Electrostatic discharge

Why ESD protection is essential

Walking, rubbing, or moving generates electrical charges that can create an electrostatic field, which may lead to electrostatic discharge occurring unexpectedly, illustrating the definition of electrostatic discharge. A discharge of just 30 volts is enough to damage a sensitive component, illustrating how even minor electrostatic discharge may have severe consequences. ORGATEX products prevent static electricity charges from accumulating reliably before they cause different forms of ESD damage.

IDP-STAT® PVC film – the basis for lasting protection

For the production of our ESD products, we use the specially developedIDP-STAT® PVC rigid filmThis conductive polymer (inherently dissipative polymer) reliably dissipates electrostatic charges and prevents materials from becoming charged.

The films are available in thicknesses of0.25 mm and 0.7 mmproduced and meet the requirements ofDIN EN 61340-5-1This ensures that none of your components are at risk during storage, transport, or labeling.

ESD products overview

Our product range offers comprehensive solutions for ESD-sensitive areas, addressing the risks of static electricity and ESD damage while promoting ESD safety through different materials, as these areas are particularly vulnerable to ESD.

• View pockets & document holders ESD– antistatic bags and sleeves for plans, receipts and notices.
• Fasteners & Accessories– magnetic or super-magnetic fasteners, flexibly applicable.
• Kanban and document systems– system boxes, covers, and labels for ESD-compliant production control to minimize the risk of ESD events.
• Insert systems & mailboxes– for efficient, electrostatically safe organization of material flows.
• Floor markings & warning signs– e.g. LongLife straps and floor signs for marking ESD zones to prevent static electricity buildup and enhance ESD safety.
• ESD floor roller– with ball-bearing rollers and conductive wheels for professional continuous use.

Advantages at a glance

• Permanent conductivity– Materials prevent dangerous static build-up.
• Wide product range for all EPA areas and work environments, ensuring safety against static electricity and minimizing the risk of ESD discharge, as ESD can also lead to significant losses.
• High quality & durability– designed for daily industrial use.

Conclusion: Safety begins with ESD protection

ORGATEX's ESD solutions protect your products, work processes, and employees from damage caused by static charge and electrostatic discharge, as ESD can cause significant harm through the discharge of static. Our products combine practical relevance, innovation, and compliance with standards for maximum safety in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, addressing the risks of electrostatic discharge and its negative charge effects.

Discover ESD products now and permanently protect your work areas from electrostatic discharge and potential ESD events that can damage electronics.

TOP FAQs related to "Electrostatic Discharge / ESD"

What is electrostatic discharge and how does a sudden discharge occur?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the rapid transfer of electrostatic charge between two electrically charged objects, often producing a sudden discharge or spark; this discharge event happens when an electrostatic potential builds up and two objects with different electrostatic potentials come into contact or close proximity, allowing electrons to flow and create an electric current between the objects.

How does electrostatic charge form in electronics and what causes of ESD should I know?

Electrostatic charge forms when two materials rub or separate, causing a transfer of electric charge (positive and negative) between two materials; common causes of ESD include triboelectric charging from handling, low humidity that reduces leakage paths, and contact/separation events between two electrically charged objects, all of which are frequent in the electronics industry and electronics manufacturing environments.

What type of ESD can damage electronic components and sensitive electronics?

Different forms of ESD—such as charged device model (CDM), human body model (HBM), and system-level discharges—are types of ESD that can cause damage; these discharge can cause immediate failure or latent damage to integrated circuits and other electronic components, making devices electrostatic discharge sensitive and prone to malfunction if exposed.

How can protection measures prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging an electronic device?

Protection measures to prevent ESD include using wrist straps, grounding mats, dissipative materials, conductive materials for work surfaces, and maintaining proper humidity; these steps help dissipate electric charge safely, ensure that two electrically charged objects do not create harmful voltage differentials, and protect electronic devices and electronic components from electrostatic damage.

What is an electrostatic protected area (EPA) and how does it protect electronic equipment?

An electrostatic protected area (ESD protected area or EPA) is a controlled workspace where protection measures—such as grounded workstations, wrist straps, ionizers, ESD flooring, and esd packaging—are used to manage electrostatic fields and prevent electrostatic discharge, thereby protecting electronic equipment and esd sensitive components during assembly, testing, and repair.

How does esd packaging help protect electronic components during shipping?

ESD packaging uses shielding bags, conductive trays, and dissipative materials to control electrostatic fields and prevent charge buildup; proper packaging material prevents charged material and external electrostatic discharge events from reaching sensitive electronic components and reduces the risk that static discharge will damage electronic equipment during transport.

What are common protection measures for handling electronic device and integrated circuits safely?

Common protection measures include wearing grounded wrist straps, using grounded mats, keeping components in conductive or dissipative packaging, implementing esd protected areas, and avoiding synthetic clothing that generates static; these practices reduce electrostatic potential differences and prevent electrostatic discharge that could damage integrated circuits and other sensitive electronics.

Can moisture or humidity affect the risk of ESD in electronics manufacturing?

Yes—humidity plays a key role: higher humidity increases air conductivity and helps dissipate electric charge, reducing the likelihood of static discharge, while low humidity increases electrostatic potential and the risk that a discharge will occur, so electronics manufacturers often monitor and control humidity to prevent ESD incidents.

How do you test whether an electronic component has been damaged by ESD?

Testing for ESD damage involves visual inspection, functional testing, and electrical characterization of components and integrated circuits; symptoms caused by ESD may include intermittent failures, increased leakage currents, or complete device failure, so electronics industry test protocols and ESD-sensitive testing equipment are used to detect and diagnose discharge-related damage.

What practical steps can individuals take to protect electronic equipment and prevent electrostatic discharge?

Practical steps include grounding yourself with wrist straps, working on a grounded mat, storing parts in proper esd packaging, handling parts by edges so you don’t come into contact with pins, avoiding carpeted areas, maintaining suitable humidity, and following manufacturer and electronics manufacturers’ guidelines to protect electronic components from esd damage and reduce the chance of an electrostatic discharge event.