In static control applications, matting is used for two main purposes.

1. Cushioning for physical protection
2. To dissipate the static charge in a controlled manner

You will see two main types of mat in the marketplace to address these concerns:

Vinyl Layerd Mat - This mat is typically the most economical and can be purchased as two or three layer mat. 

• The top layer is a durable static dissipative vinyl.
• The middle layer on three layer product is a conductive layer that will draw the discharge from surface to the ground point. 
• The bottom layer is generally a foam layer that will be either dissipative or insulative as is required to meet your work station specification.

Vinyl mats are available in several colors generally blue, gray, brown & green.  They can be purchased as pre-cut mats with snaps and ground cords or in full roll by desired width.

Rubber Mat - This mat is ideal for work areas where hot solder or heat are present. It is resistant to oil, grease and the most common solvents.

• The top mat layer is of static dissipative rubber
• The lower mat layer is of conductive rubber

The low out gassing of rubber mat makes this ideal for clean room applications.  Rubber mat is available in cut sizes, with snap and ground cord. Full rolls are available in selected widths. Rubber mats are available in blue, gray & green.

Introducing the New 3M™ EM Eye Meter

• The ESD events sensor detects in HBM (human body model), CDM (charge device model) and MM (machine model) modes, identifies steps in the process where ESD events occur and verifies if ESD controls are functioning as designed.
• It separates actual CDM events from non-ESD related EMI saving cost of controls and yield/line downtime.
• The ESD event counter tracks the number of events above the set threshold along with the strength of discharge, so immediate changes to the ESD environment can be made.
• The EMI sensor detects and measures transient signals minimizing interference with normal operation of sensitive equipment.
• The RF signal sensor detects reception of transmitted signals providing for exceptional sensitivity and true RF input.
• The unit's hand held size allows for ease of use anywhere on the factory floor enabling comprehensive ESD assessments on the spot.
• The user friendly touch screen and color display provide an exceptional user interface. All the information is on one screen making it easy and convenient to use.
• The memory card provides data logging capability.

Botron introduced their new ELITE Programmable Combination Tester at the EOS/ESD Symposium and show held in early September, 2009.

Launch the ELITE Programmable Tester with VTR technology demonstartion video now! Flash Player required to view this file

Overview: Botron's innovative ELITE Programmable Combination Wrist band and Heel Strap/Shoe Tester not only tests the operators wrist straps and footwear but it will also tell you what test resistance you are at, for each item under test. It has a graphic display that will show you if you passed or failed; additionally it will indicate what resistance you are at. If you are close to failing it will show you that you may need a new wrist strap or heel grounder soon and you can prevent failures from happening. The ELITE Tester also has two built-in relays that will allow you to connect to your turnstile, doors or light towers to prevent operators from walking into a ESD floor without proper testing. The ELITE Tester is also equipped with programmable test settings using VTR technology (Variable Test Resistance), putting customization at your fingertips. There are no manufacturer set limits locking you out from making tighter adjustments to your program.

Grounding and Mounting: Mounting hardware comes with each unit to mount to wall. It is essential that the footplate be grounded to avoid any interference from lighting or noise. A Ground cord is supplied to insure proper grounding and best test results.

ESD Application: Implement the ELITE Programmable Combination Tester anywhere employees need to test their wrist straps and heel grounders/shoes. This fullfills your requirement for an On Demand Tester to verify that your ESD items are working properly. If you’re using paper logging our tester includes data resistance so you can also track changes in resistance everyday and write that on your log sheet. A Logging Series is also available with software, embedded Ethernet Adapter, laser scanner and keypad.

Specifications

·         Wrist strap and ESD footwear system testing

·         Programmable default test - Three tests at the same time, Footwear only, Wrist strap only, Wrist strap or Footwear.

·         Built in Graphical Display

·         Displays actual Test resistance

·         Displays Menu Field showing test settings

·         Graphical multi – color LED indication

·         Programmable Test Limits “VTR” Technology Variable Test Resistance.

·      Split foot plate design

·         Independent alarming conditions

·         2 Relay for door locking systems

·         Can test both single and dual-wire wrist straps

·         30vdc test circuit – most accurate test

·        Steady State Switch no moving parts

·         Universal adapter 90-240vac

·      2 mounting designs - Mounting plate or Stand

·         Made in the USA

Meets Standards: Accurately measures RTT, RTG or Resistivity per Compliance Verification ESD TR53. Exceeds all EOS/ESD test Standards

Elite is sold as a stand alone Programmable Tester (B89000) and as a Data Acquisition system (B88000) 

The makers of TireBooties™ & CasterBooties™ have launched a new product this summer that is a great solution for keeping your lab floor clean and assure that ESD standards are met in your ESD sensitive work areas.

Announcing TireBooties™ESD & CasterBooties™ESD. The material is 100% spun bound, non-woven white material that has a static dissipative additive to assure a groundable path to your conductive floor.

TireBooties™ESD are great for handtrucks and axel mounted wheels on moving  equipment, delivery hand trucks and dollies as well as those tools that you have in your contaminated areas that need to transfer in to your conductive or static dissipative environment.  Lightweigt Tire Booties™ESD protect your floor from the harshness of conventional and "non-marking" wheels.  The fabric is heavier than shoe covers for durabilty and long lasting life. 

Lightweight TireBooties™ are cost effective and easy to install. Also Available in Gray or Light blue Non ESD versions at the same low price.

CasterBooties™ESD are specially created to be installed through the caster horn.  Each CasterBootie™ESD is quick to install and provides quiet and easy unrestricted use of operation.  Whether rigid or swivel, Booties provide protection against scratching, scraping & scarring of any floor surface. (Not recommended for casters with braking mechanism. )

CasterBootiesESD™ are made of durable, waterproof and washable white static dissipative treated material. They can be machine washed with cold water and line dried for multiple uses. The white color will let you know when it is time to clean, in order to assure properly grounded conditions.

Sizes are available wheels 2" to 12". Booties can be custom sized to fit any wheel size or configuraion.

Contact Indoff for more information on this product.

Background

    Most people only think of static electricity as the shock from touching a metal doorknob after walking across a carpet.  However, static discharge can be very dangerous in modern work environments.  Electronic devices have become more sensitive to static discharge as they've become faster and smaller.  ESD impacts productivity and product reliability in almost every aspect of today's electronics environment.  Electrostatic control also applies to other industries such as clean room applications and graphic arts.

    ESD affects manufacturing costs, product quality, production yields, product reliability, and profitability.  Experts have estimate the average product losses due to static to be from 8-33%.  This could quantify the amount lost due to ESD, or electro-static discharge, to be in the billions every year.  Whether it's the cost of a damaged diode which may only cost a few cents or a complex hybrids which could run a company several hundred dollars, the threat of ESD is a growing concern.  Other losses due to ESD could be costs of repair and rework, re-shipping, extra labor.

_{from Botron Co.}

Create an ESD Audit

It is important to create an ESD audit for each department where ESD control is required.  This should include a daily audit, performed by the operator at their workstation, to ensure equipment and materials are compliant.  You should also schedule a routine department audit every 2-4 months

Why audit, you ask...

This is how you ensure the quality and safe handlind of your product, justify your efforts to management and evaluate the equipment and products that you are using.

Continuing ESD events might require a change in packaging materials, worksurfaces or grounding devices.  be sure to check the contact between ground bolts and worksurface along with the connection to your grounding device.  Be aware of static generators like shoes, carpet, rolling chairs, carts and plastics used in the area.  Cleaners must be compliant; use only silicon-free, water based products to clean workstations and other surfaces.  Consistent performance means your ESD program is working.

For auditing tools and other testing equipment please check our catalog under test equipment.

For further information on ESD safety please contact Indoff.

Establish ESD Standards and Procedures

In order to evaluate and measure your ESD initiatives, you must have something to compare.  Documenting your minimum operating standards and handling procedures will solidify your program.  Determine the acceptable range.  Generally, ESD lamintate should measure 10⁶ to 10⁸ ohms for both resistance to ground (RTG) and point to point on the surface (RTT).

Identify Departments Where ESD Control is Required

Any department where sensitive components are assembled, tested, stored, packaged, repaired or handled requires static control.

Train Managers, Employees and Visitors about ESD

Educate individuals on the standards and procedures you have extablished.  Clearly communicating your standards and objectives will help eliminate misunderstandings. Provide certification upon sucessful completetion of your training.

For further information, please contact Indoff or check for future postings.

Introduction 

Controlling and eliminating static is essential to the quality of the product for manufacturers of electric components.  Even a small amount such as 1,000 volts can damage components that populate circuit boards.  In contrast, a person can feel staic discharge if it's greater than 3,500 volts.  Do you know what's happening with your circuit boards?

There are many elements that compromise a successful ESD program.  Indoff is happy to provide a basic outline to help you get started.

 The main steps are:

1. Establish ESD Standards and procedures
2. Identify departmets where ESD control is required.
3. Train managers, employees, and visitors about ESD.
4. Create an ESD audit.

For further detail on these steps please check back weekly, or give us a call and we would be happy to help you in whatever way possible.

As a continuation of last weeks post, I will continue on the different characteristics that you should look for in a mat for your ESD application to ensure that you are running workstation that is up to ESD standards.

Selection Guide:

You can use this chart to select the material(s) appropriate for your application(s)

by,

Brent Beamer-SCC

For further information on mat usage or any other information regarding this topic please check previous postings, or view the SCC's Technical Bulletin Posts.