ESD & ATEX

The requirements for the prevention of static charges in applications have been increasingly growing in modern production facilities. Essentially, there are two reasons for this:

As early as 1992, the igus® GmbH, together with the PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) in Braunschweig, conducted measurements of the electrical surface leakage resistance for igus® e-chains® with the special material igumid GC, supplemented by additional certifications in 1998 and 1999 according to DIN 53482 and the guidelines for static electricity "ZH1/200" of the Federation of Trade Associations.
As part of further innovation, the material igumid ESD was certified in May 2002 by the PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt). In its properties, the material igumid ESD combines the requirements of the ESD as well as ATEX factors. In many mechanical requirements, the igumid ESD surpasses even the standard material igumid GLW and has been tested in the igus® technical center with over 10 million cycles.

Your benefits with ESD products

Structural design

Not only the material is important for a safe electrostatic discharge. The structural design is also critical for a truly safe use. The e-chains® from the E4.1 modular kit ensure a permanently constant discharge, since its chain links have a positive-fit connection with each other. Through its patented "tongue and groove" system, the inner link engages the outer link, whereby a discharge is guaranteed even after several million cycles. The e-chains® from the E2/000 range ensure a safe discharge due to the extremely low clearance between the pin and the hole of the chain links.

Material table igumid ESD

Material data igumid ESD	Measuring unit	Values igumid ESD
Mechanical properties
Tensile stress at yield (dry/wet)	MPa	*
Elongation at break (dry/wet)	%	*
Elasticity module (tensile test)	MPa	*
Limit of elasticity in bending	MPa	9.500
Bending strength	MPa	230
Hardness Shore D	–	83
General features
Density	g/m3	1,2
Absorption of humidity 23/50 RF	Wt.-%	1,9
Maximum water absorption	Wt.-%	7,3
Electrical properties
special transitional resistance	Ω*cm	<109
Surface resistance ROA	Ω	<109
Thermal properties
Lower application temp.	°C	-40°C / -40°F
Upper long-term application temp.	°C	80°C / 176°F
Upper short-term application temp.	°C	150°C / 302°F
Material verification
Fire behavior according UL94	–	HB
Silicon-free	–	Yes
Halogen-free	–	Yes
2002/95/EG (RoHS)	–	Yes
2002/96/EG (WEEE)	–	Yes
Colour
According to RAL, approximate	–	≈RAL7015
*Values on enquiry

Nothing suitable in the bearing range?

Many other products of the complete igus® e-chains® range are available as custom designs also in ESD/ATEX versions. igus® would be pleased to make an offer for your custom-made product, if technically possible, in the required quantity. The significantly improved profitability, as well as the rapid availability of the bearing range - particularly in the spare parts supply - should always be the first choice.

Solutions

ESD application with igus® E2/000 e-chains® of the series 2400 in a centrifuge for deoiling, drying, rinsing, coating and rust protection

igus® ESD option of the E2/000 system in a tank car filling station. During the transport of gases, 100% ATEX safety must be ensured.

Certification of igus® materials:

1992	Test certificate from the PTB for igumid GC in explosion protection zones 0, 1 and 2.
1998/1999	Additional certifications by the PTB according to DIN and static electricity guidelines.
2002	igumid ESD is released in gray (for clear distinction) by the PTB after tests lasting 100 million cycles.
Since June 2002	We enable our customers to comply with the "ATEX" Directive 94/9/EC, EX II 2 GD.

More information of ESD & ATEX