• • • SAFETY IN ENGINEERING • • • Anti-Static Grounding and
TriggerGrip: An effective way to control static is to use an ESD-safe controlled flux remover dispensing system
Using ESD-reducing wipes on workbenches, tools and PCB surfaces is essential for keeping a static-free environment, critical for handling sensitive electronics and preventing costly ESD damage.
Static-dissipating cleaning tools and controlled fluid dispensers are essential for improving ESD protection during cleaning processes. Conventional cleaning fluids, especially those delivered through plastic tubes, can generate significant static during application, with friction creating up to 12,000 volts of static, posing a risk to PCB components. Replacing plastic dispensing tools with conductive alternatives, such as stainless steel or aluminum, significantly reduces static build-up. These conductive tools provide a grounded pathway for static charges to dissipate safely, reducing static to just 50 volts and minimising the risk of harmful ESD. An effective alternative is an ESD-safe controlled flux remover dispensing system. This system improves benchtop cleaning results while reducing fluid waste and enhancing PCB ESD safety. By attaching a dispenser hose to an aerosol can, technicians can precisely control the application, ensuring fluid is sprayed exactly where needed, reducing overspray and waste. The system often includes attachments like brushes and syringes, which are ideal for cleaning under low-clearance components and other hard-to-reach areas. The added scrubbing action of the brush enhances the cleaning power with minimal cleaner usage, allowing technicians to use up to 60 per cent less flux remover and simplifying disposal as non- hazardous waste.
These tools help direct static charges safely to the ground, improving cleaning efficiency, cutting material costs and reducing environmental waste. They ensure thorough, static-free cleaning, ultimately enhancing the quality and reliability of the product.
Environmental Controls in ESD Prevention
While cleaning practices are essential, environmental controls are necessary in creating a low-ESD environment. Humidity, temperature
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
Wrist Strap: Many manufacturing facilities rely on anti-static wrist straps, heel straps, and conductive floor mats to keep neutralise any static charge accumulated by the operator
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025 21
and air movement are all factors that influence static build-up. In dry environments, for instance, static charges are more likely to accumulate. Humidity control is, therefore, a key strategy in ESD management. Maintaining relative humidity between 40 per cent and 70 per cent in production areas is important. Humid air provides a natural pathway for static charges to dissipate, reducing the risk of ESD. Also, keeping the temperature to an optimal 18-22°C will help to prevent static build-up. However, temperature and humidity alone cannot cut static build-up. High air movement, such as that from compressed air systems or fans, is another potential source of ESD. Fast-moving air creates friction that can result in charge separation. Using ionised air systems is another method to help control this, as they neutralise static. Ionised air helps blow particles and contaminants away from PCBs without introducing added static risk, which is especially beneficial in sensitive assembly processes.
Personal ESD Precautions Creating a low-ESD environment also requires grounding personnel and tools. Many manufacturing facilities rely on anti-static wrist straps, heel straps and conductive floor mats to keep personnel grounded. This helps ensure that any static charge accumulated by the operator is neutralised, preventing inadvertent ESD events when handling or assembling sensitive PCBs. Anti-static clothing and shoe covers provide an added barrier against static, which is especially important in facilities with high product turnover or compact workspace arrangements. Proper grounding of workstations, tools and storage containers further mitigates ESD risks. Work surfaces and racks that hold PCBs and components should be made of or coated with ESD-safe materials, and any tool that may encounter a PCB should also be grounded. Anti-static materials and containers for storage and transport prevent static build-up when PCBs are moved between workstations or from one facility area to another.
The Benefits of ESD-Safe Cleaning for Long-Term Product Reliability
Manufacturers can mitigate ESD risks and protect PCB reliability by implementing a well-rounded ESD management strategy, from ESD-reducing cleaning practices to environmental and handling controls. Careful attention to each element, such as regular cleaning to remove contaminants and ESD, using static-dissipative tools, and managing humidity and grounding protocols, helps reduce costly failures and extends component lifespan. By partnering with suppliers of specialised ESD-safe cleaning solutions, manufacturers can also access the latest advancements in static control. These practices create a production environment that consistently upholds quality, meeting the industry’s stringent reliability standards. For more information, visit
www.microcare.com.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
