looking for the same blue ESD Mat that was shown in EEVblog #228 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: danny_isr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 03:52:10 am
content: I'm building a new lab, and looking for ESD mat.I did search the forum, but couldn't find the brand Dave uses in his lab.it's in EEVblog #228 at 7:30.Basically i'm looking for good mat that will survive a soldering iron "accident".Dave mentioned his mat will survive such incident.thanks Dan

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 03:55:32 am
content: I got a few of them from McMaster Carr of all places. USA based.

author: danny_isr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 04:06:21 am
content: thanks for your quick reply !i assume you talking about this stuff :"Rubber MatsThese two-layer, reversible mats are highly resistant to abrasion, solder, flux, and heat and won't produce toxic fumes when temporarily exposed to high temperatures. Surface resistivity is 106 ohms/sq. Grounding cord kit (sold separately) accepts two wrist straps and includes a 15-ft. long cord with 0.39" stud."Not cheap, but sounds like good stuff !thanks Dan !

author: nixfu
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 04:11:43 am
content: Many of us on the forum in the US/Canada have purchased from a guy in Canada who sells on eBay and has good prices.http://www.ebay.com/sch/canvu0_0/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=He made me one cut custom to the size of my bench.Lots of good experiences here on the forum to recommend him. I think he is actually a member of the forum but I don't remember his username.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 04:13:56 am
content: Quote from: nixfu on March 05, 2015, 04:11:43 amSame, good experience.

author: danny_isr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 04:19:32 am
content: great stuff great forum, thanks

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 04:20:37 am
content: All-Spec is also a good source

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 05:29:01 am
content: Quote from: nixfu on March 05, 2015, 04:11:43 amQuote from: mtdoc on March 05, 2015, 04:20:37 amFWIW, I've purchased from both of these sellers ^ with good results.Also, depending on what you need and/or can live with, you might want to take a look at All-Spec's Closeout mats (here). Don't know of any better deals for the material and size than the grey ones that are left (24"x36" & 24"x48").

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 06:11:12 am
content: Just a warning... I bought from All-Spec (PN FTW160G)...and the mat sucks.It not longer lays flat.. it's got bumps and bubbles several inches across because some areas have stretched. And I am not particularly hard on it... I don't solder on it directly. The most heat it sees is maybe a plate with my lunch on it.The edges are all rippled and don't lie flat anymore either. And because there is so much stuff all over my workbench and I mounted my computer monitor stand on top of the matting, it's a giant pain in the ass to remove it.Not sure if it's just something from that specific part number, but it wasn't cheap and I am very disappointed.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 07:10:56 am
content: My McMaster Carr mats have been through absolute hell being used for both electronic and mechanical assembly all day, every day by people that don't care to be gentle.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 07:15:37 am
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on March 05, 2015, 04:13:56 amditto. I solder on one of mine as well and it's perfectly fine.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2015, 08:28:18 am
content: Quote from: Corporate666 on March 05, 2015, 06:11:12 amNo idea on it's age, but I'd contact All-Spec and see if you can get it replaced (PN brings up Sierra; not sure if they're independent company or just a brand created by Hisco).The mat I picked up from All-Spec is also a Sierra (green, smooth, & a bit thinner @ .060"), and like yours made in China (discontinued for .080" thick versions = why they were on clearance). I don't solder on this one either, as the table it resides on doubles as both the disassembly and computer station (monitor is also on an arm & keyboard is on a slide to free up the surface). No issues thus far...FWIW, the mat from the eBay seller is manufactured in Canada, and I've seen COO's of USA and Italy as well on other mats.