Review on 🛡️ Multicomp Anti Static Foam: High Density, Non-Corrosive, 305x305x6mm (2-Pieces) - Effective ESD Protection Solution by Mark Walsh

ESD protective foams are available in three qualities. Conductive is top notch because it creates an electrical connection between the pins inserted into it and prevents voltage differences. Rub it with a balloon, let a cat sleep on it, hang it on a Tesla coil - no matter what charge you apply, it will be distributed evenly throughout the device without causing harm*. This foam is actually conductive, which was a little surprising since the product name simply says "Anti-Static Foam". I compared it to a branded conductive foam (Desco 12250) from a reputable supplier (digi-key). I cut 4" x 6" blocks to line up the chip storage boxes. Both foams have about the same resistance measured from diagonal corners. This foam is easier to cut. Desco foam is noticeably more resilient and holds up better after inserting and removing chips in the same place about a dozen times. I have two pairs of foam boards. Each pair was packaged in a plastic bag that was open at one end and had two protruding corners. One pair was missing a piece of both leaves in one of the open corners (about 1 square inch). The other pair had one of the corners in the pack covered in some kind of disgusting goo which I cut off and as a result I was only able to cut 5 liners per sheet instead of the 6 I was expecting. Considering the cost difference between these and Desco foam that was not bad even considering the reduced performance. * - not technically incorrect under any circumstances. A sudden change in voltage creates a transient gradient across the foam, and with enough voltage for a short time this gradient can be enough to damage the chip.