Antistatic Vs. Static Dissipative

Guest

is the term 'antistatic' differnt from 'static dissipative'? i thought these are the same? what's the diff between these two? pls clarify.

Jersey 23

Joined: 20 Jun 2026 Posts: 76

Hi Jersey 23,

The term 'antistatic' is different from the term 'static dissipative.' 'Antistatic' means the material generates charges very minimally. 'Static dissipative' means the material can dissipate charge build-up. Thus, the former minimizes charge generation, and the latter minimizes charge build-up (charges may be generated but these will be dissipated to ground). Hope this helps.

FARel Engr

Joined: 20 Jun 2026 Posts: 20

Jersey 23,

I think static dissipative materials will only work if they are properly grounded. Even the dissipative mats on our work tables are grounded. This will let them conduct any generated charges to ground. If not, the charges will just accumulate with nowhere to go.

If you have a process wherein something that touches the device can not be grounded, then it is better to use antistatic material with ionizer.

Test Engg 99