The need for a complete static control solution

Circuit & System Protection

24 January 2007 Circuit & System Protection Residential Estate (Industry) Smart Home Automation Commercial (Industry)

Information from Electrocomp

In an increasingly technological age, electrostatic discharge (ESD) is more than just an annoyance, it can be costly or even dangerous. In static-sensitive environments, ESD can damage sensitive electronic components, attract contaminants in clean environments or cause problems when handling films or small parts.

The cost of ESD-damaged electronic devices alone adds up, but the additional loss of production time is significant as well. Clearly, opportunities exist for significant improvements in reducing losses to ESD and static electricity.

3M brings innovation to antistatic control with its range of solutions.

* Antistatic tape: 3M Antistatic Utility Tape 40 combines 3M's notable antistatic adhesive with a clear, one mil polyester film backing for use in static-sensitive areas. An optional special pattern of ESD symbols on it alerts users that this is the only tape that should be used in static-safe areas.

At the heart of all 3M antistatic tapes is a unique, conductive polymer adhesive that suppresses static, both during unwind from the roll and during removal from a surface. They generate less than 50 V on unwind from the roll or removal from a stainless steel surface, even in extremely dry conditions of 10% relative humidity.

Antistatic Utility Tape 40 can be used as a third hand to hold work orders, notes, documentation or instructions in place, to seal static shielding bags and boxes containing electronic components, or to bundle DIP tubes and JEDEC shipping trays. It can also be used to hold down obstructions such as wires or attachments during manufacturing.

* Permanent flooring products: 3M's Tile Flooring Systems provide a first line of defence against the buildup of static charge on personnel and equipment. Static protective permanent flooring, in conjunction with conductive footwear or heel grounding straps, drains static charge away to ground through the floor. This comprises a solid foundation for a comprehensive static control system.

* Static control packaging and transportation: 3M provides a wide range of static shielding and barrier packaging products to protect sensitive electronic components from static charges during transit and while in storage. To meet specific needs, 3M provides shielding bags, cushioned bags and wrap, moisture barrier bags etc, in a variety of sizes and material compositions.

3M's Conductive Resin Products are easily grounded to prevent holding a static charge. Available as film, tubing, bags and drum liners, this material is made of opaque, volume-conductive, carbon-impregnated polyolefin. The electrical characteristics are not affected by humidity, and are suited for material handling, shipping and storage.

* Static control workstation solutions: 3M electrostatic discharge (ESD) Workstation Solutions can provide a safe environment for the handling and assembly of sensitive components. These products drain static charge from personnel, limit the buildup of static charges on non-conductive materials on the benchtop, and monitor the system to ensure that it is operating properly. These various components can be configured to work together providing optimal protection for one's application.

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Tel:	+27 11 458 9000
Email:	[email protected]
www:	www.electrocomp.co.za
Articles:	More information and articles about Electrocomp

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The need for a complete static control solution

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