ESD Background
Electrostatic discharge is a phenomenon that is created from static electricity. This is the static electricity that each of us has experienced in some way in everyday life. ESD can be a source of significant damage to electronic equipment such as electrical boxes and chassis that house electronic equipment.
Static electricity, although normally present at low levels that do not effect individuals, can build rapidly on objects to produce relatively high voltages. When two surfaces with different voltages meet each other, a charge can pass from one object to the other. This phenomenon is known as an electrostatic discharge. Although it may only last for a micro-second or less, the peak discharge current can be several amps and the peak power can be in kilowatts.
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ESD coatings prevent this electrostatic discharge from passing through the coating to the sensitive electronic components within. Applications for ESD powder coatings include:
Typical ESD Coating Applications
- Computer work stations
- Electronic cabinet enclosures
- Furniture
- Clean room and semiconductor equipment
- Floors
- Work benches and shelving.
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