NTS
Permanent antistatic LDPE
Flexible solid plastic for a thin filler or spacer. Select NTS when the loading arrangement calls for plastic rather than compressible foam.
Listed thicknesses:
0.030 and 0.060 in.
IC SHIPPING TUBE ACCESSORIES
ESD IC Tube
Fillers & Stuffers
Control unused space in a partially loaded IC shipping tube. Compare permanent antistatic plastic and ESD foam fillers by material, width, and thickness, then cut the working length to suit the load.
A Small Part with a Specific Job
Malaster ESD IC tube fillers, also called tube stuffers, help limit device travel by occupying unused internal space. They work with the tube profile and end closures to control a partial load during storage, handling, and shipment. Some applications also use a filler as a support strip beneath or alongside the devices.
Start with the tube and device geometry. A filler should contact suitable surfaces without loading exposed leads, distorting the package, or preventing the end closures from seating. Malaster can help review that fit and supply standard strips or custom dimensions for the application.
Choose the Material Family
CTS
Conductive closed-cell foam
Black compressible foam for configurations that specify conductive filler. Review device contact and compression as part of the assembled fit.
Listed thicknesses:
0.125, 0.187, and 0.250 in.
ASTS
Static-dissipative closed-cell foam
Pink compressible foam for applications that specify an antistatic foam filler. Confirm its suitability before changing from another material family.
Listed thicknesses:
0.125 and 0.250 in.
Find Your Tube Filler
Filter by material, thickness, and width. Open the product page for dimensions, the drawing, quantity pricing, and ordering. Standard listings are supplied in 19-inch lengths.
Width filters group the nominal size families. Use the dimensioned product image for the filler width and tolerances. MC-6187CTS and MC-9187CTS are 0.187-inch-thick fillers; refer to their product drawings when selecting these two parts.
| Image | Part Number | Material | Thickness | Width | PRODUCT PAGE | hf:tax:pa_material | hf:tax:pa_product-thickness | hf:tax:pa_product-width |
|---|
Check the Fit Before Setting the Cut Length
1. Match the cross-section
Compare filler width and thickness with the actual tube cavity and device position. Account for lead clearance, body height, and where the filler will make contact.
2. Establish the working length
Load the intended device quantity and account for both closures. Cut the filler to occupy the remaining usable space without pushing the device stack against either end.
3. Evaluate the assembly
Check movement, contact points, and closure seating in a sample assembly. Review any cleanliness, electrical, and outer-packaging requirements before releasing the configuration for production.
Material Data and Packaging Requirements
The NTS family uses permanent antistatic LDPE. Its material data lists typical surface resistivity of 1 × 1010 to 9.9 × 1011 Ω/square (ASTM D257) and static decay below 2.00 seconds (FTMS 101C Method 4046.1). These are typical material values from molded specimens, not finished-strip specifications or lot certifications.
CTS and ASTS use different foam materials. Refer to the material information in the individual product galleries and specify any required electrical range, cleanliness level, or device-contact restrictions. The complete tube, filler, closures, and outer packaging should be qualified together for the application.
A filler controls space inside the tube. It does not establish a seal or a complete shielding system. For more on selecting the tube and loading arrangement, see the IC shipping tube technical guide.
Need a Different Width, Thickness, or Cut Length?
Send Malaster the tube part number, device drawing or dimensions, quantity of devices per tube, and required order quantity. Include a photo of the loading arrangement or an existing filler if available. We can review a standard part or a custom filler for your application.
Request a Filler RecommendationComplete the Tube Assembly
Select the tube profile and matching closures along with the filler. Confirm each component against the actual device and loading arrangement.