What Are Component Trays? Types, Sizes and Industrial Uses

A component tray (parts tray, angled-front plastic bin) is a small solid plastic bin with a slanted open front, designed for assembly lines and parts storage racking. It comes in six sizes from A4 (235 x 150 x 81 mm) to A9 (482 x 308 x 178 mm), with an ESD anti-static version that is mandatory for electronics. This guide explains the design, the size range, when ESD is required, and how trays are used across electronics, automotive, pharmaceutical and garment lines.

Component tray design and key features

A component tray differs from an ordinary solid plastic bin in three design features. First, the angled front: the front face is cut down on a 30-45 degree slope, so workers can see and pick parts from above without lifting the bin off the rack. Second, the compact size: 150 mm to 482 mm long, suited to multi-tier gravity racks. Third, the hanging lip: a rib or hook on the back lets the bin hang on a louvered panel, common in machining and electronics workshops.

The usual material is virgin PP or HDPE plastic with a wall thickness of 2-3 mm. For electronics, the tray must be the ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) version: PP plastic blended with conductive carbon additive, with a surface resistance of 10^4 to 10^11 ohms, which channels static to ground instead of letting it build up and discharge into sensitive parts inside.

Component tray size table

All codes above are available from stock at the ICD component tray category, with same-day delivery in Hanoi and the northern industrial parks.

ESD anti-static component trays: when are they mandatory?

In electronics, static is the invisible enemy. A person walking on a warehouse floor can build up 3,000-5,000 V without feeling it. When that person touches a sensitive part (IC chip, MOSFET, LED), a discharge of just 100 V is enough to cause permanent damage. For this reason every electronics plant mandates ESD trays for all components on the line.

An ESD tray is recognised by its characteristic black or grey colour (from the carbon additive) and the ESD symbol (a triangle with a hand inside) printed on the wall. ESD trays cost 50-80% more than standard trays because the anti-static additive is expensive, but it is a required investment: the cost of one ESD tray is negligible next to the value of the parts inside, which can run to millions of VND per chip.

Component tray uses by industry

Electronics and semiconductor

ESD A4 and A5 trays hold SMD parts, ICs and chips, while ESD A8 holds boards and modules. Large electronics plants in Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen are the biggest buyers of the ESD range.

Machining and automotive

A6 and A4 trays hold screws, bolts, nuts and couplings on the assembly line. ESD is not needed here, but the tray should be oil-resistant HDPE. A gravity flow rack combined with component trays is the standard for automotive lines under the Toyota Production System.

Pharmaceutical and garment

Pharmaceutical lines use virgin PP trays with no additive for sorting raw materials, capsules and vials, with a smooth surface that is easy to clean and BPA-free. Garment lines use A6-A8 trays to sort accessories such as buttons, zips, labels and thread that are too small for a large solid plastic crate.

Frequently asked questions about component trays

1. Can component trays be stacked?

Yes. ICD component trays have a stacking groove on the top rim that allows 5-8 tiers when full. When empty, the trays nest inside one another to save 50% of the space. On a gravity rack, however, each tray sits alone in its own slot rather than stacked.

2. How does an ESD tray differ from a standard tray?

An ESD tray has a carbon additive in the PP plastic that conducts static to ground instead of letting it build up, with a surface resistance of 10^4 to 10^11 ohms. It is recognised by its black or grey colour and the ESD symbol on the wall. It costs 50-80% more but is mandatory for electronics.

3. How many trays qualify for wholesale pricing?

At ICD, bulk orders qualify for wholesale pricing, with better discount tiers at 500 and 1,000 units. Plants typically order trays in bulk when setting up a new line. Call 0983 797 186 for a project quote.

4. What size component tray should I choose?

Match the size to the parts: A4-A5 for tiny parts such as screws, capacitors, ICs and chips; A6 for bolts and couplings; A8-A9 for boards, modules and larger mechanical parts. The tray should also fit the slot pitch of your rack.

5. What material are component trays made from?

Virgin PP or HDPE with a 2-3 mm wall is standard. HDPE is preferred for oily machining environments, virgin PP for pharmaceutical use, and ESD PP with carbon additive for electronics.

Contact and component tray quote from ICD