What is included with a BenchPro™ ESD workbench system?
(From the BenchPro FAQ)
BenchPro's ESD static-dissipative workbench system includes 2 grounding lugs, 2 wrist strap jacks, 2 green grounding wires and Nevamar™ or LisStat™ ESD laminate. All table tops come standard with our internal 5-sided system connecting all ESD laminate sections. Wrist straps not included.
BENCHPRO'S ADVANCED ESD SYSTEM VS COMPETITORS
1. Competitors'
ESD laminate: Its important to know that
most of our competitors use two other brands of “ESD laminate” which simply dip a sheet of regular Formica®
into a chemical bath, then dry the sheet. These sheets come from the laminate dipper with a label which, to paraphrase
it, reads “Do not clean with any products containing water, ammonia, chlorine, or soap.” We have replaced hundreds
of competitors' tops which have lost their ESD properties over time, even though they followed all the manufacturer
instructions. You see, human perspiration contains water too.
2. BenchPro uses Nevamar™
ESD laminate on the top and all four edges.
BenchPro's own Lisstat ESD laminate with equivalent properties
is also available. As surprising as it sounds most other companies either use a non-dissipative rubber
strip or use economy nonconductive laminate on the edges. If you already have a competitors’ ESD bench, you can
spot this by checking to see if the laminate looks identical in color, thickness and texture. If it looks different,
check the surface resistivity. It won’t be the same.
3. Aluminum Underside: We are the only
bench manufacturer to use an aluminum sheet to seal the underside of our tops and to assure conductivity and redundancy. While other makers either leave the core particleboard
uncovered on the bottom, paint the bottom or apply a brown paper sheet, we use the only material which completely
seals out moisture. This is important too, as this moisture is the only reason tops warp, and leaving a nonconductive
bottom sheet can cause problems in sensitive work areas. By putting the aluminum on the bottom, there are two ways
that static can travel.
4. Multiple Grounding Systems: While other brands of benches tout a very special bolt
used to ground the surface of the laminate to their grounding system wires, we have eliminated this bolt (and
the wires). Because all BenchPro bench tops are designed with a full 180° degree radius on the front edge of
the top, and because the front laminate wraps under the top in the front, we simply place the frame where the fastening
screws go through the laminate. This conducts the static charge directly into the frame, which is in turn grounded
by two conductors we provide for earth grounding. All ESD shelves have the same grounding system too.
The frame on BenchPro workbenches is conductive
from every point. The top mounts to the
frame with a series of fasteners around the perimeter of the frame top. On the front, these connectors each ground
the radiused front edge of the top to the frame, eliminating the possibility of ground failure found on benches
with bolts through the top and wires on the underside. Our
exclusive ESD design eliminates all bench grounding system failures.
The two front legs have banana jacks on both front legs to accept ESD wrist straps. The back of the frame has two
mounting lugs for access to the closest grounding source. (Note: Daisy chaining benches for grounding them in series
is not recommended.)
BenchPro ESD work benches are not connected
electrically to the floor. We use isolative
floor glides, so static charges will pass only through the grounding system provided.
ABOUT NEVAMAR™ AND LISSTAT™ ESD LAMINATE
BenchPro only uses the best ESD laminates in the industry. Both Nevamar and BenchPro's equivalent LisStat ESD laminates are available: Only Nevamar uses a patented design which controls the static dissipation rate to meet all American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ESD Association S20.20 and Federal GSA ESD standards. These laminates carry the static charge across an exclusive center layer of carbon which is just below the surface color layer. Nevamar's use of this center carbon layer insures years of dependable use. BenchPro's LisStat is a thoroughly tested equivalent. Over the years, we have tested all inexpensive "ESD laminates" made in countries all over the world and found in each case that their ESD properties degraded. Because of their carbon core technologies, Nevamar and LisStat retain their electrical properties for many years.
"All static dissipative laminates from Nevamar
provide a controlled path to ground for the dissipation of static electricity to protect sensitive parts. A uniform
resistance to ground is maintained from any point on the surface." (ESD Journal)
Nevamar has an additional patent which
toughens the surface of the sheet, so it wears two to three times longer. This surface technology provides two to three times the ANSI/National Electrical Mfrs Association
(NEMA) standard for wear resistance.
Use of Nevamar is one of the critical features which allow us to guarantee the bench for 25 years. Find out more
at www.nevamar.com. Select the "Static Dissipative Laminate" document.
BenchPro's LisStat ESD laminate is equivalent and has been heavily tested to meet all of the same specifications and
standards as Nevamar except for long-term abrasion resistance.* Neither laminate is warranted against normal wear
and tear**
*Minimum of eight years daily wear in the same
spot of the LisStat™ ESD laminate before wear-through of the color layer, exposing the carbon core: This would
not affect electrical properties of the laminate. Nevamar would last for about 20 years of constant wear in the
same spot.
**BenchPro™'s 25-year warranty
does not cover bench or top appearance or function issues due to "general wear and tear". BenchPro™ has,
in 10 years of LisStat™ sales, never been asked to replace a warn-through LisStat™ top.
All of our customers have been extremely pleased with BenchPro's quick warranty replacement practice.
- Static Dissipative Laminates™ -
The unique characteristics of Nevamar Static Dissipative Laminate makes it ideally suited for a variety of electronically
sensitive applications. The new enhanced product (patent pending) meets or surpasses all standards for electrical
properties even at low humidity levels. The product also practically eliminates surface shedding to provide a tough,
durable work surface that outlasts competitive materials.
Nevamar's exclusive Armored Protection™ reduces surface shedding to one-tenth that of conventional laminates, provides
long-term resistance to surface abrasion and extends the life of the laminate by maintaining its surface texture.
"It will also withstand the use of many common chemicals, and is extremely resistant to heat, hot solder, and solder flux." (ESD Journal)
- Nevamar Static Dissipative Laminate™ Sheet Specifications -
Nevamar Laminate sheets are designed for permanent lamination to work station furniture surfaces and are individually certified to meet to meet or exceed ANSI/NEMA and ANSI/ESDA standards.
