Semiconductors

The semiconductor industry is a sector that designs, manufactures, and sells semiconductor devices, which are essential components in nearly all modern electronics. Semiconductors are materials that have electrical conductivity between that of a conductor (like metal) and an insulator (like rubber). They form the backbone of modern electronics, including processors, memory chips, sensors, and other integrated circuits used in a wide range of products like computers, smartphones, medical devices, automobiles, and more. The semiconductor industry relies heavily on anti-static products because electrostatic discharge (ESD) can severely damage the delicate and sensitive components involved in semiconductor manufacturing. Semiconductor devices are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge, even small static charges can cause permanent damage to the chips or alter their performance. This can lead to defects, reduced functionality, or complete failure of the semiconductor components. Semiconductors are used in a vast array of high-performance applications, so quality control is paramount. Any defects caused by ESD can compromise the quality and reliability of the final products, leading to faulty electronics in consumer and industrial applications. A significant portion of the semiconductor manufacturing process involves handling tiny, intricate components that are extremely vulnerable to static. Using anti-static products helps prevent failures and waste during production, thus reducing the overall cost of production. Semiconductor fabrication often occurs in cleanrooms—highly controlled environments designed to minimize dust, contamination, and static. Anti-static products ensure that the conditions remain optimal for the production of these highly sensitive devices.

The semiconductor industry uses a range of anti-static products to manage and control static electricity. Some of the most common anti-static products include:

Static Control Cords and Wrist Straps

These wrist straps are worn by personnel to discharge any static charge safely from their bodies before they handle sensitive components. They are typically grounded to ensure that any potential charge is neutralized before it can reach the semiconductor devices.

WB0017 Single Wire Wrist Band 7mm snaps - Blue

WB3000 Series Magnetic Dual Conductor Fabric Wrist Band and Coil Cord Set

WB5100R Series Dual Conductor Metal Wrist Band and 10ft Right Angle Coil Cord Set

WB4016 Wrist Band - 4mm Snap

Anti-Static Mats

Anti-static mats are placed on work surfaces where semiconductor components are assembled or tested. These mats are designed to dissipate static charge, preventing it from accumulating on the devices. Workbenches may also incorporate conductive or dissipative materials to help protect sensitive semiconductor parts.

MT2500 - Two-Layer ESD Rubber Table Mat - 0.060" Thick Full Rolls

MT2500 Series: Two-Layer ESD Rubber Pre-Cut Table Mats - 0.060" Thick

VinylStat A - 3 Layer Premium ESD Table Mat Full Rolls and Pre-Cut Sizes

VinylStat D - Homogeneous Vinyl ESD Table Mat - 0.0625" Thick

Ionizing Air Blowers or Guns

Ionizers are used to neutralize static charges in the air or on objects. In the semiconductor industry, these devices are used to prevent static buildup in cleanroom environments, as they release both positive and negative ions into the environment to neutralize any charges that might accumulate.

Ptec IN3425 AC Ionizing Nozzle

Ptec IN3425PE ESD Ionizing Nozzle with Photoelectric Eye

BFN Ionizer Spare Parts

Ptec IN6430 ESD Ionizing Gun

ESD Safe Gloves and Clothing

Workers in semiconductor cleanrooms often wear anti-static gloves, smocks, and other clothing made from special materials to prevent static buildup on their bodies. This ensures that they don’t accidentally transfer any static charge onto sensitive devices during handling.

GL2500P - ESD Level 3 Cut Resistant Gloves - Palm Coated

Blue 8812 Series ESD Jackets: Lapel Collar, Three Snap Adjustment Sleeve

White 9010 Series ESD Jackets: V-Neck, ESD Knit Cuff

White 8812 Series ESD Jackets: Lapel Collar, ESD Knit Cuff

Anti-static Flooring

In semiconductor production areas, anti-static flooring helps prevent the buildup of static electricity from foot traffic. This type of flooring is either conductive or dissipative, ensuring that any static charge is either safely grounded or neutralized in the environment.

FM62436BK ComfortGEL Cleanroom Gel Foam Anti-Fatigue Mats - 2'x3'

Sticky Mat Mounts

FM8 TileSTAT Interlocking ESD Rubber Anti-FatigueTiles - 3'x3'

CTM Series - Cleanroom Sticky Mat

Anti-Static Brushes

These brushes are designed to neutralize static electricity on surfaces by gently brushing away static charges without damaging the material. They are often used to clean films, papers, or other materials that are sensitive to static buildup.

ESD Conductive Brushes

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