ESD protective packaging for electronic components since Ganlong's Group started in tube extrusion
Blue and transparent ESD tubes filled with electronic components
IC Tubes

ESD Plastic Tubes

ESD Plastic Tubes are extruded protective channels made from PVC, PS, PC, PETG, or ABS to hold electronic components in fixed orientation during shipping and handling.

50mm-600mm as customized0.30mm-1.85mmPVC / PS / PC / PETG / ABS
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Blue and transparent ESD tubes filled with electronic components
Cartons of ESD plastic tubes packed for exportTransparent ESD plastic tubes stacked in bundles ready for packingClose-up of a small ESD tube with a precise internal channelBundled ESD tubes with rubber end plugs fitted at both ends
IC Tubes

ESD Plastic Tubes in One Paragraph

ESD Plastic Tubes are extruded protective channels made from PVC, PS, PC, PETG, or ABS to hold electronic components in fixed orientation during shipping and handling. They protect against electrostatic discharge, mechanical shock, dust, and moisture. Available in oval or square profiles with internal dimensions matched to the device body, they are used for through-hole, SMT, and leadless packages including QFN, MLF, LPCC, and others. Standard profiles are stocked with over a thousand open tools; custom profiles are made to drawing or sample. Tubes are cut to length from 50mm to 600mm and feature critical dimension control within 5 mils on PVC, and tighter +/-2 mils on PC tubes.

50mm-600mm as customized0.30mm-1.85mmPVC / PS / PC / PETG / ABS
Key Benefits

Why Buyers Specify ESD Plastic Tubes

  • Protects components from ESD, dust, moisture, and mechanical damage during transit and storage
  • Critical dimension control within 5 mils on PVC ensures consistent part flow without jamming
  • Tighter +/-2 mil tolerance on PC tubes enables high-speed, unattended feeding with minimal scrap
  • Oval or square profiles matched to device body prevent rotation, piggybacking, and shingling
  • Available in multiple materials to balance cost, clarity, impact strength, and environmental impact
  • Short lead time of 5-15 days for standard profiles allows fast replacement of stock tubes
  • Custom profiles made from drawings or physical samples ensure perfect fit for unique device geometries
Application Scenarios

ESD Plastic Tubes on the Line

Shipping relays, switches, and connectors from a component manufacturer to an overseas EMS or SMT plant

Protecting QFN, MLF, and LPCC packages during transport where tape and reel is not feasible

Feeding MSOP and TSSOP devices into high-speed pick and place machines with minimal rework

Storing sensitive components in a warehouse between incoming inspection and production build

Re-packing bulk devices into fixed-count tubes for traceability and kitting

Using green materials like PS, PC, and PETG to meet environmental compliance requirements

Who It Is For

ESD Plastic Tubes Is Built For

  • IC distributors re-packaging bulk devices for their customers
  • Semiconductor and passive component makers packaging finished goods
  • EMS and SMT plants receiving tube-packed components and needing spares for rework
  • Connector and relay manufacturers shipping large or heavy bodies that cannot fit in tape and reel
  • Medical instrument and LED producers requiring ESD-safe packaging with visual inspection clarity
  • Purchasing teams replacing a supplier whose tube profile no longer matches the device
Cartons of ESD plastic tubes packed for export
Problems It Solves

What Goes Wrong Without ESD Plastic Tubes

  • Devices jam or rotate inside tubes due to inconsistent internal profile or poor dimensional control
  • Electrostatic discharge damages sensitive components during handling and transport
  • Bulk-packed parts arrive in random orientation, increasing manual loading time and error risk
  • Tubes crack on drop during transit, spilling components and risking contamination
  • Standard stock tubes do not match custom device profiles, leading to feeder jams and line stops
  • Anti-static performance degrades after repeated handling or wiping when surface treatment is used
Technical Features

Technical Detail of ESD Plastic Tubes

  • Extruded oval or square internal profile matched to device body and lead span
  • Anti-static protection via surface treatment or additives built into the resin
  • Critical dimension control within 5 mils on PVC tubes; +/-2 mils on PC tubes
  • Smooth internal surface to prevent binding and allow consistent part movement
  • Good impact strength to resist cracking during carton handling and drop testing
  • Available in transparent, blue, black, red, yellow, purple, or customized colors for line identification
  • Optional rubber end plugs, plastic pins, nails, caps, or EPE plugs for closure
  • Surface printing of part numbers, symbols, or handling marks available
  • Compatible with tube feeders used in insertion and pick and place machines
Transparent ESD plastic tubes stacked in bundles ready for packing
Specifications

The Numbers for ESD Plastic Tubes

Values are taken from the SEWATE product data for this item.

ESD Plastic Tubes specification
Model NumberSE-IC-011
Length50mm-600mm as customized
Wall Thickness0.30mm-1.85mm
ProfileOval or square or customized
MaterialPVC / PS / PC / PETG / ABS
ColourTransparent, Blue, Black, Red, Yellow, Purple and customized etc
Dimension ControlWithin 5 mils on PVC, +/-2 mils on PC
CertificationRoHS
MOQ10000 pieces
Sample Time3-5 days or according to customers’ requirements
Lead Time5-15 days or depending on quantity
Capacity50000 pcs per week
Supply AbilityMonthly output of final products is 150 tons
Payment TermsT/T, L/C, etc
ApplicationICs, relays, switches, connectors, sensors, toys, power modules, LEDs, medical instruments, etc
Materials

Resins Used in ESD Plastic Tubes

  • PVC provides high strength, good flexibility, stable geometry, and long storage life; standard choice for general-purpose ESD tubes
  • PS is halogen free, low cost, and offers improved clarity and impact strength over some alternatives; suitable for environmentally sensitive applications
  • PC is used when high impact strength, thermal stability, and tight dimensional tolerances are required, especially for MSOP and TSSOP packages
  • PETG offers the strongest impact resistance and excellent clarity; ideal for heavy-duty or large packages like microprocessor heat sinks
  • ABS is selected when maximum impact resistance is needed, though transparency is lower than other materials
Manufacturing Process

Production Route for ESD Plastic Tubes

  1. Review of application requirements and tube functionality during quotation
  2. Drawing created from purchase order and sent for customer approval before tooling
  3. Mould making and tooling trial on the approved profile
  4. Sample production with 20-50 free tubes for fit testing on the actual device
  5. Extrusion of the approved profile followed by cutting to the ordered length
  6. Anti-static treatment applied via surface layer process or built-in additive as specified
  7. Plug fitting, counting, and packing into cartons or as per customer packaging requirements
Quality Control And Certification

How ESD Plastic Tubes Is Checked

  • Critical dimension control within 5 mils on PVC tubes to prevent jamming
  • Fit testing of sample tubes against the actual device or drawing before mass production
  • Anti-static value verified to remain stable after handling and storage
  • Drop and pressure tests performed on tube bodies before packing
  • Quality management system compliant with ISO14001 with after-sales support on shipped lots
RoHSISO14001 quality management system
Close-up of a small ESD tube with a precise internal channel
Customization Options

What Can Change on ESD Plastic Tubes

  • Tube length customized from 50mm to 600mm to match magazine pitch or carton layout
  • Internal profile designed from device drawing, tube drawing, or physical sample
  • Material selected from PVC, PS, PC, PETG, or ABS based on cost, clarity, impact, and environmental needs
  • Color chosen from transparent, blue, black, red, yellow, purple, or customized for traceability
  • Anti-static method specified as surface treatment or additive-loaded resin based on storage and handling
  • Surface printing of part numbers, symbols, or handling marks available
  • Closure type selected from rubber end plugs, plastic pins, nails, plastic caps, or EPE plugs
Compared With the Alternatives

Comparing ESD Plastic Tubes

Honest trade-offs against other packaging formats
Tape and reelTubes handle larger, heavier, or leadless packages that tape pockets cannot support, but tape is better for high-volume SMD placement
Vacuum formed traysTrays offer better protection for fragile or fine-pitch packages, but tubes are lower cost and load directly into tube feeders
Bulk bag packingTubes eliminate random orientation and ESD exposure, but cost more per unit than bulk bags
Standard stock tubesCustom profiles require one-time tooling and 4-6 weeks lead time, but stock profiles ship in 5-15 days and fit only standard device geometries
Use Guide

Working With ESD Plastic Tubes

  1. Provide a tube drawing, device drawing, or physical sample to define the internal profile
  2. If no drawing exists, send the physical component for profile measurement
  3. Confirm tube length against the magazine or carton pitch of your placement machine
  4. Specify storage duration and handling frequency to choose the right anti-static method
  5. Select closure type: rubber plugs for repeated use, pins for one-way shipping
  6. Store tubes flat and dry in cartons, away from direct sunlight to prevent deformation
  7. Plan for 4-6 weeks lead time and one-time tooling cost when designing a new custom profile
FAQ

ESD Plastic Tubes Buyer Questions

What is the minimum order quantity for ESD Plastic Tubes?

10000 pieces for standard profiles. The MOQ reflects extrusion setup costs; short runs are not economical due to changeover time and material waste.

How long does a standard tube order take?

5-15 days depending on quantity. Sample tubes for fit testing are delivered in 3-5 days.

How long does a custom tube profile take?

Basic low volume projects take 25-day ARO. Typical lead time is 4-6 weeks. Complex tools or high volume items may take 10-12 weeks.

What do you need to quote a custom tube?

One of: a tube drawing, a device drawing, or a physical sample. If none exists, send the actual component for profile measurement.

Which material should I choose for my application?

PVC is standard for strength and stability. PS is halogen free and cost-effective. PC offers tight tolerances and high impact. PETG is strongest for heavy-duty use. ABS is best for maximum impact resistance.

Is the anti-static property permanent?

It depends. Surface treatment can degrade with wiping or long storage. Additives built into the resin maintain anti-static performance longer. Specify your storage and handling needs to select the right method.

Do the tubes come with plugs?

Yes. Rubber end plugs, plastic pins, nails, plastic caps, and EPE plugs are available and selected based on the tube profile and intended use

Send the Device and Get ESD Plastic Tubes Quoted

A drawing, a sample or the physical component is enough. Sales and engineering come back within 24 hours.