Automated and digitalized throughout

Innovative access monitoring for ESD protection zones.

More safety from electrostatic discharge thanks to more reliable controls.

With a development from the Ländle region, the Swiss manufacturing service provider SMTEC its sensitive products from ESD damage:

The interlock system with swivel bracket and the Sparktrap EPA Gatekeeper from Swabian specialist Keinath Electronic makes daily testing faster and safer. The LED light around the display shimmers green: access to the production level on this floor, where Remo Holenstein's colleagues operate the pick-and-place machines, has been cleared. The stylish halo effect shows unmistakably and without complicated explanations whether the special ESD shoes or the earthing bracelet are working as required. Or not. "If the measured values exceed the specified limits, it lights up red" says department head Holenstein, who is responsible for the system as ESD officer. SMTEC AG is a system partner in electronics production and supplies customers from a wide range of industries.

Whether in industry and mechanical engineering, lighting or medical technology, sensor technology or data transmission: No one can afford failures caused by electrostatic discharge. Quality requirements are particularly high in sensitive, safety-relevant areas and precise documentation of daily ESD testing is important. "ESD testing of employees is mandatory - however, the way in which this takes place and is documented is not regulated", says Philipp Keinath from Keinath Electronic, which not only offers technical ESD solutions, but also training and certification in this area. In many companies, employees only confirm the ESD test with their signature on a list, according to his experience. "But we all know that Paper is patient", says Keinath. "This type of documentation relies on employees always doing everything correctly, never forgetting a test step and never inadvertently entering a protection zone that may only have been provisionally partitioned off." The reality in hectic everyday working life is probably different... The damage that can be caused to sensitive electronic components by inadequate ESD protection is immense, but usually not immediately measurable. "The failures usually only become noticeable later in use", explains Philipp Keinath. The exact source of the damage is then usually difficult to grasp and analyze, so care should be taken to ensure adequate ESD protection throughout the entire supply chain. SMTEC has decided to proactively invest in ESD protection concepts that go beyond what is required by law. An important component in the comprehensive catalog of measures: An airlock solution that safely protects the EPA. "We have compared several providers", says Holenstein, "But in the end we chose Keinath because the overall package was right: detailed advice, a good offer, efficient installation of the technology and very professional training." Keinath launched its in-house development on the market in 2019 under the name Sparktrap EPA Gatekeeper. The testing device with a 7-inch touchscreen is not only characterized by the halo effect when displaying results, but a proximity sensor also ensures that the device only starts up from standby mode for the actual measurement, thus saving energy. Depending on the version, employees are identified via a list on the display or via an integrated card reader that recognizes standard ID batches and chips. The system has been in use at SMTEC since 2020, with a gate on each production floor controlling access to production. "Depending on the employee's task and activity, we can clearly regulate whether only the shoes or also an earthing wristband is to be tested", Holenstein describes the process. The measurement data is stored digitally and, depending on the model variant, can be downloaded via stick or collected centrally via a LAN connection. In order to plan the installation of one or even several access points for his customers, Philipp Keinath always starts with an on-site visit: What are the access points like, where do people change, how is production structured? Do only people have to pass through the airlock or are parcels and pallets also delivered here? Is it an escape route? Keinath explains that all of these questions must be taken into account for such access systems. "We then create various layouts and drafts, and the customer receives CAD drawings from us, which are used for the final planning." Guiding elements made of stainless steel and other structural devices ensure that there are no loopholes. The system is installed by service partners from Wanzl - the company based in Leipheim, Bavaria, is known worldwide for its retail and access solutions in supermarkets and at airports, among other things, and is also represented in Switzerland. Ten to twelve weeks between commissioning and installation - this is how Philipp Keinath calculates the schedule for an access solution including his EPA Gatekeeper. "Subsequent maintenance and the occasional firmware and software updates do not take up much time either", he adds. Remo Holenstein confirms that the gatekeeper is calibrated once a year; there is a separate device for this. "It's a simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes. The bottom line is that the new system saves us time and provides our customers with a significant increase in security.“

For more information about the device, click here.

Authors:

Remo Holenstein
Head of department/
ESD officer,
SMTEC AG

Philip Keinath
Business development,
QMB Keinath
Electronic GmbH