Where to buy ESD mat

[Kasper]

I want to improve my ESD protection as I have had some chips die recently.

After searching the web and this forum, I am planning to buy this:
https://www.staticsolutions.com/product/esd-mat-kit/

Datasheet is here:
https://www.staticsolutions.com/product/anti-static-mat/

Unknown lead time and shipping charge of $70 for 2 mats has me thinking I should check to see if anyone has any other recommendations.

Goals:
No odor
Not shiny
Heat resistant for soldering
Chemical resistant for flux and IPA (isopropyl alcohol)
Good ESD protection for fragile ICs
Lays flat
Works with optical mouse
Ships from Canada

[thm_w]

The one you linked is USA based.

There is a ebay canada seller that gets mentioned here a lot, I believe it is this one: https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_ssn=canvu0_0
But you'd want to confirm, probably in one of the earlier threads.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/esd-mat/
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/what-type-of-anti-static-mat-should-i-buy/
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/esd-mat-again-again-but-maybe-a-bit-deeper/
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/favorite-esd-safe-benchtop-work-mats/

[MarkF]

I bought the dark blue Sierra FT Series mat several years ago.
It has held up very well under the my light use and never had any smell.

I bought it from All-Spec in WILMINGTON, NC at the time.  Not sure where it's shipped from now.

[Zoli]

Uline:
https://www.uline.ca/BL_7403/Anti-Static-Table-Mats?keywords=ESD+Mats
I have experience with two layer rubber, and it fits your requirements, with a light starting odour, which goes away in a few days.
Same with the SCS 770098:
https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/scs/770098/9478149
Digikey has pretty big offer with datasheets:
https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/filter/anti-static-esd-grounding-mats/606
Look for the two layer rubber, that's the closest to your requirements.

[Kasper]

Thanks everyone.  I'm now looking at 2 layer rubber from a few sources and waiting to hear back from them on lead times and shipping costs.

https://www.ebay.ca/str/canvu00

https://www.hisco.com/Catalog/Static-Control/Static-Control-Matting/ESD-Safe-Rubber-Benchtop-Mats/FTW160DB#asr

https://www.staticsolutions.com/product/anti-static-mat/

Checked u-line and Digikey also.  They seem more expensive than these but that may depend on how much these charge for shipping.

Anyone know what the odor level is from the ebay seller canvu00?  One is going in my office and I don't want to smell it all day.

[MarkF]

F.Y.I.   The 36 x 72 x .080 Sierra mat you linked is NOT in stock.

The closest they have in stock is the 30 x 72 x .080:
   https://www.hisco.com/Catalog/Static-Control/Static-Control-Matting/ESD-Safe-Rubber-Benchtop-Mats/FTW150DB

My Sierra mat went into my small bedroom and had a slight smell for a day.
I bought the 24"x48" and it's plenty big although it doesn't go under my equipment.

[Kasper]

F.Y.I.   The 36 x 72 x .080 Sierra mat you linked is NOT in stock.

Yes, I see that, thanks.  I have similar ones in my cart.  Just waiting for a reply about lead time and shipping costs.  With so many shortages and delays lately, I like to check before I send money to a site I'm not familiar with.

[thm_w]

Thanks everyone.  I'm now looking at 2 layer rubber from a few sources and waiting to hear back from them on lead times and shipping costs.
...
Checked u-line and Digikey also.  They seem more expensive than these but that may depend on how much these charge for shipping.

Uline and Digikey are overpriced.
The only benefit of Digikey is free fast shipping over $100.
The ebay one you can see the shipping cost is listed at $20-30.

[Kasper]

Thanks for the help everyone.  I ordered Sierra FT-series mats from Hisco and they had reasonable response times to my questions.  Haven't received the mats yet.

Hisco had a great clearance sale, about 75% off.  It sounded like those prices would last until stock was out but I just checked and despite still being on clearance, the prices have gone up 4x.  I should have posted earlier but wanted to make sure my order went thru before I recommended them.

Sierra 'clearance' (FS and FT series):
https://www.hisco.com/Catalog/Specials/Clearance?brands=981a5fae-b86d-42af-8a2e-a9f9013e7d20&pageSize=16&sort=1

[jonpaul]

find a sheet metal shop ( HVAC) get a scrap piece of sheet metal 1 x 1.3 m
Solder 1 M 1/2W resistor, wire to earth.
Cover with cloth, etc.

Alternative is aluminum foil and use alligator clip

Cost zéro
j

[thm_w]

Bumping this, 40ft x 24" (61cm by 12m) sierra 2-layer rubber mat is available for $60
Lots of grey in stock (115). Blue is out of stock, but lets you order.
https://www.hisco.com/Product/FS200G

BE WARNED their site is total trash:
- Very slow, had to try multiple credit cards to get the order to go through (visa works)
- Canada shipping is not economical ($220), but USA shipping is super cheap ($12) so what I did was ship to USA then will import it across the border. I use this company in vancouver (shippsy PM me for referral code) but others are available if you want to drive.

edit: the order has not shipped yet, will update if it does, its possible their website stock is incorrect.

[Kasper]

I just got an email from Hisco about a sale.  Thought I'd follow up.

My order arrived and the mats have been working well.

[Bud]

Uline is an industrial supplier, that is why their prices are higher. But they are a No-Shit supplier and their products are good.

[thm_w]

Uline is an industrial supplier, that is why their prices are higher. But they are a No-Shit supplier and their products are good.

They sell to you at inflated prices and hide the real manufacturers part number so you can't cross reference and shop around.
The mats are probably Bertech, which I'm sure are good, but can be bought elsewhere for a lower price https://bertech.com/product-category/esd-anti-static-mat-kits/esd-soldering-mat-kits/blue-esd-soldering-mat-kits/

Part of the reason the prices are so high is you get "gifts" for every $1,000's of dollars you spend, so the purchasing department is hooked on sticking with them as the main supplier, as they get free coolers/chairs/whatever with the order.

[Veteran68]

I purchased this Scientific Americas mat a couple years ago and have been quite pleased with it. It looks like it's gone up in price about $10 since I bought mine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DHWP4TB

Bumping this, 40ft x 24" (61cm by 12m) sierra 2-layer rubber mat is available for $60
Lots of grey in stock (115). Blue is out of stock, but lets you order.
https://www.hisco.com/Product/FS200G

BE WARNED their site is total trash:
- Very slow, had to try multiple credit cards to get the order to go through (visa works)
- Canada shipping is not economical ($220), but USA shipping is super cheap ($12) so what I did was ship to USA then will import it across the border. I use this company in vancouver (shippsy PM me for referral code) but others are available if you want to drive.

That seems like a hell of a deal for 40' of mat (with US shipping at least). I don't need it now but I'm tempted to grab a roll for the future.

[Kasper]

That seems like a hell of a deal for 40' of mat (with US shipping at least). I don't need it now but I'm tempted to grab a roll for the future.

The sale I got from Hisco seemed too good to be true but it turned out well.

[thm_w]

Hisco shipped the two mats I ordered with Fedex, $13 shipping as advertised. 53lb total weight for the large roll.

Had to call in to re-charge the credit card for whatever reason. Shipment was in 2 separate boxes so import cost will be slightly higher.

[mastershake]

just ordered from hisco based on this thread i was actually looking for the same thing some new mats my old ones its just time to finally get rid of them lol its beyond time. so i went for a few different sizes and of course the one i really wanted they didnt have in stock but hopefully they will get more of them. if these come in and all is good ill def be ordering more. i mean wow the price was incredible. now only 12.95 fedex flar rate in the usa for shipping these rolls?? thats insane. cant wait to get them. i appreciate the thread and the info i had not ever even heard of them before no idea how i usually know all the cheaper / decent quality places lol. price was so good i didnt even bother doing tax exempt which because we are a non profit i usually would have used. but meh. the ONLY thing i didnt like was they have a min order $ requirement. i def exceeded that.

[thm_w]

I received two types of mats:

- FS Series 2-Layer Diss/Cond Smooth Econo Rubber Work Top Mat Roll, Grey/Black, 24" x 40' x .080
This was the big roll. It is not suitable for a direct soldering surface, if you touch an iron to it (390C), it will turn dark brown/black. It won't melt at all so its better than pure PVC, but if you plan on soldering or using hot air put a silicone mat on top of this one to protect it. Seems to discolor around 270-280C.

"The top layer of this mat is composed of nitrile rubber and polyvinyl chloride. The bottom is composed of reclaimed rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber."



- FT Series 2-Layer Diss/Cond Textured Heavy Duty Rubber Worktop Mat Kit with Wrist Strap, Ground Cord and Two Snaps, Grey/Black, 30 x 60 x .080
The smell on this one was really bad, takes one or two weeks outside to let it air out. The feel is slightly softer, more flexible. If you touch the soldering iron to it it will discolor but not nearly as bad as the econo mat.

"The top layer of this mat is composed of nitrile rubber and the bottom is composed of natural rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber. "



So check the material when buying if you are looking for temperature resistance.