Wednesday, July 18, 2012

The basic rules of using ESD bins



ESD bins have gained impressive popularity nowadays, not only among electronic workshop owners, but also among the regular individuals. Working in an ESD safe environment has become necessary, mainly because of the increasing damage of our electronic devices. Certainly, many individuals now own ESD bins, but what is particularly worrying is the way in which people utilize these bins. These static protective bins have to be used with some specific protocol; otherwise they will not perform their assigned work. There are some principal rules one should not forget when using these bins
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First and foremost, never assemble or carry a component without placing it in a static protective bin. When shipping electronic devices, it is vital to combat any potential damages, so carry them is an ESD bag. Secondly, before utilizing any ESD bins, allow the static charges on the surface to dissipate. This can be achieved either by laying down the bin on a conductive work surface or by holding the bin in one hand while the wrist strap is connected to the ground. This earthing procedure normally takes a few seconds, and the bin will be fully dissipated.

Thirdly, ensure you seal all ESD bins tightly. This ensures you form a complete static protective envelope around all static sensitive devices. Leaving the bin open will give way to some static charges, hence eliminating the protective purpose of the antistatic bin. ESD bins are available in distinct sizes, mainly depending on their functionality. However, don’t be deceived into purchasing massive bins, sturdy enough for your electronic equipment. It is crucial to scrutinize the choices available, selecting the exact bin that is suitable for all your electronic devices. ESD bins are brilliant static protectors for all static sensitive equipment, just ensure you follow the rules when utilizing them.




Why ESD bins are the best alternative to pink poly bags



To many individuals, static charges are just some invisible current with no substantial significance. However, to those who are accustomed to these charges, static electricity can be dangerous, particularly when electronic devices are concerned. Well, ESD safety is now widespread, and many individuals are trying to combat ESD damage. However, many individuals are doing it in the least productive way possible. Using pink poly bags to store your electronic devices might not be the best option available. Sure enough, they are way cheaper than ESD bins, not to mention their extensive availability. Yes, these bins are quite expensive, so why not use pink poly bags instead?

The famous pink poly bags are manufactured using a plastic that is impregnated with a laundry detergent-like liquid. This liquid slowly sweats on the plastic bag’s surface, forming a conductive layer on the surface. This conductive layer decays charges that occur across the bag. However, the conductive layer does nothing to prevent build up of static charges. Sure enough, if the pink poly bag is laying on a grounded, conductive surface, the charges will be earthed. But what happens when the very static charges that build up are transferred through the plastic bag by induction? All your electronic devices will be prone to considerable damage.

What then happens when the entire liquid-based conductive layer is used up? The plastic bag is rendered useless, incapable of shielding your static sensitive equipment from substantial damage. ESD bins are plastic impregnated with carbon. These bins are excellent in both dissipating static charges and preventing any charge build ups. ESD bins are a perfect alternative to the famous pink poly bags because they completely shield all static sensitive devices from static field effects. Moreover, their conductive layer doesn’t fade like the ones of the pink poly bags do.