ESD control must continue after an item leaves the workbench. PCBs, components, assemblies, and ESD-sensitive tools often spend more time in storage and movement than in active assembly. Conductive storage products help maintain protection during these stages.
Why ordinary storage creates risk
Plastic boxes, open shelves, mixed bins, and random cartons can hold charge or allow sensitive boards to rub against insulating materials. Even if the operator is grounded, the stored item may be exposed to static during picking, counting, kitting, inspection, or transport.
Storage options to consider
- Use conductive bins for components and small assemblies.
- Use conductive trays when items need to move between workstations.
- Use PCB carriers where boards must be kept separated and upright.
- Use conductive tool boxes for ESD-safe tools and service kits.
Marvel Products lists these items in Conductive Storage. For board movement, the Conductive Fixed PCB Carrier provides an economical rack for handling boards of different sizes.
Make storage part of the work instruction
Operators should know where a board goes at every stage: before inspection, after rework, before conformal coating, after programming, and before packing. A clearly defined storage method prevents the common mistake of placing good assemblies in unsafe trays for convenience.
The best ESD storage system is visible, labelled, and easy to use. If the safe option is the easiest option, people will follow it more consistently.