ESD protection in a clean environment

nora-systems Keinath-Electronic, Gomaringen

nora-systems Keinath-Electronic, Gomaringen

nora-systems UM-Electronic, Tettnang

nora-systems UM-Electronic, Tettnang

nora-systems UM-Electronic, Tettnang

Electrostatic discharges are hardly avoidable: everywhere people move and materials rub against or are separated from each other, charges are generated. When two charged substances with different voltages come into contact, depending on the voltage difference, a small or larger discharge occurs. This phenomenon is called ESD and has serious consequences in the manufacturing and assembly of electronic components: voltages as low as 50 volts, which humans do not even perceive, can cause damage to electronic components and lead to functional failures of electronic devices.

Low tendency to charge

Keinath Electronic GmbH is a leading technology partner for companies in the electronics industry in the fields of ESD protection and soldering technology. The company offers equipment for ESD-protected workplaces and areas as well as training for employees in the form of seminars and continuing education programs. Audits for companies with EPAs (Electrostaticly Protected Areas) complete the range of services. When it comes to electrostatically dissipative floor coverings, Keinath has been recommending products from nora systems to its customers for years. "Nora floors inherently have a low potential generation due to their material properties and conduct electrostatic charges away, thus protecting sensitive electronic devices," explains Stefan Proba, Technical Director and ESD Consultant at Keinath.

Electrostatically dissipative floor coverings must meet legally prescribed standards and guidelines. "The potential generation on humans should generally not exceed 100 volts within ESD-protected areas; current state of the art is around 50 volts," says the ESD expert. "Tests on nora floors show a potential generation of 0 - 20 volts even at very low humidity levels, providing excellent ESD protection."

Conductivity remains permanently maintained

Furthermore, the electrostatically dissipative nora coverings also protect people from unpleasant electric shocks. "Actually, ESD currents are harmless to humans," explains Proba. "However, if someone stands on a floor with too low a resistance (less than 10^6 ohms) and touches an outlet or an exposed cable, it can become dangerous."

Because nora floors do not need to be coated, their conductivity remains permanently intact. This is a significant advantage over other floor systems, whose coatings not only affect the reliability of conductivity but also need to be renewed regularly. At the same time, the extremely dense surface of nora floors allows for easy and economical cleaning.

Optimal discharge of charges

"A major advantage of nora floors is also their high and durable elasticity, which makes them superior to other products in terms of ESD protection," emphasizes Proba. The more elastic a floor is, the greater the contact area with touching materials. This is especially noticeable with castors or chairs, which according to standards must be tested in combination with the floor. With the elastic nora floors, the contact points, i.e., the places where the electrostatic charge is discharged into the ground, are optimally achieved. "On hard, inhomogeneous floors, such as those made of epoxy resin, the conductivity is often not sufficient," explains the ESD specialist. "This also applies to PVC floor coverings, as the plasticizers contained therein tend to evaporate over time, causing the floor covering to harden and become inflexible."

Excellent ESD values even after years

The company UM-Electronic GmbH from Tettnang-Oberlangnau, a service provider for high-quality circuit board assembly and a customer of Keinath, has been using nora floors for more than 15 years. The electrostatically dissipative noraplan mega ed in anthracite, gray, and green is used both in manufacturing and in office rooms and corridors. An important criterion for UM-Electronic was the high wear resistance of the floor system. They can also be used in areas with high pressure loads, such as those caused by rolling heavy equipment and machinery. "This is very important for us because our assembly machines weigh nearly two tons," explains Konrad Gapp, Managing Director of UM-Electronic.

Even after years, the company remains highly satisfied with the nora floors – both in terms of appearance and conductivity. "Regularly scheduled measurements at our workplaces still show the best ESD values," Gapp states. "This longevity makes them extremely economical and was a key factor in our decision to choose nora systems."

Stefan Proba from Keinath GmbH is also confident: "When it comes to ESD protection, nora floors are unbeatable and thus remain our and our customers' first choice."

Nora systems at the Lounge 2014: June 3-5 in Stuttgart, Stand D1.4 and Action Area A6.