Do you believe in ghosts?  If you are a manufacturing engineer, or find yourself involved anywhere within the production environment for microelectronics products, you should at least believe in the invisible reality of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).

Any lapses in preventing the occurrence of electrostatic discharge can affect production yields, manufacturing costs, product quality, product reliability, reputation and profitability.  Industry experts have estimated average product losses due to ESD to range from 8-33%.

Static damage to electronic components can be realized as catastrophic failures or latent failures.  Catastrophic failures are easier to detect and deal with.  With this type of failure the part is "dead" and will not function. It may be costly to repair but is easy to deal with. With latent failures the problem is much worse as the failure may not be detected in testing but is a "time bomb" waiting to happen. Since this product will get into the field and cause intermittent problems or failure in the field, it can be a much more costly problem.

Electrostatic discharge can be controlled in an electric screwdriver. The ESD-Series are designed just like the SS-Series drivers along with preventing electrostatic discharge. ESD- Series are crafted to reduce shock (impact) to sensitive assemblies, such as computer disk drives, ceramics, high-density print boards, electronics and other delicate applications. All models achieve their low impact and vibration characteristics through a combination of low G-force operation and ergonomically engineered clutches and handles.

Features

• Repeatability ± 2.5% of setting.
• Casing designed to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD).
• Various models that range from 0.3-17.4 lbf.in
• Precision "Soft-Stop" clutch prevents shock to sensitive assemblies.
• Ergonomically designed clutch and body case that reduces impact and vibration transmitted in the screw fastening process.
• Low voltage requirement offers superior life and safe operation.
• Available in Clean Room, Vacuum, and Lever models
• One way clutch direct drive in the counterclockwise direction for easy removal of tightened fasteners.
• Provided with detachable power cord and an extra set of externally replaceable brushes.

For more insight on preventing Electrostatic Discharge, view Torque Monitor ``1998 Winter" edition.