Wrist strap monitor.

The Desco SCS SW Aware Monitor, the first single-wire wrist strap monitor that’s compatible with SMP is now available through Inelco Hunter. The SCS SW Aware, a single-workstation continuous (versus pulsed or intermittent) monitor, continuously monitors the path-to-ground integrity of one operator and one ESD worksurface. It uses Impedance Monitoring Technology (IMT) to provide stable continuous monitoring of the wrist strap’s path-to-ground and the presence of its one megohm safety resistor.

The SCS SW Aware Monitor is compatible with the SCS Static Management Program (SMP). SMP continuously monitors ESD control programs throughout all stages of manufacturing by capturing data from SCS continuous monitors and ionisers to provide a real-time picture of critical manufacturing processes. SMP captures operator and worksurface pass/fail data from the SW Aware Monitor, and all activity is stored in a centralised database for on-going quality control purposes. Reports generated by SMP reveal areas of concern, enable proactive prevention of ESD events, and validate the efficiency of a ESD control program.

Inelco Hunter offers a free ESD Static Control Survey to British-based businesses. There is no obligation - Inelco Hunter simply requests to quote on any items that would improve the current ESD programme. Using EN 61340-5-1 and its User Guide CLC/TR 61340-5-2, an ESD specialist will take onsite measurements and make observations of the existing ESD control plan.

The survey will verify that current ESD products meet EN-61340-5 standards. The written report will list applicable EN61340-5-1 and -2 citations and indicate whether the current ESD control programme is in compliance and indicate where it's not. 

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Electrostatic discharge (ESD) monitor.

The Desco ESD Mini Monitor is now available from Inelco Hunter. The monitor’s enclosure features an illuminated status display, making the PCB and the worksurface highly visible to both operator and supervisor. Green indicates that the operator and worksurface are grounded, red indicates a grounding failure, and blue indicates when the operator port is vacant. High visibility helps operator awareness especially when wearing headphones and the audible alarm cannot be heard.

With an alarm response time less than 50 milliseconds, the Mini Monitor quickly notifies the operator should the wrist strap or worksurface lose its path-to-ground. This allows the monitor to catch the moment when wrist cords degrade and lose continuity.

The Mini Monitor features ParkSnap™ allowing the operator to disconnect and park a wristband when leaving the workstation without creating a false alarm. Touch the ParkSnap™ or Park Delay switch, and the monitor’s audible alarm will disable for approximately 8 seconds. This time can be used to disconnect the wrist cord from the wristband, and attach it to the ParkSnap™ or remove the banana plug from the jack. Upon returning to the workstation and disconnecting the wrist cord from the ParkSnap™, the operator has approximately 8 seconds to reconnect the wrist cord to a worn wristband before activating the alarm.

Wave Distortion Technology is utilised - a very reliable technology for the Continuous Monitoring of Single-Wire (Conductor) Wrist Straps. 

Wave Distortion or vector impedance works by applying a continuous test voltage of 1.2 volts peak-to-peak at 1 to 2 microamperes (0.000002 amperes) to the wrist strap that is connected to the continuous or constant monitor. The test voltage creates a square wave that the monitor circuit compares to established patterns. By monitoring the “distortions”, or shape of the square wave, Wave Distortion Technology determines if the monitored circuit is complete - the operator is in the circuit and the total equivalent DC resistance is within specifications. Wave Distortion Technology produces a very fast alarm time and minimal false alarms.

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Static management program software.

Desco Europe distributor Inelco Hunter has announced the availability of the Static Management Program (SMP) software, which continuously monitors the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) process control system throughout all stages of manufacturing. The SMP app captures data from SCS workstations, production equipment and any other equipment where ESD events could occur. SMP continuously monitors every event, even down to fine detail such as a single fan ioniser.

The App can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world. It provides a real-time picture of critical manufacturing processes, pinpointing areas of concern in order to help prevent ESD events. Quantifiable data highlights trends, thus enabling a proactive approach to ESD control, whilst at the same time testing and proving the efficiency of the existing ESD process control system.

The ESD risk is present during every stage of manufacture: handling, assembly, testing, shipping and so on. Electronic devices are incredibly sensitive, and damage to components can occur without any sense of static shock to the operative – and will therefore go unnoticed. By continuously monitoring ESD events, the SMP app aids the manufacture of dependable products, improves yields, increases automation efficiency and provides a measurable return on investment.

Inelco Hunter stocks a broad range of Desco Europe ESD products, covering every aspect of ESD protection from bags and labels, protective clothing and footwear to grounding equipment and work surface mats, ESD tape and wrist straps. For a full and comprehensive list, visit the Inelco Hunter website or contact them directly.

Inelco Hunter provides in-depth engineering support to ensure rapid implementation of the recommended ESD Compliance solutions. This added-value support is at the core of Inelco’s philosophy, and has been for the last 30 years, setting them apart from the "stock and ship" distributors.

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Keyance static eliminators!

Keyence's  comprehensive range of static eliminators offers significant benefits. Featuring a differential method that eliminates the need for adjustments, they produce oppositely charged ions and create a high-precision ion balance. They are twice as fast as the best standard system on the market and eliminate clogging, a typical problem that can slow down production.

Static electricity is eliminated by delivering a stream of oppositely charged ions to the surface to be treated. The charge to be delivered depends on the manufacturing parameters, the humidity level, the temperature and other conditions. The SJ Series features a built-in differential system - known as the I.C.C. method - that continuously calculates the optimal amount of ions to be supplied. No operator adjustments are necessary, even in high-static environments.

The SJ Series eliminates static charges quickly and more completely, even at high speeds. It is extremely easy to install. Simply connect it to a reference potential and it's ready to go. Only Keyence offers such capability. Competing brands offer sensor-based control, which results in higher costs and complexity.

The SJ Series has adopted the pulse AC method, which applies alternating positive and negative high voltage to an electrode probe to make it produce ions of both polarities. Compared to the conventional AC method, the amount of ions generated is higher and the oscillating frequency can be changed. The pulse AC method can therefore be used to eliminate static electricity in any situation, such as fast-moving targets or work areas.

By combining these two functions, the SJ Series is the fastest in its class. It boasts a cycle frequency of 66 Hz - twice that of competing brands.

A common problem with static eliminators is that their electrode probes become clogged and must be cleaned three to four times a month. With SJ Series, the electrode probes need to be cleaned only once every three or six months. This difference stems from the materials used for the electrode probes (silicone or tungsten) and the laminar flow of air that guides charges more directly. Due to the considerably longer maintenance intervals, the SJ Series features alarm outputs that provide information on the system's operation or the drift of the electrostatic potential zero so that preventive maintenance may be performed to optimise productivity. The broad SJ Series range features the right model for any application. There are three main types of eliminators: bar-type units for large surfaces, blower-type units for medium-sized surfaces and spot-type units for small surfaces. They all operate using the same principles and offer the same benefits.