Static electricity can have a negative impact on your measurements when using a scale or balance. Static electricity can cause several measurement issues: values may fluctuate or gradually change; repeatably of measurements is poor; or values may be stable but inaccurate.  Static electricity is essentially an electrical charge at rest or an electrical charge that accumulates on an object when it is rubbed against another object producing friction. Static can be removed, or “discharged” with an ionizer.

The Staticmaster 2U500 Ionizing Cartridge is the only self powered stat

ic eliminator available today. The small device requires no airflow, makes it an ideal solution for in-balance ionization. The 2U500 is inherently balanced to zero volts – which helps ensure thorough static removal for accurate weighs every time.

Significantly enhances the static eliminating power of the 2U500 Ionizing cartridge. Extensive testing has shown that adding the Grounding Kit to your in-balance ionizer can significantly increase the performance of the static eliminator. An indispensable accessory for mounting a 2U500 cartridge in the Balance Chamber. Simply remove the protective layer of the double-sided tape and affix the E-Z Mount to the back wall of the chamber. Once the mount is attached, replacing the 2U500 Ionizing Cartridge is fast and easy.

Transforming Technologies will be participating in the 2014 EOS/ESD Symposium September 7-11 at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, AZ.

Come visit us in Booth 510 in the exhibit hall to view several new products, talk ESD issues, or just to socialize.

The exhibit hours are:
Monday, September 8: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 9: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 10: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Transforming Technologies participates regularly in the EOS/ESD Symposium as well as being very active on the ESD Association standard development committees.

Westin La Paloma – Location of the 2014 EOS/ESD Symposium

We look forward to seeing you in Tucson!

How to install an ESD Workstation:

1. Lay the table mat flat on the workbench with the snaps toward the operator. (Tip: Mild heat (sun light) will remove creases caused by shipping.)
2. Connect the common point ground cord to the table mat by snapping it to the left or right snap.
3. Connect the coil cord to the common point ground cord by plugging the banana plug into one of the ground cord’s banana jacks.
4. Snap the wrist band to the coil cord. (Tip: make sure that the operator wears the wrist band on bare skin and tightens the band so that no gap exists between the skin and the band.
5. Lay the floor mat on the floor in front of the workbench with the snaps toward the bench.
6. Connect the floor mat ground cord to one snap on the floor mat.
7. Connect the common point ground cord and floor mat ground cord to ground. Use the green wire building ground point as specified in EOS/ESD Standard 6. Connection to this ground point is most easily accomplished by removing the center AC outlet plate cover screw, placing the screw through the eyelets from both ground cords, and replacing the screw. The wires can be moved to the left and right sides of the screw so that they do not obstruct the outlet.
8. Heel Grounders: Open the velcro strap. Place foot back into shoe and slip rubber cup onto the heel of the shoe. Insert tab into shoe and trim excess tab material with scissors if necessary.  Close velcro strap. Repeat procedure for other shoe.

Newly installed workstations should be tested for continuity. A surface resistivity meter with a “resistance to ground” function can be used to test continuity from the ground point to all parts of the workstation.

This week’s ESD Q&A question comes from StaticCare reader Stephanie, she asks:

Question: Is there really a need for an ESD wastebasket?

Answer:

Hello Stephanie,

Thank you for taking the time to submit your question to Transforming Technologies.

It is fair to wonder why there is a need for ESD wastebaskets. If the basket resides underneath a workstation and stays there permanently, the need may not exist. It is extremely unlikely that a wastebasket that stays underneath a workstation could present a danger to ESD sensitive devices, regardless of the field voltage that may exist on the basket.

There are a number of circumstances however, when the wastebasket could present a significant hazard to electronic products. The following are just a few examples of potentially risky scenarios:

Work surface cleaning:   The operator lifts the wastebasket to the edge of the work station to collect the debris being removed. Should product be present on the work surface and not contained in a shielding container, there is a good opportunity for exposure to electrostatic fields that exceed safe limits.

Lead trimming/board cleaning operations:   When trimming component leads or using aerosol cleaners on PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards), some operators will hold the PCB over the wastebasket to catch the clippings or solvent run-off. Many times the PCB will be placed well into the waste container to assure catching the unwanted materials. This operation puts PCBs and ESD sensitive devices very close to potentially significant electrostatic fields.

Aisle proximity:  Some wastebaskets have been observed in close proximity to production floor aisles where product transfer carts pass or may be parked. ANSI/ESD S2020 requires items that generate 2000 volts or more (measured at 1” from the item) be kept at least 12” from ESD sensitive devices. Using ESD wastebaskets eliminates the risk of carts being parked next to static generating baskets.

While company ESD policies may prohibit some of the actions mentioned above, it does not mean that they will not occur from time to time. ESD wastebaskets provided assurance that the wastebasket will never be an ESD threat to your product.

Transforming Technologies offers ESD wastebaskets in static dissipative polypropylene and in stainless steel for clean room operations. If a liner is to be used for easier maintenance, Transforming Technologies offers them in both conductive and static dissipative.

WBAS 28

• Volume: 28 Quart (7 gallon)
• Height: 15″, Opening: 10.5″ X 14.75″
• Carbon Loaded

One of the requirements of any quality ESD control program is to minimize the charge (also called voltage) on operators. When operators are charged, they can transfer this charge to the product, possibly causing damage or destruction. One effective way to reduce static charging on people is to ground them through the use of a wrist strap and coil cord. When working properly, the wrist strap system (band and coil cord connected to common point ground) can control voltages on people down to 10 volts and less and limit damage.

While wrist strap systems are the most common and effective way to minimize voltage on personnel, they are also the ESD control element that is most likely to eventually fail over time. A broken wire in the coil cord, a dirty cuff interior, incorrect wearing of the strap (too loose or placed over clothing), and high skin resistance are just a few of many causes of wrist strap failure. Should any of the previous examples occur, the resistance between the operator and ground increases, and subsequently, so does voltage. Therefore, it is imperative that measures are taken to assure that the operator is properly grounded when wearing a wrist strap.

The PDT800 is a deluxe “Near-Fail” wrist strap and foot wear combination tester with a digital read out, “near-fail” LED indicator, human body noise filtration, and options to test wrist strap only, foot only, or both wrist and feet.

ESD Test Stations

One way to assure that the wrist strap system is working correctly is for the operator to use a test station. The test station assesses the resistance of the wrist strap system, including the operator, and provides a pass/fail indication. Some more advanced test stations will also provide the actual resistance measurement and may even indicate that the system is nearing the failure level. Many companies institute this type of testing system. Some companies require testing just once at the beginning of the shift. Other companies may require re-testing when the operator leaves for break, and some companies have systems that require the operator to test and pass the wrist strap system before they are allowed to enter the ESD Protected Area (EPA). Regardless of how many times an operator tests, there is a risk that at some point while handling ESD sensitive devices or assemblies, the wrist strap system will fail.

Transforming Technologies offers several testing station options that range from wrist strap monitors (WST200), wrist strap and footwear test stations (GTS600K), wrist strap and individual foot test stations (GTS900K), test stations with “near-fail” technology (PDT700K), and test stations with “near-fail” technology and digital display (PDT800K). These testing stations function with a standard wrist strap and coil cord using a banana jack connector and standard heel grounders.

Constant Monitoring

The CM410 continuously monitors any one standard wrist strap and bench, is easy to use, and easy to install.

If a wrist strap fails the test at the beginning of a shift, the question arises, “When did the failure take place and how much product was handled after the failure?” Constant monitors provide assurance that the wrist strap system is working and alarms immediately if there is any disconnect from the operator to ground. There are several benefits to constant monitor systems:

• They provide immediate notification of a problem and alert the operator to not handle the product until the problem is resolved
• They monitor the wrist strap at the work location, eliminating the possibility of a functional wrist strap but a defective ground attachment
• They eliminate the need for recording and storing test results
• Some units will also monitor the work surface to verify that it is still connected to ground

Transforming Technologies offers several constant monitor options that range from monitoring a single operator (CM400), an operator and a work surface (CM410), and two operators and a single work surface (CM420). These monitors function with a standard wrist strap and coil cord using a banana jack connector.

Wrist straps are the primary method for removing charge from operators handling ESD sensitive products. Constant monitors provide assurance that the system is working as designed and the products are being handled safely.

 Question: Why do I get static shocks when I touch the door knob?

Answer: Static charges build up on shoes when you walk.

Most modern shoes have highly insulating rubber or plastic soles. As you walk, static charges can build up on the soles of the shoes. This is especially true if the floor is also insulating. Some older nylon carpets are particularly good at generating static electricity.  The charge on the shoes soles induces static electrical charge on your body, and when you touch something conductive, such as metal, the static will discharge and cause a the shock. If you are indoors, the point can be proved by walking around for a while with no shoes on – you will probably not experience shock.

Every Thursday, Transforming Technologies will answer questions concerning all things ESD: static causes, threats,  ESD prevention, best practices and all things static in a feature we call ESD Q&A.  If you have ESD questions that you would like to be answered, email info@transforming-technologies.com  with Q&A in the subject line.

Understand the Decade Scale

How to read a Surface Resistance Meter.

The Decade Scale is shorthand for electrical measurements, displayed in powers of 10

SRM500K – Surface Resistance Meter

and described in “Ohms”. A Surface Resistivity Meter is used to take these electrical measurements on all types of surfaces and materials, and the results are displayed in the Decade Scale.  Most meters will display results using colored LEDs that brighten according to each decade.  These measurements are important in ESD control because this is how to classify a material as Conductive, Dissipative or Insulative.

Ohms are the units used to describe the  measurements of electrical resistance and has a symbol that looks like this “Ω”.  Depending on the value, measurements can be in “kilohms”, or “meg ohms”.  The decade scale can be written in several ways and mean the same:  10⁵ , 10^5, 100 kilohms, or 100megΩ etc. The table below shows all the values important as it pertains to ESD or Static Control:

Decade Scale

10^3      =1 kilohm
10^4      =10 kilohm
10^5      =100 kilohm
3×10^5  =300 kilohm
10^6      =1 meg ohm
3×10^6  =3 meg ohm
10^7      =10 meg ohm
3×10^7  =30 meg ohm
10^8      =100 meg ohm
3×10^8  =300 meg ohm
10^9      =3000 meg ohm
3×10^9  =1000 meg ohm
10^10    =10,000 meg ohm
10^11    =100,000 meg ohm
10^12    =1,000,000 meg ohm

To learn more about the Decade Scale and Surface Resistivity Meters visit Transforming Technologies or call 419-841-9552

Reliable performance of ESD matting and ESD wrist straps is critical for your product’s integrity and reliability. But the hand testing and hand logging of wrist straps and tabletop material performance that is required is a cumbersome, labor-intensive paperwork nightmare. Use of our ESD wrist strap and ESD bench mat monitors continuously verifies the effectiveness of your ESD protected workstation, simultaneously satisfies ISO logging requirements and insures outstanding product quality.

Operators plug their ESD coil cord into the grounding jack of the constant monitor right at their workstation. The constant monitor grounds the wrist strap and simultaneously monitors for faults in the ground path from the strap to the earth ground, including proper contact with the operators skin. A proper working ground path results in the LED on the constant monitor to glow green (indicating GOOD). If a fault is detected, the LED will blink red (indicating FAULT), and the unit will repeatedly beep.

Types of Constant Monitors

Capacitance (or single wire) constant monitors
This type of monitor is simplest and most cost-effective constant monitor. When a person is wearing the single wire wrist strap the monitor detects the person and puts the monitor in the unalarmed state. The monitor circuit detects a person (a conductive object) and its relationship to ground (another conductive object).  View our Capacitance Monitors.

Impedance (or single wire) constant monitors
The impedance monitor uses a detection circuit designed to reduce false alarms and eliminate adjustments. It uses the phase difference between current and voltage to detect changes in impedance of the cord, band and person. A very low AC voltage is used for constant sensing. Any standard wristband and coiled cord can be used.

Resistance (or Dual Wire) constant monitors
This type of monitor is used with a two wire (dual conductor) wrist strap. When a person is wearing a wrist strap, the monitor observes the resistance of the loop, consisting of a wire, a person, a wristband, and a second wire. If any part of the loop should open (become disconnected or have out of limit resistance), the circuit will go into the alarm state. An important feature of the Dual Wire Wrist Strap is that even if one conductor is severed, the operator has reliable path-to-ground with other wire.  View our Resistance Monitors.

LED light technology saves money, time and benefits workers well being.

Image Source (Orphek.com)

While you won’t find LEDs in too many household lighting  fixtures these days, there are a several great reasons why you will want to use them in your business.

First, there’s the reduced energy use. The LED method of producing light loses far less energy to heat than do other lighting technologies. It’s dramatically more efficient than the vacuum/filament method used in incandescent bulbs — sometimes around 85 percent more efficient; and it’s even about 5 percent more efficient than the CFL’s plasma-tube approach [source: Taub].

A single light fixture stocked with a 60-watt incandescent bulb consumes about 525 kWh of electricity in a year; put a GeoBulb LED bulb in that light fixture, and the annual energy use is more like 65 kWh [source: Sundance]. The annual CO₂ reduction is in the hundreds of pounds for a single lamp.

But energy-efficiency is just part of the story. The other part is time-efficiency: You could go 20 years without having to change an LED light bulb. Solid-state lights like LEDs are more stable light sources than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, and the difference is startling: A typical incandescent bulb lasts about 750 hours; a Geobulb lasts 30,000 hours [source: Sundance].

Layton, Julia.  “How LED Light Bulbs Work”  23 July 2009.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-tech/sustainable/led-light-bulb.htm>  27 February 2013.

Transforming Technologies acknowledges the advantages of LED lights and have incorporated them into the BFN Overhead Ionizers.  More information on the BFN LED ionizers here.

Top 10 Benefits of LED Lighting

1. Long Life

Long life time stands out as the number one benefit of LED lights. LED bulbs and diodes have an outstanding operational life time expectation of up to 100.000 hours. This is 11 years of continuous operation, or 22 years of 50% operation. If you leave on the LED fixture for 8h per day it would take around 20 years before you’d have to replace the LED bulb.

LED’s are different to standard lighting: They don’t really burn out and stop working like a standard light, moreover the lighting diodes emit lower output levels over a very long period of time and become less bright.

LEDs are extremely durable and built with sturdy components that are highly rugged and can withstand even the roughest conditions. Because LED lights are resistant to shock, vibrations and external impacts, they make great construction or manufacturing lighting systems for rough conditions and exposure to weather, wind, rain or even external vandalism.

2. Energy Efficiency

With traditional incandescent light bulbs who operate at 20% energy efficiency only, 80% of the electricity is lost as heat. Imagine the following scenario:

If you use traditional lighting and have an electricity bill of US$ 100, then US$ 80 of that money has been used to heat the room, not to light it! Using LED illumination with 80% efficiency, the electricity costs would be around US$ 20 and you’d have saved around US$ 80.

The long operational life time acts as a multiplicator and helps achieve even more energy efficiency, especially large scale and when thinking in terms of urban infrastructure projects, such as cities, railroads and airports.

Think for example, an airport using energy efficient LED lighting exclusively and achieving a 30% power consumption reduction in comparison with an airport using conventional lighting technology. You’ll see that you can make significant energy savings also when it comes to maintenance and replacement due to the long operational life times of LED lighting. Think of all the work and energy it would take to purchase, stock and change the conventional light bulbs of an airport

3. Workplace Lighting Issues

Eyestrain is the number one health-related complaint of office workers and improper lighting levels are associated with vision problems such as eyestrain, dry eyes, and itchy/irritated eyes. This can be alleviated with proper task lighting which becomes much more important as our eyes age, especially for precision work.  Also, there is a human benefit to LED task lighting:  Improved productivity and improve mood and energy levels are reported at business with proper lighting

4. Ecologically Friendly

LED lights are free of toxic chemicals. Most conventional fluorescent lighting bulbs contain an abundance of materials like mercury that are dangerous for the environment.

LED lights contain no toxic materials and are 100% recyclable, and will help you to reduce your carbon footprint by up to a third. The long operational life time span mentioned above means also that one LED light bulb can save material and production of 25 incandescent light bulbs. A big step towards a greener future!

5. Zero UV Emissions

LED illumination produces little infrared light and close to no UV emissions. Because of this, LED lighting is highly suitable not only for goods and materials that are sensitive to heat due to the benefit of little radiated heat emission, but also for illumination of UV sensitive objects or materials such a in museums, art galleries, archeological sites etc.

6. Design Flexibility

LEDs can be combined in any shape to produce highly efficient illumination. Individual LEDs can be dimmed, resulting in a dynamic control of light, color and distribution. Well-designed LED illumination systems can achieve fantastic lighting effects, not only for the eye but also for the mood and the mind:

LED mood illumination is already being used in airplanes, classrooms and many more locations and we can expect to see a lot more LED mood illumination in our daily lives within the next few years.

7. Operational in Extremely Cold or Hot Temperatures

LED are ideal for operation under cold and low outdoor temperature settings. For fluorescent lamps, low temperatures may affect operation and present a challenge, but LED illumination operates well also in cold settings, such as for outdoor winter settings, freezer rooms etc.

8. Light Dispersement

LED is designed to focus its light and can be directed to a specific location without the use of an external reflector, achieving a higher application efficiency than conventional lighting. Well-designed LED illumination systems are able to deliver light more efficiently to the desired location.

9. Instant Lighting & Frequent Switching

LED lights brighten up immediately and when powered on, which has great advantages for infrastructure projects such as traffic and signal lights.

Also, LED lights can switched off and on frequently and without affecting the LED’s lifetime or light emission. In contrast, traditional lighting may take several seconds to reach full brightness, and frequent on/off switching does drastically reduce operational life expectancy.

10. Low-Voltage

A low-voltage power supply is sufficient for LED illumination. This makes it easy to use LED lighting also in outdoor settings, by connecting an external solar-energy source and is a big advantage when it comes to using LED technology in remote or rural areas.