Labels that can Stand the Static
Static electricity is what makes your hair stand on end when you comb it dry or that little shock you get when you touch a doorknob. It is caused by a buildup of electrons, usually sheared from one surface and deposited on another surface by friction. Many surfaces can cause static even though you hardly notice it. It takes about 3,000 volts for us to feel any sort of shock. Rubbing a balloon on your head can generate a charge of over 20,000 volts! Anything below 1,000 volts is not noticeable, but still has the potential to damage sensitive electronic equipment. In many cases, this equipment requires labels that combat the effects of static, and this is where ESD labels come into play.
Why a specialty solution is needed
When a normal label is peeled from a liner, there are interactions between the two surfaces that cause static creating friction. In addition, labels themselves can store static charges. If the label is being applied to small components or electronic devices, the charge could damage, and dramatically decrease the reliability of your electronic products. Damaged produced by static can cause electronic devices to completely stop functioning. The damage could also be partial or so slight that it is not immediately evident in tests, but it can show up later when the product fails during customer use, resulting in expensive returns and repairs.
What’s the label for the job?
To prevent this companies turn to the ESD label. These labels are specially designed to dissipate a charge over its surface, minimizing the charge created when the label is printed and then peeled from the liner; preventing a significant charge from building up on its surface after it has been applied. Static charge cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled. If you have concerns about static damaging your electronic equipment ask The Label Experts to help you find the right ESD labels for you.
