EPA

4 Common Wrist Strap Mistakes and one way to avoid them!

Image scsstaticcontrol March 16, 2022 0

The Mistakes

Are you regularly getting complaints from your operators that wrist straps are awkward or uncomfortable? As a result, do you come across them not being worn properly? Unfortunately, we see wrist straps being misused regularly. Here, you can find just 4 of the many mistakes we see with wrist straps, but do not fear, there is a solution!

Not Worn

Operators feel restricted by their wrist strap, do not understand the necessity and stop wearing it, even if only for a short period.

Disconnected

Operators leave their workstation and forget to re-connect their wrist strap on their return.

Incorrectly Fitted

For various reasons the wrist strap might not be fitted correctly, whether it be for comfort or by accident. Either way, it leaves the wrist strap potentially not functioning as it should.

Damaged

Operators used old or damaged wrist straps that might pass at the tester but could be intermittently failing whilst being worn. Perhaps the coiled cords have been patched up or the wristband is looking old and worn.

The Solution?

Wear SCS Groundable Static Control Smocks for hands-free grounding!

SCS ESD Smocks have a Hip-to-Cuff Grounding feature that allows for hands-free grounding by connecting a coiled cord to the snap on the side of the smock. This is directly connected to the conductive kitted cuff that acts as a wristband. Leaving the operator with a hands-free alternative to a wrist strap. Both Single-Wire and Dual-Wire options are available so even if you are using dual-wire continuous monitors, there is an option for you!

SCS ESD Smocks Solution — SCS Smocks – a hands-free alternative to wrist straps

In general, wearing Static Control Garments offers many benefits to controlling Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and more. To learn more about the role of ESD Garments in the ESD Protected Area (EPA) visit this blog post.

Watch A Minute with Miranda on Static Control Garments:

Why do you need ESD smocks?

How to care for your ESD smocks

Testing Resistance Point-to-Point Rpp for an ESD Smock

A Minute with Miranda – Charge-Guard™ ESD Surface and Mat Cleaner Wipes

Image scsstaticcontrol November 11, 2021 0

Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how to clean your ESD Worksurface Mat.

For optimum performance, the ESD worksurface mat should be cleaned regularly using a recommended ESD mat cleaner. Per the ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20, “Ensure that cleaners that are used do not leave an electrically insulative residue common with some household cleaners.” We recommend using Charge-Guard™ ESD Surface & Mat Cleaner Wipes to clean and maintain ESD mats and other worksurfaces. Charge-Guard™ wipes do not contain silicone or other substances that will leave an insulative residue or inhibit the performance of an ESD surface.

It is recommended to test the surface after cleaning to ensure that all insulative contaminants such as dirt and grime have been removed. Charge-Guard™ ESD Surface & Mat Cleaner Wipes will only leave behind a coating with a surface resistance of less than 1 x 10^9 ohms.

8004 - Charge-Guard™ ESD Surface and Mat Cleaner, 25 Wipes — 8004 – Charge-Guard™ ESD Surface and Mat Cleaner, 25 Wipes

SHOP OR REQUEST A SAMPLE OF CHARGE-GUARD™ WIPES

New to ESD Control and need help to set up a Workstation?

Image scsstaticcontrol October 28, 2021 0

Implementing ESD control measures can be very simple, particularly if you are starting with one or two workbenches. Each workbench would be an individual ESD Protected Area (EPA) and when ESD Sensitive (ESDS) devices are not at the ESD workbench they should be in a closed ESD shielding container or bag. In today’s blog we provide a basic set up for a start-up workbench EPA.

Single-Wire Wrist Straps

Adjustable Wrist Strap, Blue, with 6′ Coil Cord

One size fits all adjustable wrist band with coil cord is used to ground a stationary operator.

4 mm snap, 1 megohm resistor

Meets ANSI/ESD S20.20 and ANSI/ESD S1.1

ECWS61M-1

One size fits all blue adjustable single-wire wrist band with 6-foot coil cord

Static Control Garment

Smock Jacket with Knitted Cuffs, 3 Pockets, No Collar, Blue

Creates faraday cage effect around torso and arms of operator

Groundable static control garment systems meets ANSI/ESD S20.20 (Rtg < 3.5 X 10⁷ohms) Requirement Tested Per ANSI/ESD STM2.1 and ESD TR53

Hip-To-Cuff Grounding – Improves productivity, grounds operator with no need for a cord to be attaches to the operator’s wrist

770012

Static Control Worksurface Mat Kits

R7 Series 2-Layer Rubber Mat Kit

Provides a worksurface that does not generate a static charge and will control the discharge rate from all conductors (including ESD susceptible items) that are placed on the surface

Includes table mat, LPCGC151M Common Ground Cord and 3049 Snap Kit

Dissipative Dual Layer Rubber Material

High Strength Nitrile Rubber Compound – Constructed to withstand abrasion, tearing and may be used in soldering applications with flux and other chemicals.

770776 – 770784

ESD Surface and Mat Cleaner

Charge-Guard™ ESD Surface and Mat Cleaner, 25 Wipes

Ideal for Use After Sanitizing an ESD Worksurface with Alcohol

Removes dust, grease, grime, fingerprints, solder flux and other contaminants from ESD mats and other surfaces

Alcohol-Free Formula – Excessive use of alcohol-based cleaners may dry-out mats (vinyl or rubber) and degrade performance

8004

Wrist Strap and Footwear Tester

Combo Wrist Strap and Footwear Tester with Stand

Tests operator’s resistance loop; wrist strap limits 750 kilohms to 10 megohms; footwear limits 750 kilohms to 100 megohms – Determines that operator’s personal grounding device is functioning correctly.

Separate test circuits for wrist straps and foot grounders

Use with Single-Wire Wrist Strap

770031

Surface Resistance Meter

Resistance Pro Meter Kit

Tests Digital Compliance Verification Surface Resistance Meter Kit – Measures resistance point-to-point (R_tt) and resistance-to-ground (R_tg) of worksurfaces, flooring systems, garments, packaging, and other materials in accordance with ESD Association documents: ESD TR53, ANSI/ESD S4.1, ANSI/ESD S7.1, ANSI/ESD STM97.1 and others

Internal Memory – Stores and recalls up to 100 measurements. Captures resistance, temperature, humidity and test voltage.

770760

Static Shielding Bags

1000 Series Metal-In Static Shield Bag

Metal-In Film Laminate 0.0028” thick (2.8 mil) – Protects ESD sensitive contents from electrostatic fields and electrostatic discharges (ESD)

<10 nJ Discharge Shielding Energy Limit Test per ANSI/ESD STM11.31 – Meets ANSI/ESD S20.20 and ANSI/ESD S541 requirements for ESD shielding packaging inside and outside an ESD Protected Area (EPA)

1000 Series

Conclusion

Whilst this guide provides a high quality but manageable avenue into ESD Control, not all ESD Programs are created equal, every company has different processes. So, get in touch with your requirements or complete our Checklist and SCS will support with a custom qualified parts list based on your application.

Get in Touch!

A Minute with Miranda – EM Aware Monitor on SMT Assembly Line

Image scsstaticcontrol January 6, 2020 0

Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how the EM Aware Monitor provides continuous monitoring to detect and measure ESD Events in your STM machine.

The SCS EM Aware Monitor is a continuous monitor for three key parameters that allow you to verify your ESD process in an automated insertion machine; ESD events, change in static voltage field, and ionizer balance. The thresholds for all three of these parameters are fully adjustable by the user. The EM Aware Monitor is a miniature radio receiver tuned to detect and measure the unique waveform generated by an ESD event. The EM Aware Monitor meets the Continuous Monitor requirements of ANSI/ESD S20.20 in accordance with ESD TR1.0-01 and ANSI/ESD STM3.1. It meets the recommendations of ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20 which includes “if the products that are being produced are of such value that the knowledge of a continuous, reliable ground is needed, then continuous monitoring should be considered or even required.”

View the full range of SCS EM Aware Monitors here

A Minute with Miranda – WS Aware Continuous Monitor on SMT Line

Image scsstaticcontrol December 6, 2019 0

Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how the WS Aware provides continuous monitoring for an operator at an SMT line.

The SCS WS Aware Monitor is a continuous monitor for operators, ESD Worksurfaces and metal tools. It will continuously monitor the path-to-ground integrity and body voltage of two operators. It also monitors the path-to-ground integrity of two metal tools. In addition, it continuously monitors for electromagnetic interference (EMI) on two metal tools, which may cause electrical overstress (EOS) damage. The WS Aware Monitor eliminates the need for periodic testing and record keeping of wrist straps.

Per ESD Handbook ESD TR 20.20 section 5.3.2.4.4 “Typical Test programs recommend that wrist straps that are used daily should be tested daily. However, if the products that are being produced are of such value that knowledge of a continuous, reliable ground is needed, then continuous monitoring should be considered or even required.”

View the full range of SCS WS Aware Monitors here.

A Minute with Miranda – Testing ESD Footwear

Image scsstaticcontrol November 18, 2019 0

Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how to test ESD footwear entering an ESD Protected Area (EPA).

Per the ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20, A system test of the footwear in combination with the existing or proposed flooring materials in the plant should be made to ensure that the criteria for the facility are met. When using a footwear checker it is important to make sure the upper and lower resistance limits of the checker match the user’s requirements. When testing the footwear should test within the range of 1 x 10⁶ to 1 x 10⁸ ohms.

Heel, sole and toe grounders should be worn on both feet to ensure effective use. They should be worn by all personnel and visitors within an ESD controlled area. If worn improperly, the heel, sole and toe grounders become ineffective. ESD footwear should be tested daily before use within an ESD Protected Area (EPA).

View the full range of SCS ESD Footwear here.

A Minute with Miranda – WS Aware Workstation Overview

Image scsstaticcontrol November 4, 2019 0

Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how the WS Aware Monitor provides for continuous monitoring of an ESD Workstation setup.

The SCS WS Aware Monitor is a dual workstation continuous monitor for operators, ESD Worksurfaces and metal tools. It will continuously monitor the path-to-ground integrity and body voltage of two operators. It also monitors the path-to-ground integrity for two conductive or dissipative worksurfaces and two metal tools. It also continuously monitors for electromagnetic interference (EMI) on two metal tools which may cause electrical overstress (EOS) damage. The WS Aware Monitor eliminates the need for periodic testing and record keeping of wrist straps.

Per the ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20 section 18.4.2 “Some continuous monitors can monitor worksurface ground connections. A test signal is passed through the worksurface and ground connections. Discontinuity or over limit resistance changes cause the monitor to alarm. Worksurface monitors test the electrical connection between the monitor, the worksurface, and the ground point. However, the monitor will not detect insulative contamination on the worksurface.”

View the full range of SCS WS Aware Monitors here.

A Minute with Miranda – Why you need ESD Footwear

Image scsstaticcontrol October 21, 2019 0

Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering why you need to use ESD footwear within your ESD Protected Area (EPA).

Per the ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20, Personnel may also be grounded through the use of ESD footwear with an ESD Flooring system. This method is useful for situations where personnel are mobile or standing in areas where a wrist strap is not feasible and ESDS items must be handled or transported. ESD protective footwear is designed to reduce body charge levels by providing a conductive path from the body to the ESD flooring material.

View the full range of SCS ESD Footwear here.

A Minute with Miranda – Cleaning an ESD Worksurface Mat

Image scsstaticcontrol September 27, 2019 0

Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be covering how to properly clean an ESD Worksurface Mat.

For optimum electrical performance, the ESD worksurface mat surface should be cleaned regularly using a recommended ESD mat cleaner. Per the ESD Handbook ESD TR20.20, “Ensure that cleaners that are used do not leave an electrically insulative residue common with some household cleaners.”
We recommend using Reztore ESD Surface and Mat Cleaner. Reztore is alcohol free and does not contain silicone or other substances that will leave an insulative residue or inhibit the performance of the ESD worksurface mats.

After cleaning the ESD worksurface mat with Reztore it is recommended to test the surface to ensure that all insulative contaminates such as dirt and grime have been removed from the mat.
SCS worksurface mats meet the ANSI/ESD STM4.1 and ANSI/ESD S20.20 required limit of 1 x 10⁶ to less than 1 x 10⁹ ohms for Rtt and Rtg and the recommendations of ANSI/ESD S4.1. View the range of Reztore Alcohol Free products here.

A Minute with Miranda – ESD Packaging with Protektive Pak In-Plant Handler

Image scsstaticcontrol September 16, 2019 0

Welcome back to “A Minute with Miranda.” This week we will be discussing how to store and ship your static sensitive assemblies within and outside of an ESD Protected Area using an In-Plant Handler.

ANSI/ESD S20.20 requires that ESD protective packaging is necessary to store, transport and protect ESD sensitive electronic items during all phases of production and shipment. Beyond the static protection, packaging also provides protection from physical damage, moisture, dust and other contaminates. Per the ANSI/ESD S541 Packaging Standard packaging that is used inside and outside of an EPA shall be low charge generating, constructed from dissipative or conductive material for intimate contact with ESD items and provide electrostatic discharge shielding.

The Protektive Pak In-Plant Handlers are constructed from an impregnated dissipative corrugated material that has a surface resistance range of 1 x 10⁶ to less than 1 x 10⁹ ohms per ANSI/ESD STM11.11. This minimizes the potential of rapid discharge or sparking. The in-plant handlers will shield ESD sensitive items from charge and electrostatic discharges with the lid in place. The partition sets are constructed from the same impregnated dissipative material and are available in over 300 cell size configurations to suit your specific packaging needs.

View the full range of Protektive Pak In-Plant Handlers here.