ESD mats are similar to ordinary placemats, as they are designed to be used on flat surfaces such as workbenches and tables. These mats play a crucial role in ESD workstations, especially in areas where hand assembly is involved.
In order to ensure proper ESD protection, it is essential that each bench or work surface is covered with the appropriate ESD material and is correctly connected to Earth using a system of cords and Earth Bonding Points
Most workstations utilize pliable ESD matting to cover the bench and act as the ESD work-surface for handling ESD sensitive (ESDS) items. It is important to ground the mat, and the best practice is to use metal grounding hardware snaps and ground cords to connect the work-surface mat to the common point ground. The entire bench-top should be covered by the ESD mat to avoid transferring ESD to other items or individuals.
ESD mats typically have a dissipative surface with a conductive layer either underneath (2-layer matting) or between two dissipative layers (3-layer matting). While conductive materials facilitate the quickest grounding of a charge, they can also cause damage due to rapid discharge.
Walking alone can generate static electricity, but ESD matting helps to disperse this electricity. These mats contain electrically conductive carbon fibers, which slow down the flow of ESD across the surface and neutralize it.
Additionally, special matting is available for use on workbenches, trolleys, and other surfaces.
If you require a large workspace or a dedicated ESD workstation, I recommend considering the purchase of rolls of ESD matting or custom-sized mats. It is crucial to ensure that all mats, regardless of size or quantity, are appropriately grounded.
Furthermore, ESD mats not only enhance worker safety but also provide additional neutralization of potential electrostatic discharge. They also offer cushioning, which helps reduce fatigue for individuals working on electronic devices. Additionally, ESD flooring mats reduce the risk of slipping on slippery floors.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out.
