Electrostatic discharge (ESD)

Electrostatic discharge (ESD)

ESD is the abbreviation for electrostatic discharge. Static charge can be harmful to electronics because they can jump to products with a lower potential. This is harmful to sensitive electronic components and devices. When packaging electronic components and devices such as wafers, chips, motherboards and printed circuit boards or telephones, it is best to choose a machine that is suitable for an ESD-safe environment. These machines are particularly suitable for packaging electronics in an ESD-safe area. Henkelman offers a special range of machines for vacuum sealing these products.  

What happens without a machine with ESD?  

Damage to semiconductors

Semiconductors such as transistors microchips are extremely sensitive to ESD. A discharge can destroy the thin layers of insulation and cause irreversible damage to these components. ESD also causes non-visible damage to semiconductors. These microscopic defects can also cause failure of electronic devices and components.  

Change in electrical properties 
ESD can alter the electrical properties of semiconductors. This can cause unwanted variations in voltage, current, and resistance which can lead to malfunctions in the operation of electronic devices. Electrostatic discharge can also cause malfunctions in complex electronic circuits by altering current paths.  

Special Henkelman machines

The Henkelman range includes several machines that are suitable for an ESD-safe environment. These are equipped with a bi-active sealing system. This ensures that the aluminium vacuum bags, in which electronics are usually packaged, are sealed on both sides. The Falcon 52 and Falcon 80 (floor models) as well as the Boxer 42XL (table model) are suitable for ESD-safe areas. 

Soft air

Why soft air?

When packing sharp or soft products, soft air ensures that the chamber is aerated gradually and in a controlled way after the vacuuming process. The vacuum bag therefore encloses the product gradually and in a controlled way, ensuring optimal protection.

This makes soft air ideal for packing items such as strawberries, brie and meat products with bone, as well as non-food products such as screws, bolts, electronics etc. 
 

External pump connection

Instead of using the machine’s built-in vacuum pump, you can choose to use an external vacuum pump. This can be installed in a separate room. For industrial applications or situations that demand a more powerful pump, the use of an external vacuum pump can be a valuable option. The main advantage of an externally installed pump is that the source of heat and noise is placed outside the room.  
 

The external pump connection is available on all Henkelman double chamber machines. 

Bi-active seal

Bi-Active Seal
 

Bi-Active seal is mainly used with aluminum bags, thicker bags or bags where sealing is done through multiple layers. With this sealing option, the machine is equipped with a sealing bar above and below. One on the inside of the lid and one in the chamber. In this way, the bag is sealed from both sides. Bi-active seal is only available on a Boxer 42XL and on the Falcon and Polar series.