Our ESD control & clean room range includes ESD grounding, matting, and packaging solutions plus an extensive collection of anti-static products, including wrist straps, wrist cords, heel grounders, labels, and bags. We also stock ionisation and test products from trusted brands including SCS, EUROSTAT, Desco Europe, RS PRO, and Menda.
The Importance of ESD Control and Clean Rooms
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control is essential anywhere that IC equipment or semiconductors are being used or handled to prevent any damage caused by the accidental discharge of static charge that would lead to product failures, reduced reliability, and increased rework costs. Levels of protection can range from using static dissipative work surfaces to operating in a full clean room.
A clean room is often used working with sensitive devices within the electronics industry. The term describes a work area that adheres to very high cleanliness levels that uses equipment to prevent contaminants such as dust or microbes from entering the environment. Electrostatic charge control is also necessary within a clean room to prevent disruption to automatic equipment from electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Types of ESD Control and Clean Room Products
There are a variety of ESD control and clean room products that exist to help with static control and protecting electronic devices and equipment. Some of our popular product categories include:
- ESD Grounding: ESD grounding equipment are designed to control static charge on workers by providing a safe path to ground. These include:
- Wrist straps: Worn on the wrist, they connect the user to ground through a current-limiting resistor, preventing static discharge.
- Heel grounders: Attach to the bottom of shoes to ground the user as they walk around.
- Grounding cords: Provide a conductive path from wrist straps, heel grounders, or other ESD control products to the ground point.
- Anti-Static Storage: Anti-static storage solutions, such as boxes and cabinets, are used to safely store sensitive components in clean rooms and workstations. They help prevent static buildup and protect against ESD damage.
- Testing Metres: ESD testing metres assess the overall conditions in an environment and monitor electrostatic charge levels. They include:
- Surface resistance metres: Measure the resistance of ESD-safe materials like floors and workstations.
- Electrostatic field metres: Measure the strength of electric fields, which can indicate the presence of static charge.
- Charge plate monitors: Measure the rate of charge decay, ensuring proper operation of ionisers.
- Anti-Static Packaging: Anti-static packaging repels static electricity and is commonly used for packing new computer parts and other sensitive electronic components.
- Clean Room Office Supplies: ESD clean room office supplies are anti-static and ESD-safe, including items like pens, notebooks, and cleaning products.
- Ionisers: Ionisers generate positive and negative ions to neutralise static charge on insulative materials and isolated conductors.
- ESD Mats and Flooring: Anti static equipment such as ESD mats and flooring provide a conductive or static-dissipative surface to control static charge buildup. They are used in workstations, production areas, and clean rooms.
Selecting the Right ESD Clean Room Equipment
Choosing the appropriate ESD control and clean room equipment is vital to protect sensitive electronic components and maintain product quality. A mismatch can lead to electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, compromising sensitive electronics, leading to production losses, and jeopardising product reliability. Consider these key factors to make an informed decision:
- ESD Sensitivity Level: Identify the sensitivity level of the electronic components you are handling. This will determine the level of ESD protection required, ranging from basic anti-static measures to full cleanroom environments.
- Workstation Requirements: Assess the specific needs of your workstation, including the size of the work area, the type of work being performed, and the number of personnel involved. This will guide your choice of anti-static mats, grounding equipment, and other protective gear.
- Cleanliness Standards: Determine the required cleanliness level for your application. Cleanrooms are classified based on the number and size of airborne particles allowed, so choose equipment that meets or exceeds your specific standard.
- Material Compatibility: Ensure that the ESD control and clean room products you select are compatible with the materials used in your production process. Certain chemicals or cleaning agents may damage some materials, so careful selection is necessary.
- Ergonomics and Comfort: For personnel working in ESD-controlled or cleanroom environments, consider ergonomic factors and ensure the equipment is comfortable to use for extended periods.
Industrial Applications for ESD Clean Room Equipment
ESD control and clean room products are essential in industries where electrostatic discharge and contamination can adversely affect product quality and reliability.
- Electronics Manufacturing: The electronics industry is highly sensitive to ESD damage. Cleanrooms and ESD protection equipment like wrist straps, grounding mats, and anti-static packaging are crucial for protecting sensitive components during assembly and testing.
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology: Strict cleanliness standards are mandatory in pharmaceutical and biotech facilities. Cleanrooms and specialised ESD equipment safeguard sterile environments and prevent contamination of sensitive products.
- Aerospace and Defence: The aerospace and defence industries demand high reliability and precision. Cleanrooms and ESD control measures are used to protect sensitive electronics and ensure the performance of critical systems.
- Medical Device Manufacturing: Medical device manufacturing requires stringent cleanliness and ESD control to protect sensitive electronics and ensure patient safety. Cleanrooms and ESD-safe tools and materials are essential in this industry.
- Automotive: Modern vehicles incorporate complex electronics, sensitive to ESD damage. ESD control measures are employed during assembly and testing to prevent costly repairs and product recalls.
- Data Storage: The data storage industry relies on cleanrooms and ESD control to prevent contamination and damage to delicate components during the manufacturing of hard drives and other storage media.
Your Trusted ESD Protection Equipment Supplier & Manufacturer
RS is the premier destination for all your ESD control and clean room needs. We are a leading supplier of ESD equipment and anti-static products, offering a wide selection of high-quality solutions from trusted brands. Whether you require ESD grounding, matting, packaging, or clean room supplies, we have the perfect products to safeguard your sensitive electronics and maintain a clean working environment. Explore our extensive range of ESD control and clean room products and discover the ideal fit for your application today. For detailed information on our delivery options, including estimated timelines and fees, please visit ourDelivery Information Page.
