So what's a decent but cheap ESD workbench mat?

[cvanc]

I'm moving away from using my field rollup ESD mats on the bench at home, and want to get something more permanent.  Looking for the thicker, cushioned stuff that is mostly seen in blue but I've seem similar in other colors too.

Is this a total commodity these days, or are there specific brands to look out for?  Ideally I'd like a small amount in bulk and will cut to size & add the snap fittings myself.

Thank you.

[progrock]

I'd love to get a nice one that didn't cost a fortune as well.  Also want something that's got pretty high heat resistance for soldering on... not sure if this would be 2 separate layered mats, or just one.  I'm guessing a good ESD mat that's also high temp resistant for soldering is not going to be cheap... unless you only need 2 square feet or something.

[nanofrog]

I'm moving away from using my field rollup ESD mats on the bench at home, and want to get something more permanent.  Looking for the thicker, cushioned stuff that is mostly seen in blue but I've seem similar in other colors too.

Given what you're after, you need to be looking at 3 layer mats as they consist of the colored top (dissipative), carbon loaded middle layer, and finally the bottom layer for cushioning (vinyl).

FWIW, the following link is the least expensive source I'm aware of canvu0_0. The seller and COO of the mat is Canada. And he carries both 2 & 3 layer mats (he'll even make a custom size if you need it).

I'd love to get a nice one that didn't cost a fortune as well.  Also want something that's got pretty high heat resistance for soldering on... I'm guessing a good ESD mat that's also high temp resistant for soldering is not going to be cheap.

Definitely not going to be cheap for a rubber ESD mat (2 layers at a minimum) vs. vinyl which melts very easily if you're using a soldering iron.

[David Hess]

I used to have a roll of 3M black anti-static foam which I used for an ESD mat.  It was more springy and less crushable than most anti-static foam and had the advantage that I could stick parts into it for both protection and to keep them in place.

[eeviking]

Watch out for cheap china mats. They will stink up the lab for ever with the infamous rubber smell.

[floobydust]

Sheet metal aluminium plate is what I have on some benches, especially the EMC testing area.
Engineers like it, it doesn't melt. 3/16 and 1/4" thick. But a bit hard and scratches some stuff.

Silicone rubber ESD mats are the best but very expensive and most employers/companies will only let you get cheap vinyl mats that stain with flux and melt really easy. Vinyl doesn't last.

[cvanc]

Just wanted to give closure here, I contacted this vendor and obtained some nice new mats.  Friendly emails about custom sizes and fast delivery.

Thank you to Nanofrog for the suggestion.

FWIW, the following link is the least expensive source I'm aware of canvu0_0. The seller and COO of the mat is Canada. And he carries both 2 & 3 layer mats (he'll even make a custom size if you need it).