Electronics Industry: What are the benefits of a clean environment?

When it comes to sensitive advanced electronics, you cannot risk any particulate contamination. The ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Association estimates that 25% of all electronics damaged for unknown reasons can be attributed to ESD and the cost of damage to the Electronics industry to be $5 billion (USD) per year.

What is static electricity and how can it affect your processes?

Static electricity is impossible to see, touch or smell; however the results of static charge build up are quite noticeable. Static charge build-up is caused by one of two processes: either by friction between two surfaces or by proximity to an electrostatic field.

Static build up in manufacturing environments can often cause a reduction in productivity and a drop in the product quality, as well as causing severe damage to sensitive electronic components.

Humidity and temperature levels affect static charges. A high humidity removes ESD; however raises the level of moisture in the air, increasing the risk of corrosion and the growth of micro-organisms. Therefore it is important to establish a balance in your humidity and temperature levels to minimise these risks, maintain high levels of quality and reduce overall defects in your finished electronics products.

It is suggested that a relative humidity of 40-60% should be maintained in your manufacturing environment, alongside a temperature range of 20-25°C; however to ensure you are achieving your required level of humidity, a risk assessment should be carried out on each of your individual manufacturing processes. The inclusion of a temperature and humidity control within your cleanroom will ensure that these levels are consistently achieved.

Preventing ESD in your Cleanroom

We understand how critical controlling contamination is to an electronics manufacturer’s success and the risks to electronic and nanotechnology components from static charges and UV exposure. Our range of bespoke modular cleanrooms can be constructed using antistatic components that can help ground static electricity, protecting sensitive products from the damage these charges cause.

The inclusion of our temperature and humidity control system within your cleanroom will ensure the recommended levels of humidity and temperature range are consistently achieved.

The most employed method of limiting electrostatic charge is by grounding people and objects. The use electro conductive floorings combined with conductive footwear constitute a key part of this. ESD Anti-fatigue mats and flooring guarantee the lasting elimination of electrostatic charges while taking into account people’s safety.

As well as the prevention of ESD, it is important that employees have enough light to carefully handle small components. Connect 2 Cleanrooms can incorporate UV lighting and specialist wall panels to block certain spectrums of UV light within your cleanroom solution.

Contact our projects team today on +44 (0)1524 813020 to discuss your requirements.

Selecting ESD and anti-static apparel and accessories for your cleanroom

Cleanroomshop.com supplies a range of anti-static and ESD cleanroom apparel, cleaning supplies and furniture, which can monitor and eliminate static or negative pressure.

Antistatic clothing is the most effective way to protect your electronic circuits. ESD Clothing including coveralls, lab coats and footwear eliminates electric charge as well as ensuring the highest standard of particle control, offering your employees both comfort and protection.

Static meters are an effective product for identifying static problems within your processes and the inclusion of the ionising bars can help eliminate the issues identified.

Designed primarily with the electronics industry in mind, the wide variety of high and low ESD chairs suit a range of applications and will ensure your employees comfort over long periods of time within your critical environment.

Anti-static sprays prevent charge generation and other static related problems, with cleaning accessories, such as bin liners being ideal for static sensitive areas where electrostatic contamination can be a problem.

Call a member of our expert sales team on +44(0)1524 813022 who will help advise you on the most suitable products to ensure your critical environment is static and dust-free.