Use and monitoring of ionizer
Due to the use of ionizers, manufacturers can accept the fact that some insulating materials appear in their EPA. Because the ion generation system continuously neutralizes any charge accumulation that may occur on the insulator, they are a reasonable investment for any ESD program.
There are two basic forms of ion-generating equipment in standard electronic assemblies:
*Desktop type (single fan)
* Overhead type equipment (in a single overhead unit, there are a series of fans)
There are also indoor ion generators, but they are now mainly used to clean the room environment.
The choice depends on the size of the area to be protected. The desktop ionizer will cover a single working surface, while the overhead ionizer will cover two or three. Another advantage is that the ionizer can also prevent dust from statically adhering to the product, which may degrade the appearance.
However, if there is no normal testing and monitoring of the effectiveness of ESD equipment, then no protection plan is perfect. Top ESD control and ionizer experts reported examples of manufacturers who used failed (and therefore useless) ESD equipment without knowing the failure.
In order to prevent this situation, in addition to standard ESD equipment, ESD suppliers also provide various constant monitors, which automatically alarm if a performance exceeds the regulations. The monitor can be used as an independent unit or connected together in a network. There is also network software for automatic data collection, which displays the system performance of the relevant operators and workstations in real time.
The monitor can simplify ESD planning by eliminating many daily tasks, such as ensuring that the wristband is properly measured every day, the ionizer is balanced and properly maintained, and the workbench ground point is not damaged.