Esd control in automotive manufacturing

With the automotive industry quickly and increasingly adapting to more and more advanced electronic technology, the need for proper ESD protection grows more critical.

Electrostatic (ESD) damage is one of the biggest threats to safety and productivity for automotive manufacturers. Every piece of electrical/electronic equipment has the potential to contribute to the occurrence of ESD. It is also most susceptible to the damage caused by ESD.

Why ESD control is important for electronics-related industries

Today vehicles of all types are packed with electrical/electronic parts and systems. Protecting electronic devices and components that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) is very important in manufacturing processes or environments. ESD control is needed to prevent damage from the electrical charges that accumulate during critical manufacturing processes.

Static charge can be generated and built up by simply walking across a floor or by standing up after sitting a while. Assembly lines, robotic production equipment, hand tools & devices, metal surfaces, even clothing can cause ESD buildup. Workers too can spark a reaction that causes a significant ESD event.

If the discharge is powerful, the damage to the electronic component will be visible. However, latent failures can occur at much lower voltage ranges and these are more difficult to detect. It is estimated that latent failure in electronic devices is responsible for 90% of all failures in those devices, and costs the industry billions every year.

Studies of damage to components in electronic devices, related to ESD events, estimate the cost of damage according to when the event is detected. If the damage is discovered at the point of assembly, the cost is one times the cost of assembly and labour. But if damage is discovered during QC testing, the cost is ten times that of assembly and labour. And if the damage is discovered once the device reaches the customer, the cost is100 times the cost of assembly and labour. (Source of cost estimates: Cisco Systems, Inc.)

How to control ESD in automotive manufacturing

Because static build-up and discharge can cause injury to human life and damage to property, components and finished products, it’s important for automotive industry to adopt a comprehensive ESD control programme. One that takes into consideration the ESD environment as a whole, including workstations, clothing, flooring, packaging materials, etc.

Such a programme helps to set up ESD Protected Areas (EPAs) for the protection of manufacturing areas or workstations. The EPA can be equipped with ESD-resistant products such as ESD workbenches, industrial furniture, ESD chairs &stools, trolleys, ESD storage racks, etc. Here, workers can be dressed in appropriate clothing, with conductive straps, grounded wristbands, etc. to dissipate ESD safely.

Messung Workplace solutions for ESD environments

Messung Workplace Technology is one of India’s leading ESD products manufacturers. Under its 'Navonmesh - Make in India initiative', Messung offers the AFM-PLUS range of indigenously designed and manufactured ESD workplace products that offer reliable ESD protection as per IEC 61340-5-1.

Messung has its own design and manufacturing facilities with the latest international machines for aluminum and wood cutting, testing facilities, etc. Messung offers a complete range of ESD products for the automotive manufacturing and other industries. Messung can provide customised solutions for industrial worktables,ESD workstations, ESD tables, ESD trolleys, ESD storage racks, drawer cabinets and cupboards.

Messungis also trusted ESD chairs manufacturers in Pune manufacturing a range of ESD task chairs & stools in standard and high versions. These ergonomic workstation chairs come in three options: Thermoplastic PU Integral Foam, Synthetic Leather and Fabric.

All the products incorporate the latest Volume ESD technology, so you get durable, long-lasting ESD protection as per global standards.

Conclusion

In the automotive industry, and indeed all industries across verticals, a safe work environment is a productive work environment. With the growing inclusion of electronics in every aspect of manufacturing and in the design of end-product, taking measures to mitigate the risk of ESD events must be a priority - to ensure safety of manpower and quality of process and product.

Messung’s AFM-PLUS range of industrialworktables, ESD tables, ESD trolleys, ESD lab tables with drawers, ESD racks and pedestals, ESD chairs and stools are built to enhance safety, ergonomics and productivityin ESD workplaces. Manufactured at Messung’s own manufacturing facility in Pune, these products offer world-class looks and specifications at an affordable price; they can also be customised for specific customer requirements.