ESD workbenches, or anti-static workbenches, are suitable for work with electrical components and industrial applications. ESD workbenches are particularly popular in the electronics industry. Such as, repair work benches and for assembly lines. The main benefit to an electrical workbench is to help prevent ESD events from occurring.
ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects. ESD events can cause latent defects in electrical components, such as power supplies. This could cause them to malfunction at any time. Therefore, it is important to protect these sensitive electrically charged components during manufacturing. For example, a technician walking to and from their soldering station can create enough static electricity to cause an ESD event and its damage.
A grounded work area, or Electrostatic Discharge Protected Area (EPA), is a straight forward and effective way to prevent this occurrence. An EPA could be the size of a whole work site, a factory or a single workbench.
Square Tube vs Cantilever
There are two different versions of ESD workbenches available: Square Tube and Cantilever.
The Square Tube industrial ESD workbench is so named as it is made using box section steel. The square leg frames and support channels give this bench the rigidity it requires. The support channels prevent the bench from what we call ‘parallelograming’ (sideways movement in the legs).
The Cantilever style is more desirable if your workers are seated throughout the day or move along the bench. The cantilever ESD workbench has square tube support legs at the rear of the workbench. This then meets a longer foot that runs parallel to the worktop. The design frees up space underneath the bench . Leaving the user much more leg room than compared to the standard Square Tube bench.
Both types of workbenches are manufactured in the same factory in the West Midlands, UK. Our range of electronics workbench are built from the same quality steel. Both have a durable powder coated finish in light grey to complete the process. Deciding between square tube or cantilever is a personal preference of what your employees prefer.
Which worktop? Lamstat vs Neostat
Both Square Tube and the Cantilever workbenches are available with a choice of static dissipative worktop: Lamstat or Neostat. Which will then transform them into an electrical workbench.
Lamstat is a plastic laminate static dissipative surface with a restistance of 106 – 108 ohms. It’s an ideal work surface for working with heat, for instance soldering, and chemicals.
Neostat is a rubber dual-layer surface with a resistance of 105 – 107 ohms. The top layer is dissipative, whilst the bottom layer is conductive. This creates the safe path to ground.
When deciding which worktop is most suitable for your line of worktop, the main things to consider is the ohmage you need. In addition, what tools and parts you will be using to conduct the work. For instance, the Lamstat is our recommended if you are soldering or using chemicals. However, the Neostat has a synthetic rubber surface. This can help prevent small parts moving on the work surface to give more control and accuracy.
Create your ideal ESD Workstation
With the best collection of anti static accessories available... now is the time to get ESD protected by creating your ideal ESD Workstation. Accessories such as our Earth/Ground Leads are essential items for user safety. The leads will prevent ESD events by creating a safe path to the floor. Whereas, the RCD Circuit Breakers prevent serious harm caused by ongoing electrical shocks. We recommend reading on our ESD bench accessories when purchasing! Lastly, our ESD Extension Benches are a great way to add an additional safe work surface. Furthermore, the extension benches can also include cupboard and drawers for extra storage.
Got a large project? Let’s work together…
If you require more information or would like our recommendation, then we are always on hand to help. Moreover, if you have a large order we have a range of extra services that may be of interest to you.
If you are ordering 4+ ESD workbenches ,and / or accessories we offer very competitive price breaks. These will help you save pounds, perfect if you have a tight budget to stick to. It’s easy to find out more. Either live chat with us or give us a call on 01922 715 130. Our sales team will be there to assist and provide a no obligation free quote.
Furthermore, if you are planning a large workshop or production line we offer a free site survey. One of our experienced team will visit to help and advice upon your areas. We offer our customers drawings and a CAD service.
And finally, we offer an installation service for an extra charge. The installation service takes the worry of delivery and building. Our installation team will deliver and install upon your requirements. Once installation is complete, your workshop will be fully assembled and running seamlessly.
