Everything from a single source

Christian Fleuren (nora systems), Philipp Keinath (Keinath Electronic), Jana Papendieck and Andreas F. Karl (Karl)

When four large companies join forces and connect their ESD divisions, a special kind of expertise is created. At this year's SMT in Nuremberg, the German ESD Network presented itself to the trade fair visitors for the first time and attracted a lot of attention.

Karl, Keinath Electronic, nora systems, and the Wanzl Metalware Factory – four companies that have made a name for themselves in the ESD industry. "We want to offer our customers a comprehensive portfolio of know-how and equipment regarding ESD protection," says Andreas F. Karl, Managing Director of Andreas Karl GmbH & Co. KG. "That is why we established the German ESD Network at the beginning of 2015."

With success, as demonstrated by this year's trade fair appearance at SMT Hybrid Packaging in Nuremberg. Around 15,000 industry professionals from printed circuit board and component manufacturing, assembly and production technology, as well as testing equipment, gathered information at the booth about the necessity of comprehensive ESD protection. "Through our expertise, visitors have the opportunity to discuss potential weaknesses in their companies with our experts on-site and learn about ways to eliminate them," says Ralf Keinath, Managing Director of Keinath Electronic.

Christian Fleuren, Market Segment Manager Industry at nora systems, can also confirm this: "In personal conversations on-site, we were able to provide comprehensive and competent information – for example, about the durability of nora ESD floors. For the electrostatic properties, we offer a ten-year warranty upon request."

Each of the involved companies has its own focus. Karl specializes in customized and ESD-safe workplaces. Keinath Electronic covers the area of measuring devices, tools, and workwear, and also offers training, certifications, and audits in the ESD sector. When it comes to special industrial floors and the appropriate accessories, the experts at nora systems have the right solutions: The manufacturer offers floors for ESD-protected areas, cleanrooms, laboratories, and research facilities. And to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA) in the company, Wanzl Metalware Factory produces the necessary access barriers with measuring devices and panic security for emergencies.

Whether it involves expanding and optimizing an existing EPA, creating a new one, or raising awareness and training employees, the German ESD Network provides the necessary experts in all areas to advise companies properly.

Furthermore, the trade fair featured the specially produced ESD guide, which was distributed to interested visitors. Andreas F. Karl: "With the guide, we want to support entrepreneurs and skilled workers in their daily work and raise awareness of the importance of the topic." Because preventing damage caused by electrostatic discharge not only avoids high costs for the company but also ensures higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. The guide can be ordered free of charge at: esd@nora.com.