Workstations for sensitive products

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is an everyday phenomenon that is usually harmless to humans. However, sensitive electronic components can be damaged or even destroyed as a result. Working in an ESD-protected environment is therefore highly relevant in production or assembly. The workplace specialist Krieg knows how to set up appropriate protected areas and what needs to be taken into account.

For example, walking on a carpet generates a discharge of 30,000 V, which can be felt as a small electric shock. Rubbing shoes on a synthetic floor generates 12,000 V. Electrostatic charges are generated quickly in everyday life: putting on and taking off synthetic clothing generates 8,000 V, standing up from an upholstered chair 15,000 V and working with plastic containers 3,000 V. Using electrical appliances discharges 20,000 V and unrolling adhesive tape still discharges 1,000 V. Discharges are only perceptible to humans from 3,000 V and must have at least 5,000 V to be visible with a spark.

However, depending on the type, an electronic component can be damaged at 100 V or less and force complete devices or systems to fail. Most damage caused by an electrostatic charge is not even noticed by a worker. However, damage to the small and tiny semiconductor components that make up electronic components can result in high operational costs for quality, repair and even product liability, for example.

"Good ESD protection management is often more cost-effective than complaints and product liability claims," explains Florian Becker, Managing Director of Krieg. The specialist offers in-house ESD workstations designed and manufactured in-house and combines these with additional ESD products. "Solid ESD protection in the workplace is indispensable and a highly relevant economic aspect. It protects the company's image and increases productivity and added value."

Consistently comply with protective measures

When working with electronic components in production or assembly, it is particularly important to set up an ESD-protected environment. The ESD area refers to a workplace or production line that is completely protected or earthed against electrostatic discharge. In such an "Electrostatic Protected Area" (EPA), the protective measures include all areas of floor coverings, table coverings, tool handles, clothing and personal earthing, as well as access controls, depending on the required safety level. Room humidity and a clean environment also play an important role. EPAs are possible with individual workstations or complete electronics and semiconductor production facilities.

Becker: "In such an area, it is crucial to take all necessary protective measures and to adhere to them consistently. They must be clearly marked to prevent them from being entered without appropriate protection." EPAs can be tested, measured and compared with the ESD standard IEC 61340-5-1. The extent of ESD protection and equipment depends on the safety level and the requirements for handling sensitive components.

Krieg advises and supports companies in creating effective ESD-protected areas. What should be considered in the working environment? How can optimal workplace systems be created? What components and accessories are available? The experts provide support in taking the right measures and setting up workstations, for example when it comes to dissipative work tables or earthing workers and the right equipment to protect components. "It's worth investing in an ESD protection workstation. As a manufacturer with many years of experience in the ESD sector, we take care of our customers' requirements," emphasizes Becker. "We also have a wider range of products in the ESD sector. This completes our ESD workstation systems and contributes to a protected zone." The workbenches from Krieg have an antistatic coating and the voltage is dissipated via an earthing cable. In addition, various accessory components are offered for work tables with ESD protection. Furthermore, a range of ESD products completes the ESD work bench range.

Targeted voltage dissipation

Becker: "In our own paint shop, we can powder-coat our products with a high-quality, dissipative powder coating in individual colors. Nine of these colors are available immediately at no extra charge. The paint layer is used for targeted voltage dissipation. The dissipative worktable and workbench tops are also produced in-house and can therefore be custom-made, even in special sizes." The Multiplan ESD worktable system, for example, is a dissipative, ergonomic workstation system for every application. Coordinated, dissipative components ensure optimum safety in production. The earthing point with two connections is suitable for earthing people. The workstation systems can be plugged in without tools and are therefore quick to convert.

"In addition to ESD protection, ergonomic workplace design is also important to protect employees from avoidable stress. Our Krieg Workflex brand therefore offers optimum working conditions. Greater efficiency and health come together here," explains Becker. The company therefore relies on solutions that focus on the specific use of ergonomic ESD workstations. The working environment is individually adapted to the employee and the sensitive technical components.

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