Why is ESD provision the key to the Box-build Market?
There is an uncomfortable truth that electronic product assembly services are generally inadequate. If a client wants product assembly, he or she is caught between having a CEM (contract electronics manufacturer) or an assembly house build the product in question. Generally, the assembly house understands manufacturing assembly but not ESD (electrostatic discharge), and the CEM understands ESD but not assembly. The easiest fix is improving box-build assembly and leaving the CEMs to electronics. It is a great opportunity for box-build assembly houses/manufacturers.
Why should an assembly/boxbuild provider focus on ESD?
If it is accepted that the majority of modern sophisticated products contain electronics, the following points justify investment and focus on ESD by Boxbuild/Assembly factories:
- Most assembly houses that don’t also manufacture the electronics have inadequate protection from ESD.
- Market sectors such as medical, aeronautical, and military demand such standards. If assemblers wish tap into these markets or win proportions of them from other suppliers, they must up the average standard of ESD protection probably held.
There is a great opportunity for assembly and boxbuild factories to improve training and facilities to open the door to winning contracts in the automotive, aeronautical, military and medical sectors.
- ESD problems are invisible and insidious. They can’t be seen and often don’t manifest themselves until long after assembly. The result can be clients that are dissatisfied and assemblers baffled at complaints – everything fine when it left the factory.
- CEM (contract electronics manufacturers) are mostly hopelessly wide of the mark when it comes to final product assembly. Astute, professional assembly houses can easily show them a clean pair of heels.
How can assembly and boxbuild organisations implement tier 1 ESD precautions?
It really isn’t as difficult as might be feared. The following are the steps to take:
- Decide what top tier markets are the target, e.g., medical.
- The standard to meet is ISO 61340. Obtain a copy and slog through it yourself, or Contact Us and we will help you define the system you need.
- You will need equipment and training to establish your system (ESD – desks, chairs, mats, straps, test stations, etc.). We have partners that can assist with the supply of these if needed. Feel free to ask us to put you in touch via one of the Contact Us links.