All,

Thanks to everyone who replied to my recent posting re the excessive
levels of ESD build up on component tapes and reels. We at least are not
the only ones who have concerns in this direction, either here in the UK
or elsewhere.

The use of ionisers etc may be a solution, as many indicate is for them,
but this is really only a curative solution for a problem that should in
fact be prevented in the first place, before it gets to us. In other
words, such parts (supplied in non-ESD protective tapes and reels) that
are for use in ESD protective areas for electronics assembly/pick &
place - where more sensitive ESDSs are susceptible to damage - should be
supplied to us using ESD-SAFE materials. After all, that is what we
expect of other materials supplied to our assembly areas - totage and
the like - and there is a substantial industry now catering to such
needs that an ESD protective material property should now be a selling
point/plus point.

So if there are any component tape/reel suppliers out there on TechNet,
why aren't they?

For our part, we will be raising this issue at industry forums here in
the UK, some of which have component suppliers involved within the
various working groups. We may only order a small number of parts on our
own, but if we all ask for what we really want, there is a chance we may
actually get it. Market demand and all that.

Clive ffitch
MBUK
England