Effectively managing electrostatic discharge (ESD) is essential in electronics manufacturing to ensure product reliability and worker safety. Here are six core principles for creating and implementing ESD control programmes:
1. Integrate protection in design – Begin by designing products and assemblies with ESD protection in mind. This involves selecting components that are less sensitive to ESD, and incorporating input protection for devices, boards, assemblies, and equipment as needed.
2. Establish appropriate control levels – Determine the ESD sensitivity of items handled in your operations. Understanding these sensitivity levels ensures that your control measures are suitably stringent.
3. Define electrostatic protected areas (EPAs) – Designate EPAs within your facility; specific zones equipped with materials, tools, and equipment designed to control static electricity and safeguard ESD-sensitive items.
4. Reduce electrostatic charge generation – Minimise static charge build-up by removing high-charge-generating materials and processes from the EPA. Workers should be grounded using wrist straps and anti-static footwear, to reduce their potential for charge accumulation.
5. Dissipate and neutralise static charges – Since it is impossible to eliminate all electrostatic charge, ensure safe dissipation and neutralisation of any remaining charges. Effective grounding and the use of conductive or dissipative materials are key here.
6. Shield sensitive products – Prevent any potential discharge from reaching ESD-sensitive parts by using ESD-safe packaging and handling materials both within and outside the EPA.
Smarter protection without disruption NewElec Pretoria
Circuit & System Protection
Designed for operations still running without integrated automation, NewElec’s retrofit-friendly systems let you upgrade performance and safety without overhauling your entire network.
Read more...Circuit breaker for reliable, compliant protection RS South Africa
Circuit & System Protection
Legrand’s low-voltage power distribution portfolio encompasses the DX3 range of miniature circuit breakers, designed to deliver dependable protection in residential, commercial and industrial installations.
Read more...Reducing noise on power supply lines Future Electronics
Circuit & System Protection
Murata has introduced the EMIFIL ESD Series Noise Filters, a breakthrough solution engineered for superior noise suppression and enhanced electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.
Read more...Protect your pumps – protect your profit NewElec Pretoria
Circuit & System Protection
In South Africa’s demanding agricultural landscape, irrigation is not just an essential service – it is the heartbeat of farm productivity.
Read more...Why wait to automate NewElec Pretoria
Circuit & System Protection
NewElec’s initiative helps you gain operational visibility via HMI or PLC by retrofitting intelligent motor protection relays without replacing MCCs or rewiring the plant.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version