Silicone Work Mat FAQ
What are the dimensions (size) of the Silicone Work Mat?
About 24 cm x 21 cm, which in inches is 9.45" x 8.27". Those are nominal sizes, so allow a centimetre either way if the mat has to fit a fixed space such as a drawer or a case.
Is the work mat heat-resistant? Can I solder directly on it?
Yes, soldering on it is what it is for. Silicone stands up to dropped solder and brief contact with a hot tip, which is why the mat is a far better surface than a bare desk or a kitchen table. There is no published temperature rating for it, so treat it as a working surface rather than a heatproof one: the iron belongs in its stand between joints, not resting on the mat.
Does the Silicone Work Mat have anti-static properties?
No. Silicone is an insulator rather than a static-dissipative material, and the mat carries no ESD rating. That is fine for building our kits, which is the job it was made for. If you regularly handle bare static-sensitive components, use a properly grounded ESD mat and wrist strap for that work.
Is the mat flexible or rigid? Can I roll it up for storage?
Flexible. It rolls up, so it suits a table you have to clear at the end of a session, or a build that moves between rooms.
How should I clean the Silicone Work Mat if it gets dirty?
Washing-up liquid and lukewarm water. Move any electronics off the table first, and let the mat dry completely before you put components back on it.