As enterprises get competitive, there is a need for process automation to enhance efficiency and streamline production. Industries are adopting high-tech factory floor automation but face product damage and contamination issues from uncontrolled static electricity. The static buildup is a threat to manufacturers and increases the chances of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage and electrostatic attraction (ESA)-induced contamination.
According to the ESD Association, the average static electricity loss is as high as 35%, with some enterprises reporting 25% electronic part failure arising from ESD.
So, what causes ESD, and how does it affect the bottom line in the colder months? What measures can organizations take to reduce static on the factory floor? Read on to learn more.
Electrostatic discharge, or static electricity, is a major concern on the factory floor because it damages sensitive semiconductors on fragile electronic devices, impacting the enterprise's bottom line.
Three types of ESD damage can occur on the factory floor:
Industries can implement several static control strategies on the factory floor for electrical grounding to prevent equipment and personnel from generating a static charge. When employees walk across the factory floor, triboelectric charge builds up in the body, resulting from friction between the floor material and their shoes. The separation of the two surfaces causes the transfer of electrons when one surface is positively charged and the other is negatively charged, resulting in static charges.
Here are ways industries can reduce static charge and ESD damage on the factory floor.
Static ionizers emit negatively and positively charged ions, reducing static charges to low and harmless levels.
Two types of ionizing technology exist, particularly:
Here are different types of electrical ionizers:
Flooring materials do not eliminate existing static charges but prevent static charge buildup on the factory floor. The materials chosen depend on optical and mechanical properties and the set budget. They have specific resistance and are more durable to the constant ground over time.
Here are ESD flooring materials you can use on a factory floor:
Static charges are more active on the factory floor when the materials and air are dry. Moving air is known to cause friction, which can ionize materials more when using synthetic materials. Keep your electrical equipment and products away from HVAC systems and fans. Do not clean your electronic products with compressed air unless it is ionized.
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