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The Need For ESD Safe Microscope Covers

February 11, 2015

Microscopes are a common instrument found in electronic assembly operations.  Microscopes are used for inspection and for assembly of very small objects.   It is critical that the microscope lenses remain clear and free of dust and other contamination.   When not in use, microscopes should be covered to protect the optics.

Some manufactures of microscopes provide covers for the time when the scopes are not in use.  Typically the covers are made of vinyl.  While vinyl may provide good protection from dust and fumes, it is a significant static generator.

esd microscope1

The vinyl cover in the photo above shows an electrostatic voltage of -5,500 volts.   Once the cover is removed from the scope the voltage jumps even higher to -12,000 volts.

esd microscope1

ANSI/ESD S2020, the industry standard for ESD control programs, states that all nonessential insulators should be removed from the ESD protected area.

Since it is critical that microscopes be covered when not in use, it could be argued that the microscope cover is a process essential insulator.  ANSI/ESD S2020, Section 8.3.1 states that the ESD control program “shall include a plan for handling process required insulators in order to mitigate field induced CDM damage.”

The standard goes on to say that if the field is greater than 2000 volts/inch it must be kept more than 12” from the ESD sensitive item.   If the microscope is not in use, but work on ESD sensitive devices is being performed at the station, the vinyl scope cover becomes a significant risk.   The vinyl cover becomes even a greater risk if it is removed while there are ESD sensitive items at the workstation.

The best solution is to replace the vinyl cover with a microscope cover that is ESD safe, such as the Transforming Technologies MC1221W.   This scope cover is constructed of ESD safe material and does not generate a significant charge.

esd microscope1

Even when the cover is removed, the charge remains very low.

esd microscope1

With Transforming Technologies’ MC1221W you can protect your microscope optics from contamination while keeping your work station ESD safe.

Email Transforming Technologies to protect your microscope with our Microscope Covers

 

New Product Announcement: StaticCare ESD Hand Lotion

January 8, 2015

Transforming Technologies is proud to announce the addition of the StaticCare ESD Hand Lotion to our line of ESD Products.

StaticCare ESD Lotion

StaticCareTM ESD Hand Lotion is specially created for use by individuals in the electronics industry. This fast absorbing, non-greasy ESD hand lotion enhances the contact between a persons skin and grounding devices such as wrist straps and heel grounders, specifically for those with dry skin. It is free of glycerin, mineral oils, silicones, and lanolin which will keep your work area ESD safe and free from contamination.

Directions
Apply a small amount of Static CareTM lotion with hands to desired areas where grounding devices are used. Rub evenly into skin until absorbed. Any excess lotion may be removed with a towel. To re-move from skin completely, warm water and a mild soap may be used.

Benefits & Features of the Transforming Technologies Antistatic Lotion:

  • Fast absorbing for improved contact be-tween personnel and grounding device
  • Contaminant free to keep work station ESD safe
  • Contains aloe vera, natural moisturizers, and vitamins to promote happy and healthy skinNon-greasy formula will not interfere with grip or agility
  • Clean and refreshing scent

Meets or exceeds requirements of ANSI ESD-S20.20 and ANSI/ESD S-6.1

 For price and availability on the StaticCare ESD Lotion or for information on any products in Transforming Technologies full line of ESD products, please call 419-841-9552 or email info@transforming-technologies.com.
 

Remove static from a balance or scale

December 10, 2014

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.

static-elimination-in-scales-balance

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.

 

Basic Troubleshooting for the BFN Ionizers

October 16, 2014

Limited Warranty for our Ionizers and Test Equipment

Transforming Technologies expressly warrants that for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, Transforming Technologies ESD products will be free of defects in material (parts) and workmanship (labor). Within the warranty period, a unit will be tested, repaired or replaced at Transforming Technologies option, without charge. Call our Customer Service Department for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) and proper shipping instructions and address.

Our Mission

Transforming Technologies’ mission is to provide you with the highest quality ESD products in the industry. Occasionaly problems arise this We continuously research and develop new technology in static control so that we can provide you the best products possible. Our name is not a coincidence, it is our goal to transform the ESD industry and we do that one new and unique product at a time.

 

2014 ESD/EOS Symposium & Exhibits

August 19, 2014

2013 EOS/ESD Symposium Transfomring Technologies
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.2013 EOS/ESD Symposium Transforming Technologies

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.

Location of the 2014 EOS/ESD Symposium

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

 

We look forward to seeing you in Tucson!

 

New Product Announcement: WB5600 Series Anti-Allergy Wrist Strap Set

July 24, 2014

Transforming Technologies is proud to announce the addition of the WB5600 Series Anti-Allergy Wrist Strap Set to our line of ESD Products.

WB5037
The WB5600 Series anti-allergy wrist band set is the ideal grounding device for people with allergies to common metals. It features hypoallergenic silver-plated nylon thread for conductivity and the back plate has a plastic cover so that metal does not come in contact with skin. This maroon colored wrist band and coil cord set features a 360 degree conductive contact around the wrist, providing maximum skin contact while allowing the skin to breathe. 

The coil cord’s 2.5mm polyurethane coil insulation offers excellent coil memory. A classic snap comes in with 4mm snap and works in combination with most standard wristbands. A swivel type banana jack increases coil life and prevents cord tangles. Comes in 6’, 12’ or 20′ lengths.
WB5600 Plastic Back Plate
Anti static wrist strap sets are great personal grounding solutions and the WB5600 series meets or exceeds requirements of ANSI ESD-S20.20 and ESDA Standard 1.1-2006.

 For price and availability on the WB5600 Series Anti-Allergy Wrist Strap Set or for information on any products in Transforming Technologies full line of ESD products, please call 419-841-9552 or email info@transforming-technologies.com.
 

Our West Coast Warehouse is Open!

June 23, 2014

Our West Coast Warehouse is Open!

Transforming Technologies is proud to announce that we are now stocking our MT4500 Series Two Layer ESD Rubber on the west coast! This means reduced shipping costs, shorter transit times, and even BETTER service! You could save up to three days on transit time, and up to 65% on shipping cost!

For more information call 419-841-9552 or email info@transforming-technologies.com

west-coast-warehouse

 

New Product Announcement: IN4000PE Flexible Neck Ionizing Nozzle

May 20, 2014

Transforming Technologies is proud to announce the addition of the IN4000PE Flexible Neck Ionizing Nozzle to our line of ESD Products.

Ptecâ„¢ Hands Free IonizationIN4000PE ionizing nozzle
The IN4000PE flexible nozzle neck frees the operator’s hands during assembly and manufacturing processes. A photoelectric eye controls both ionization and airflow, which reduces compressed air costs and extends the life  of the ionizer. The model IN4000PE ionizing air nozzle produces a 68KHz AC output of approximately 2200V and a continuous stream of balanced air ions.

Maintenance Savings
Ptecâ„¢ ionizers save time and money because they require no calibration. Emitter life is increased and maintenance frequency is reduced, due to
68KHz AC ion emission.
Ptecâ„¢ Ionization
The IN4000PE features the inherently stable output of all Ptecâ„¢ Ionizers and high frequency AC (68KHz) ion emis-sion. The flexible metal neck, with multiple nozzle options allows for easy operation and service of emitters. A photoelectric eye and .01 micron filter combine to deliver clean air at the correct pressure when needed.

For price and availability on the IN4000PE Flexible Neck Ionizing Nozzle or for information on any products in Transforming Technologies full line of ESD products, please call 419-841-9552 or email info@transforming-technologies.com.
 

New Product Announcement: IN3425PE Hands Free AC Ionizing Nozzle with Photoelectric Eye

May 9, 2014

Transforming Technologies is proud to announce the addition of the IN3425PE Hands Free AC Ionizing Nozzle with Photoelectric Eye to our line of ESD Products.

The IN3425PE is a very stable, pin-point accurate ionizer with a photoelectric eye that controls power and air flow.

The IN3425PE is a very stable, pin-point accurate ionizer with a photoelectric eye that controls power and air flow.

The Model IN3425PE 68KHz AC ionizing air nozzle is a point-of-use solution for a wide range of static problems. A proximity sensing photoelectric eye controls the power and air flow for easy hands free ionization. The IN3425PE easily connects to a com-pressed air source and offers various output nozzles for specialized applications.

Using AC corona technology to make the air more conductive, Ptecâ„¢ ionizers pro-duce a balanced stream of positive and negative air ions that never need calibration. The main unit of the device is equipped with a small HV power unit so no external HV power unit or HV wiring is needed. The IN3425PE is light, small and free from EMI. It is equipped with an auto ion bal-ance and abnormal HV monitoring systems. These devices are used in many industries and manufacturing applications where static electricity is a problem.

Maintenance Savings
Ptecâ„¢ ionizers save time and money because they require no calibration. Emitter life is increased and maintenance fre-quency is reduced, due to 68KHz AC ion emission.

For price and availability on the IN3425PE Hands Free AC Ionizing Nozzle with Photoelectric Eye or for information on any products in Transforming Technologies full line of ESD products, please call 419-841-9552 or email info@transforming-technologies.com.
 

Generating Air Ionization With No Contaminating Particles

May 6, 2014

Abstract

High Technology manufacturing employs air ionizers to reduce the effects of static charge. In cleanrooms the dominant issue is contamination reduction by eliminating electrostatic attraction. Conventionally, air ionization is generated by corona from needle electrodes, but there are particles generated by this process and removing the debris collected on the needle electrodes represents a significant maintenance issue. In the past, particles generated by ionizers have been too small to affect the manufacturing process, but this is no longer true. The latest small structures on the wafer have reached the limit where these particles will harm the product. This paper discusses the mechanism for particle creation and presents a design which creates no particles. The maintenance issue has lead to the use of complex ionizers that employ a sheath of air to shield the corona electrodes from the air in the cleanroom and the associated airborne molecular contaminants (AMCs). The new technology which eliminates particle generation also eliminates the need to clean the ionizers and reduces or eliminates the amount of air required to operate the ionizer.

For the full text click here.

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