding the charge, and that object's capacitance are both factors in how big of a charge the object can hold. Plastic is a good capacitor and a run of tubing can be quite long. If the media in the tubing is dry, you may have a recipe for the build up of static electricity. If the tubing is near sensitive electronics, then the static charge may be a problem. It's for this reason that we developed our Static Dissipative Polyurethane tubing.

Our Static Dissipative ESD tubing is made from a proprietary formula that allows for the static charge to be released very slowly, so as not to cause a spark (which is caused by quick or sudden flow of current through air). Usually you would have to add in fillers (metallic or carbon black) in order to make a normally non-conductive plastic conductive. Adding those fillers would make the tubing less flexible, increases creep, lowers memory and less abrasion resistant. Our special compound does not require the material to become conductive, allowing our polyurethane to maintain most of its original properties/benefits. It's non-corrosive and ideal for use in high-tech applications. 85A durometer anti static tubing, as well as metric and standard sizes are also available.

Static Dissipative ESD Tubing Features:

• Dissipates electrostatic charges with no chemical additives.
• Contains no conductive fillers and no particle emission.
• Dissipative values are permanent and cannot be washed away.
• Non-contaminating and non-outgassing.
• Ideal for low humidity environments.
• Non-corrosive to electronic leads and components.