If you're storing or transporting sensitive electronics, anti‑static foam is one of the best ways to protect your gear from invisible damage.
At Production Case, we work with clients across Canada who need reliable, long-lasting custom foam inserts for electronics of all shapes and sizes. That includes foam that helps prevent damage from static electricity.
In this post, we'll explain what anti‑static foam does, how it's different from other types of foam, and why it matters if you're protecting anything with a circuit board or microchip inside.
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Table Of Contents:
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What Is Anti‑Static Foam?
- Anti‑Static vs. Conductive vs. Dissipative Foam
- What Is Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)?
- How Anti‑Static Foam Works
- Why It Matters for Electronics
- Environmental and Packaging Considerations in Canada
- How to Get a Custom Foam Quote
What Is Anti‑Static Foam?
Anti‑static foam sheets are made to reduce or eliminate static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD). Static charges can quietly damage or destroy electronic components. Anti‑static foam inserts hold electronics in place while reducing the risk of charge buildup during shipping, storage, or regular use.
Most of us don’t think much about static when handling everyday electronics. But when you're dealing with circuit boards, sensors, or other sensitive components, even small amounts of static can cause issues.
In Canada, dry winters and indoor heating make static buildup even more likely. The right type of foam matters more than you might think.
Anti‑Static vs. Conductive vs. Dissipative Foam
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of foam used to protect electronics:
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Anti-Static Foam (usually pink, also known as polyurethane): This foam features coatings or additives that reduce surface resistance. It helps prevent static from building up in the first place. Good for cushioning and short-term use.
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Dissipative Foam: Often grouped with anti‑static foam. The key difference is that it slowly carries any static charge away from your components. Some versions last longer and can handle more wear.
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Conductive Foam (usually black or metallized): Made with carbon or metal blended into the foam. It allows electricity to pass through, which helps protect electronics by redirecting static. It’s expensive but good for long-term protection and repeated use.
At Production Case, when we talk about “anti‑static foam,” we’re usually referring to materials meant for repeat use. They’re built to last, not just survive a single shipment. And when you need stronger shielding, we can also supply conductive foam, depending on your needs.
What Is Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)?
ESD happens when a small jolt of electricity jumps between two things with different electrical charges. This can be caused by:
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Friction, for example, walking on a carpet
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Touching another object
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Dry air or low humidity
Damage from ESD can show up in a few ways:
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Random glitches or failures
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Shortened lifespan
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Components that fail later without warning
According to RS Components, up to 33% of electronic product losses are caused by ESD.
That’s a big number, and the costs can add up fast for anyone managing valuable electronics.
How Anti‑Static Foam Works
Anti‑static and dissipative foams are made with chemicals or coatings that either prevent charges from building up or move those charges away from sensitive gear.
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Anti‑static foam uses surface treatments to keep static from forming.
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Dissipative foam spreads out any charge that does appear, so it doesn’t build up in one spot.
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Conductive foam acts like a shield, giving the electricity a safe path to travel around the component.
Conductive foam can even work like a Faraday cage when it fully surrounds the component. That means it helps block static from the outside as well.
It’s also worth noting that these foams come in different densities and styles. Some are better suited for soft cushioning, while others are designed to handle impact or heavier gear. We’ll help you choose the right type for your application.
Why It Matters for Electronics
If you're protecting electronics that are fragile, expensive, or hard to replace, you probably need foam with anti‑static properties. Static damage isn’t always obvious, and you might not catch it until your equipment fails on the job or stops working weeks later.
Damage can happen at voltages between 30 and 100 volts, which you can’t see or feel. But the results can include:
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Lost revenue
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Warranty claims
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Downtime or repairs
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Frustrated customers
Some industry estimates suggest static damage costs the electronics sector around $5 billion every year. That includes the cost of repairs, replacements, and lost trust.
A good foam insert can reduce these risks, help protect your gear, and ultimately save you time and money in the long run.
Environmental and Packaging Considerations in Canada
Static protection isn’t the only factor to think about. If you're a Canadian company, you’re probably also looking at packaging waste and compliance.
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In 2019, 2.3 million tonnes of plastic packaging were generated in Canada (StatCan).
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Federal regulations are now focusing more closely on how we use and report plastic packaging.
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Reusable packaging, including high-quality anti‑static and conductive foam, can help reduce waste and make your process more sustainable.
At Production Case, we do our best to offer materials and packaging solutions that work with your environmental goals. And when we can, we support recycling and re-use options, too.
How to Get a Custom Foam Quote
We make anti‑static foam inserts to fit nearly any brand or custom case. Here’s what we need to get started:
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Your case dimensions or model number
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A list of what you're protecting
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Quantity of inserts needed
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Any preferences for foam type or density
We’ll work with you to choose the right material, design the layout, and send a detailed quote. You can also book a consultation with our design team if you’re unsure which foam is best for your case.
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Work with Production Case Today!
Anti‑static foam plays a bigger role than most people think. It protects your gear, helps you avoid costly failures, and keeps your electronics functioning properly.
Whether you’re building demo kits, shipping fragile parts, or packaging delicate equipment, Production Case can help you get the right foam insert for the job. And because we design and cut everything in-house at our Ottawa facility, you maintain full control over quality, timelines, and materials.
Ready to protect your gear? Request a quote or check out our foam insert gallery to see what’s possible.
