Electrostatic discharge (ESD) events can quietly damage or destroy sensitive components long before products reach customers. Building an ESD control program begins with the work surface—and that’s where a high-quality ESD Bench Mat makes all the difference. HORBEST ESD Bench Mats provide a controlled path to safely dissipate static charges, protecting PCBs, semiconductors, precision instruments, and rework tools across labs, production lines, and repair benches.

 

In this guide, you’ll learn what an ESD Bench Mat does, the different material constructions (including HORBEST rubber 2-layer designs), how to choose the right resistance range, how to install and ground your mat properly, and maintenance best practices to keep your ESD control program effective.

 

 

An ESD Bench Mat (also called an anti-static bench mat, ESD table mat, or static-dissipative work surface) is a layered material placed on a workstation to:

•Drain static charges from people, tools, and parts at a controlled rate.

•Provide a low-tribocharging surface that won’t generate high static when items slide or move.

•Integrate with an overall grounding system (wrist straps, common ground points, cords).

 

 

 

HORBEST focuses on practical, production-ready ESD control solutions. HORBEST ESD Bench Mats are engineered for:

•Stable Resistance Performance: Controlled surface resistivity for predictable static decay.

•Durable Work Surfaces: Rubber or vinyl top layers resist cuts, solder splash, and chemicals (model-dependent).

•Slip-Resistant Grip: Keeps boards and tools in place.

•Easy Grounding: Snap kits, grounding cords, and common-point ground accessories available.

•Custom Cutting Services: Fit your benches, assembly cells, and rework stations without waste.

 

 

Different work environments call for different mat constructions. Below are the most common types offered or supported by HORBEST.

 

1. HORBEST 2-Layer Rubber ESD Bench Mat (Popular Choice)

•Top Layer: Static-dissipative rubber (~10^7–10^9 Ω).

•Bottom Layer: Conductive rubber (~10^3–10^5 Ω) to provide a fast path to ground.

•Benefits: Excellent durability, heat and solder resistance, good for soldering/rework.

•Texture Options: Smooth for easy wipe-down or light texture for tool grip.

 

2. Vinyl 2-Layer ESD Bench Mat

•Cost-Effective: Great for high-volume electronics assembly.

•Chemical Resistant: Well-suited for areas using solvents or flux cleaners.

•Lighter Weight: Easier to cut and install on large benches.

 

3. 3-Layer ESD Bench Mat with Foam Core

•Comfort + Control: Dissipative top, conductive middle, and cushion base.

•Applications: Workstations where techs spend long hours seated or leaning.

 

4. Solder-Resistant ESD Bench Mat

•Enhanced top layer resists brief solder drops and hot tools.

•Recommended for repair benches and rework labs.

 

5. Light-Duty Portable ESD Bench Mat Rolls & Field Service Kits

•Foldable or roll-up mat with snap & ground cord.

•Ideal for mobile electronics repair, calibration techs, and service calls.

 

 

When evaluating an ESD Bench Mat, check the following:

 

Property Typical Target Range Why It Matters

RTT (Resistance Top-to-Top) 10^6–10^9 Ω Ensures controlled static decay across surface.

RTG (Resistance Top-to-Ground) 10^6–10^9 Ω Confirms that charges will dissipate safely when grounded.

Charge Generation (Tribocharging) Low Reduces static buildup when sliding tools/boards.

Decay Time Short, controlled Faster protection during handling.

 

HORBEST rubber ESD Bench Mat models are engineered to meet commonly accepted ESD control ranges aligned with ANSI/ESD S20.20 program guidance (verify individual product datasheets for exact test results).

 

Sizes, Formats & Customization

 

HORBEST supports both standard sizes and custom builds:

•Standard Cut Mats: e.g., 1X10m, 600mm x 1200mm.

•Roll Stock: Cut-to-length ESD Bench Mat rolls for large production lines.

•Die-Cut or CNC Cutouts: Fit around fixtures, microscopes, vises, or solder stations.

•Color Options: Green, blue, gray (availability varies by material type).

•Logo or Zone Marking: Identify EPA (ESD Protected Area) or brand positioning.

 

 

An ESD Bench Mat is only as good as its ground connection. HORBEST offers compatible components:

•Grounding Cord with 1 MΩ Resistor (standard safety resistor).

•Common-Point Ground Block (connect mat + wrist strap).

•Snap Kits (10mm male snaps; install via simple punch tool).

•Multiple Bench Linking Leads (ground multiple mats to a single ESD earth node).

 

Tip: Always test continuity from mat surface through snap to ground.

 

1.Unroll & Relax: Let the ESD Bench Mat lie flat for several hours to release curl.

2.Cut to Fit (if needed): Use a straightedge and sharp utility knife.

3.Install Snap: Place near back corner; ensure good metal-to-conductive-layer contact.

4.Connect Ground Cord: Snap to mat; attach ring/terminal to verified earth ground.

5.Add Common-Point Ground: If using wrist straps, connect both strap and mat here.

6.Test RTG: Use an ESD resistance meter to confirm 10^6–10^9 Ω (or per spec).

 

 

Proper care extends mat life and maintains compliance.

 

•Clean regularly with ESD-safe mat cleaner or diluted neutral detergent.

•Wipe spills immediately (flux, oils, solvents).

•Retest resistance after deep cleaning or chemical exposure.

 

•Use silicone polishes, waxes, or harsh abrasives.

•Cover the mat with paper/cardboard (defeats static control).

•Allow cuts to penetrate conductive layer—replace if damaged.

 

 

Routine verification keeps your ESD program audit-ready:

 

Test Frequency Tool Pass Criteria (Typical)

RTG (Top to Ground) Monthly or per SOP Megohmmeter 10^6–10^9 Ω

Wrist Strap + Mat Combo Daily before shift Wrist strap tester / combo tester Pass/Fail indicators

Visual Inspection Weekly Manual No cuts, burns, delamination

 

HORBEST can supply resistance test data and guidance to align with ANSI/ESD S20.20, IEC 61340-5-1, and customer-specific QA audits.

 

 

HORBEST ESD Bench Mat solutions are widely used in:

•PCB assembly & rework lines

•SMT hand insertion stations

•Electronics repair benches (laptops, phones, consumer electronics)

•Calibration labs & instrument test stations

•Medical device electronics manufacturing

•Cleanrooms & controlled environments

•Field service kits for on-site technical support

 

 

Before ordering your HORBEST ESD Bench Mat, confirm:

•□ Material: Rubber (durable, heat-tolerant) or Vinyl (cost-effective, chemical resistant)?

•□ Layers: 2-layer vs. 3-layer cushion?

•□ Size: Standard cut or custom dimension?

•□ Color: Green, blue, gray—match ESD zones?

•□ Resistance Range: Meets your QA or customer spec?

•□ Accessories: Ground cord, common-point ground, wrist strap interface?

•□ Cert Requirements: ROHS, REACH, CE documentation needed?

 

 

HORBEST Rubber ESD Bench Mat – Durable 2-layer static-dissipative work surface protects sensitive electronics from ESD damage. Conductive backing ensures reliable grounding; includes optional snap and cord. Ideal for soldering, PCB assembly, lab benches, and cleanroom workstations. Available in rolls and custom-cut sizes.

 

 

Ready to upgrade your static-safe workstations? Contact HORBEST for sizing support, bulk pricing, and compliance documentation—or tell me your bench size and I’ll help you spec the right ESD Bench Mat package (mat + ground cord + snap kit).