Where to get high quality ESD mats in USA? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Humanoid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2020, 09:53:15 pm
content: HelloI've been trying for the past week to find a high quality ESD mat for soldering in the USA and am having trouble finding a reputable place that sells the size I need and provides specs for the mats. They either have sizes that are too big or they don't provide the specs and/or lack any communication when I inquire. I may just be bad at searching, but I'm sick of typing into Google at this point.I need a mat up to 30" x 30" to fit the table I have, preferably one that is 2 layers, rubber, with the snaps on 2 corners and a ground wire. I like the look of the the dark blue mats, but at this point, I just need to find something—though I don't want to assemble the mat and prefer a kit that is ready to go upon arrival.I can spend up to $100 USD, if the price is warranted. Hopefully, someone can point me in the right direction before I go mad.Thank You

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 12:19:08 am
content: Maybe starthere?

author: Humanoid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 04:42:58 am
content: Quote from: Bassman59 on September 20, 2020, 12:19:08 amI already checked Mouser, Digikey, and maybe 30-50 other sites, the majority of which lacked proper data sheets or basic specs. The mats are either too small or too large. They start at 16" x 24" and then usually jump to 24" x 36" or 24" x 48" and rolls that cost a few hundred. The small ones may not even be rated for soldering or high heat and are tray liners. This is why I came here to ask.At this point, I'm guessing that the standard mats that are widely used are just larger in size which is why I'm not finding anything that fits my work area. Unless somebody knows a place that will cut them to size and mount the hardware, I suppose I'll just have to buy a larger mat, cut it, and setup the hardware myself.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 02:44:25 pm
content: I bought mine from All-Spechttps://www.all-spec.com/Product/FTW140DBThe 30"x48" one I have is not in stock right now unless you want another color.I really like the dark blue.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 02:58:08 pm
content: In previous threads (of which there are many, please search before posting), people have mentioned ordering from this (Canadian) eBay seller:https://www.ebay.com/str/canvu00He makes custom sizes.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 03:09:31 pm
content: You’re after a really strange size, so you’re not going to find it off the shelf. Just buy something bigger and cut it down.

author: WattsThat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 03:36:41 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on September 20, 2020, 03:09:31 pm+1 for what he said. 30x60 is an available size so for $114 + shipping, you’ve got two mats. One with a snap and one without. All it takes is a metal straight edge (dry wall t-square works well) and a fresh blade in a utility knife.https://www.mcmaster.com/static-control-mats

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 03:45:23 pm
content: You can also get a ESD mat tester, order from Amazon, and return it if it doesn't meet specs. I'm curious. Why two layers specifically?I had to cut mine also. It's easily done with ordinary zacto knife.

author: oPossum
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 04:23:25 pm
content: https://bertech.com/

author: ocw
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 04:34:35 pm
content: Some Desco 66167 30 x 60" mats (which can be cut down) are available for $74.99 + $9.18 freight at:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Desco-66167-Mattop-Statfree-B2-Vinyl-Dark-Blue-0-060-x30-x60/223778832671?epid=1571436255&hash=item341a42011f:g:HwkAAOSwGzNd5njRandhttp://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1916564.pdfI previously purchased the larger 66168 from Arrow for a lower price during their end of year sale, but that sale price has ended.I do not know anything about the mentioned eBay seller other than seeing what they have available.

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2020, 04:35:16 pm
content: I have Bertech brand one. Actually, I have one single layer and one double layer. They are available on Amazon for free shipping. Only caveat on this stuff is, their mat is not great when it comes to high temperature resistance. It has reasonable amount of tolerance but if you have a glob of solder and the glob drops on mat, it will melt and char.The attached image is of a single layer variety.

author: Humanoid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 06:51:37 pm
content: Sorry for the late reply and much thanks for all the suggestions. It's been a crazy week.I had searched the forum, but I was also doing 10 other things at once, so I'm sure I missed a few posts in my haste.I passed on the Amazon mats because (like tkamiya said) I was reading reviews that the mats weren't as durable, some had no snaps and were single layer or just molded rubber.I agree with all who said how strange this size is and I also agree.So, I decided to change my plan and set up my workspace in my current office room, which isn't ideal as it reduces some of the space I was using for other gadgets and peripherals, but it will work good for now. I repurposed a second tabletop as a workbench and it's much wider than the other table (29.5" x 59") and is lower to the floor (at a perfect height for my chair). Pushing this up against the wall on the left side of the room puts it right under a window (at least 60% of it). Should help for ventilation, and I have 2 fans in here—one clips on the desk. I might rig up something more fancy if I find it doesn't work well. It is convenient because at least I can turn and roll my chair to the other desk.I ended up going with a dark blue, 2-layer SCS mat (I believe the model was 8900), 24" x 48", that comes with 2 snaps installed and grounding hardware. Also grabbed a wrist strap. Was the best balance of price to size and at least fits a good portion of the table. It should be here (hopefully) within the next week so I can start working.Until then I'll be checking out more of the forum and maybe posting some questions. I also started organizing my supplies, tools, and revitalizing some old tools I inherited. I must say that just from doing this I realize how much I miss working with my hands.Thanks for the help!

author: salvagedcircuitry
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2021, 04:12:24 am
content: Quote from: tkamiya on September 20, 2020, 04:35:16 pmCurious, is this the high temperature bertech esd mat version?I'm trying to match my other 6ft esd mat and for the life of me I can't find the manufacturer.I think it's a bertech.Edit: The surface pattern definitely does not match bertech's.

author: nick liu
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 03, 2023, 03:27:21 am
content: i also want to buy a esd mat

author: nick liu
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 03, 2023, 03:45:56 am
content: I just bought it from skesdhttps://skesd.com/product/surface-textured-esd-matThey can be customized according to your requirements.I really like dark blue.