Good source for Anti-Static Mats? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: casterle
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2020, 12:30:33 am
content: I am redoing my lab and need some anti-static matting, about 30" x 20'. I've got an old 8' chunk of 3M that has been abused for over 30 years, and has done well (other than where I spilled some thin superglue, then dissolved the mat with superglue remover). Love the brand, can't afford the prices.Any suggestions on how to get what I need without breaking the bank? Remnants, seconds, good cheap brands or such? I'm OK with used as long as it's not beat up too badly...As an aside, I live in dry, dry Wyoming. When I first moved here from Colorado in 2005, I killed more than one mouse or keyboard within a few months before I bit the bullet and extended my anti-static matting to include my desk. I also spent over a grand on a power conditioner to prevent the loss of a third motherboard, but that's another, much sadder, story.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2020, 05:21:40 am
content: I bought the Sierra brand from ALL-SPEC. I don't remember if it was the FT or FS series.https://www.all-spec.com/Catalog/Static-Control/Static-Control-Matting/ESD-Safe-Rubber-Benchtop-Mats?attributes=0a39eedc-9ce3-e911-aa2b-e000ddcf4450&brands=981a5fae-b86d-42af-8a2e-a9f9013e7d20&pageSize=64&sort=0

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2020, 06:01:22 am
content: I really like this mat.https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074PWQ9P6?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_titleIt’s not quite your preferred size and for some reason the cleaning fluid bottle wasn’t included (no big deal) but other than that it’s pretty nice.

author: casterle
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 03:27:29 am
content: Thanks, but I'd need far too many of these for 20' of bench/desk.

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 07:31:03 am
content: Quote from: casterle on December 24, 2020, 03:27:29 amOops .... I didn’t read that carefully enough - thought you were looking for 30” x 20” - I was only off by about 18 feet.

author: geggi1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 04:15:51 pm
content: There are anti static linoleum flooring on the market.This is probably a lot cheaper than the anti static lab mat.Another option is to get a desk with a metal top. IKEA had some desks and kitchen tops in the past in aluminium the price where decent.If you already got the desk check with your local metal supplier or HVAC shop if they can provide you with 1mm aluminium flashing cut to the shape of your desk. The aluminium can be glued down with TEC-7, Sicaflex or something similar. Just rought up the surface of the aluminium and desk slightly with 80 or 100 grit sandpaper and degrease the surfaces prior to gluing down with a very thin layer of glue.There might also be other alternatives for gluing like floor carpet glue or some type of spray glue.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 04:23:20 pm
content: Be careful with grounded metal tabletops - their very low resistance will cause a violent discharge, thus the possibility of damage to parts is the same.

author: casterle
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2020, 10:46:23 pm
content: Quote from: geggi1 on December 24, 2020, 04:15:51 pmThanks, that linoleum sounds interesting. I'd never considered floor coverings - they might stand up to abuse better as well (some might even resist superglue remover). I don't have a 'desk' per-se, just an area at the end of the bench for my computer/monitors, so I can easily cover it.

author: xmo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 04:47:42 pm
content: ebay seller canvu0_0 has excellent mats at reasonable prices.I have bought several from them and I am very satisfied.If they don't have the size you want listed, just contact them and they will make it special for you.The mat on the bench in this picture is one they custom made for me:

author: _Wim_
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 10:12:01 pm
content: I bought mine about 5 years ago from here:https://www.geltron.de/esd-schutz-egb/esd-matten/esd-matten-meterware/esd-matte-meterware-10-mHas changed colour over time (blue turning greenish), but that seems quite common. Other than that, no issues.

author: SilverSolder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 10:18:45 pm
content: Quote from: xmo on December 25, 2020, 04:47:42 pmVery clean setup, I like it!

author: Gregg
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2020, 03:51:32 am
content: Sent OP a PM about some floor ESD mat.