Malvern-based Automated Packaging Systems has added another 'first' to its growing list of achievements as it becomes the first European manufacturer of ESD (Electro Static Discharge) Bags-on-a-Roll™.

"We are delighted to be delivering cost effective, industry approved packaging solutions to the electronic component manufacturing sector, using bags made here in the UK," says Andy Pretious, Automated Packaging Systems sales manager.

Production and build up of static electricity - tribocharging - can cause irreparable damage to electrical components. The new ESD bags are designed to protect sensitive electronic devices from product-damaging electrostatic fields, with static shielding properties thanks to a duo-layer bag construction that features a static dissipative metallised polyester outer layer. This, when combined with the tough static dissipative inner layer, ensures that the new ESD bags offer reliable anti-static properties as well as humidity independent performance and puncture resistance.

"The polyester outer layer works with a metal layer to provide a Faraday Cage effect," explains Andy Pretious. "Any electrical discharge occurring outside the bag is contained to the outer surface of the metal layer so can't affect the components inside, essential when packaging sensitive electronic devices."

Packing and heat sealing using a flexible, semi-automatic Autobag® bagger, enables manufacturers of sensitive electronic components to achieve packing speeds of up to 2000 bags per hour, and the Bags-on-a-Roll format makes for faster bag changeovers and minimises storage requirements.

Bags-on-a-Roll can be plain or printed and are designed for use with an Autobag bagging system complete with a PI 412c printer.

"The system can feed, print, open and seal ESD bags automatically, and the thermal transfer printing allows users to print product information such as bar codes, text and graphic directly on to the bag," explains Andy Pretious.

To find out more about ESD bags and packaging solutions for electronic component applications visit stand K56 at the Northern Manufacturing & Electronics Exhibition 2013, log on to www.autobag.co.uk, or call Automated Packaging Systems Customer Service on 01684 891400.