The Q Source Resource

Friday, October 7, 2016

Lgi Cleanroom Labels Added to QSource.com

QSource.com has recently added Lgi Cleanroom Labels to our Labeling & Identification offerings. Lgi, known for their CleanMark® labels, are innovative experts in label manufacturing and print technology.

Lgi CleanMark labels can be customized for size and used with either direct thermal or thermal transfer printers. They’re built to withstand extreme hot or cold temperatures, harsh chemical solvents, and physical abrasion. They feature the ability to indicate sterilization processes, such as autoclaving; may be pre-sterilized, and will not contaminate clean or sterile environments with particulates, outgassing, or microbes. CleanMark labels will firmly adhere to or easily peel from challenging surfaces.

Lgi’s CleanMark line of labels are easy-to-move, can be printed on with cleanroom pens or by any standard thermal transfer printer, and includes:

CleanMark Labels
CleanMark EZ-Peel Cleanroom Labels
CleanMark Printers & Ribbons
CleanMark Autoclave Labels
CleanMark Cryogenic Labels
CleanMark High Temperature Labels

As mentioned, Lgi’s CleanMark labels can be customized for size, adhesion, type, and removability. If you have specific requirements, please contact one of our cleanroom specialist for further assistance by calling 800-966-6020. Please consider the following when requesting a customized label:

For what cleanroom classification will your labels be used?
Is pre-sterilization required?
Are extreme temperatures a possibility?
Will there be chemical or solvent or exposure?
Do you need your labels to cycle through changing environments?
What type of surface will your labels adhere to (flat, cylindrical, conical, material, etc.)?
Do you need permanent or removable labels?
Do you need blank or pre-printed labels?
What type of printer (thermal transfer, direct thermal, or Laser) will be used?

Thank you for reading. Please leave your comments, questions, and suggestions for us by clicking on “Post a Comment.” We also encourage you to share this post via the social media icons below.

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Monday, August 29, 2016

Seven Steps to Creating an Ergonomic-Rich Working Environment - Guest Blog

by Carissa Harris, Marketing Communications Coordinator, Sovella, Inc.

In Carissa’s first Guest Blog for the Q Source Resource, she focuses on how you can create an ergonomic workspace.

Proper ergonomics play a vital role in workplace productivity.

When it comes to productivity and efficiency in the workplace, proper ergonomics play a vital role. A workplace that focuses on the well-being of their employees will find an increase in their output, leading to greater profit. Ergonomics is about more than just posture and arm reach. It takes into consideration all aspects of a worker’s movement, eyesight, noise level, and more. By having all components and areas in easy reach and at comfortable distances, it minimizes the amount of bending, twisting, and reaching workers need to make, and consequently reduces strain, stress, and discomfort, leading to a more relaxed positions and greater efficiency.

Here are seven steps that can guide you in creating an ergonomic-rich environment at your company:

Research and Develop a Plan of Action – Implementing a proper, ergonomic workplace requires research into the correct products for your company and your employees. Understanding the fundamentals of ergonomics will help when it comes time to selecting the best products for your environment. Creating a plan of action ahead of time will also reduce the risk of purchasing products that will not benefit employees in the long-term. It can be beneficial to look to other companies with ergonomic environments and see how you might replicate their successes.
Conduct Interviews with Employees and Observe Their Behaviors – To see where you have fallen short in the past, conduct interviews with employees and review any prior injury reports. This will provide the insight into the current problems and assist you in purchasing the right equipment in the future. Some risk factors in ergonomic-poor workspaces include: awkward postures, over-exertion, straining eyes, poor ventilation, and improper lighting. These can lead to worker injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle cramping, slipped discs, and tendinitis. Understanding these risks and injuries will lead to better purchasing decisions and happier staff.
Gather the Team – Getting everyone on board will make the transition to ergonomics smoother and quicker. Employees will be open to the change when they are informed of the benefits, including less stress and strain.
Consider the Not-So-Obvious –
- Should employees be sitting or standing for their particular work? Or given the option for both? Tasks with little lifting or reaching may benefit from sitting with the option to stand, while jobs that require heavy-lifting, continuous movement, or parts retrieval will benefit from standing with the option to rest. Height-adjustable benches and proper seating are essential.
- Is the bench surface correctly positioned and does it cater to various heights? Body size and leg space are factors to consider.
- Which style of chair is best? Comfort and adjustability are important in choosing the best chair for the job. A chair that is ergonomic will be adjustable to accommodate all body types.
- Are the monitors in the correct position? Consider viewing angle and distance. Screens should be well lit and in focus to prevent strain on the eyes.
- How does lighting affect work? Shadows, brightness, even color of light can affect the well-being of employees. Proper lighting can prevent headaches and fatigue.
- Consider keyboard distance, reach distance for tools, placement of equipment, ventilation, etc. Managers should also encourage good posture and breaks to avoid strain, tension, and fatigue, as well as stretching. Remember, all employees are not created alike, and body type should be taken into account.
Be Sure Vendors Can Meet Your Ergonomic Needs – Choose furniture that can be properly adjusted and explore customizations to best suit your employees. Vendors should be able to demonstrate the functionalities, calculate benefits, and give references. Think about long-term use, and pick a sustainable option. Select a vendor that provides the best solution in a timely manner, with the best support.
Happiness is the Goal – Quality workspaces make for happier employees. If they feel better, they will perform better, in turn boosting your productivity and profitability. Ergonomic-rich environments have employees that take fewer sick days, report fewer injuries, and are over-all more satisfied.
Measure and Improve – Understand how employing ergonomics has improved productivity, reduced injuries, and created a happier staff. Compare output before and after, and survey your employees to determine any improvement and increased happiness. It is important to evaluate the workplace and make improvements as needed. By continuing to improve, you will continue to develop a better system that continues to function and produce at the highest possible level, founded upon proper, modern ergonomics.

An ergonomic-friendly workstation project takes an initial investment of research time, budget, customization, and more, but turns those investments into an opportunity for business growth. By using baseline data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to analyze your investment decision (both before and after), you’ll be able to justify the effect ergonomics has on employees and their work. You can also start small and increase investments with proven results paving the way to continue.

Great tips, Carissa! Thank you for providing a solid plan to implement ergonomics into the working environment. We look forward to learning more about the topic and how Sovella can assist in such an implementation.

For information about Sovella ergonomic workspace products, or to place an order, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020 and we will be happy to assist you.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Using ACL 7600 IPA Wipes in Conjunction with ACL 8690 Acrylic Conformal Coating for PCB Rework/Repair Prep – Guest Blog

by Steve Allen, VP Marketing and Innovation, ACL Staticide

In Steve’s latest Guest Blog for the Q Source Resource, he recommends a process of PCB preparation for rework/repair.

Preparing PCBs (printed circuit boards) for rework or repair is a very important process. ACL Staticide has developed and manufactures an array of precision cleaners and surface preparation products, along with final finishing conformal coats to aid in this application. These products’ primary focus is in the area of printed circuit board repair and OEM manufacture. Let’s cover some key areas of PCB rework and repair using a two-step process for surface preparation and finishing.
In many instances of PCB repair, surface preparation with a pre-saturated wiper followed by treatment with conformal coating is the process of choice for reworking a board and getting it back into service.

With that in mind, ACL’s 7600 IPA Wipers are perfect for surface preparation following repair. The 7600 is a pre-saturated wipe using a precise 70/30 blend of extremely pure, electronics-grade isopropyl alcohol blended with deionized water to prevent premature evaporation of the cleaning solvent. The solvent is added to the wiper in a cleanroom environment. These wipers use a non-woven Sontara® technology designed to be extremely low linting, even at the perforation. Available in a 100-wipes reclosable container (made of non-hazardous material), the 7600 product is perfect for final finishing work of any circuit board. It is great for removal of hand oils, conductive greases, carbonized soils, dust/dirt, light flux residues, and a variety of other soils.

A 2-wiper use process is recommended for general-purposed cleaning and hand wiping of larger components and various board surfaces. One wipe is used for initial cleaning of heavier residues, and a second wipe for final surface cleaning and finishing. All surfaces should be allowed to gently dry for one to two minutes, or dry using compressed air or a duster product like the ACL 8640 Turbo Blast Duster.

Following this process, the board is prepared and ready for application of surface protection like acrylic conformal coating. ACL’s 8690 Acrylic Conformal Coating is the product of choice for protecting the PCB and all surface components from oils, moisture, and most soils. It is used following surface cleaning and preparation with the 7600 IPA wipers. ACL 8690 can be applied to the entire board surface. It is dry to the touch in less than 30 minutes and completely cures in 24 hours. It provides protection as well as heat resistance and contains a UV dye indicator so that the user can be sure the entire board and all components have been treated. ACL 8690 leaves behind a high-gloss cure (making it suitable for final presentation to the customer at contract manufacturers) and prepares the board for final installation.

This process of using both the 7600 wipes and 8690 conformal coating in conjunction with each other for final board preparation and final surface finishing prior to installation helps eliminate potential failures and damage to PCBS or devices. Please contact us with related questions or comments.

Thank you, Steve! That sounds like the way to go when preparing printed circuit boards. We look forward to your future articles.

For information about , or to order, any of the ACL products mentioned in this blog, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020 and we will be happy to assist you.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Make Common Home/Office Repairs w/Eclipse’s Household Tool Kit

Save 13% off the Q Source price of the Eclipse (PK-2028T) 13-Piece Household Tool Kit. Our FPF061016 Coupon Code is auto applied when you add a PK-2028T Tool Kit to your shopping cart. This Featured Product Friday (FPF) promo is valid from today, June 10, 2016 through Sunday, June 12, 2016 and the code is unlimited use.

This 13-piece tool kit features a versatile selection of tools for common, basic home and office maintenance. Includes a durable carrying case.

Follow our weekly FPF selection on The Q Source Resource Blog, via our email newsletter, or on our social media accounts. Please help us spread the word about Featured Product Friday by sharing the FPF code with your friends and colleagues.

For further questions about Featured Product Friday, please read our informational blog post, call us (800-966-6020), or send us an email. Please note: This promo is valid only at QSource.com and expires on June 12, 2016.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

What You Need to Know When Selecting ESD Flooring – Guest Blog

by Craig Zander, Transforming Technologies

Craig’s newest Guest Blog, for the Q Source Resource, provides valuable tips about selecting ESD flooring for your workplace

The use of ESD flooring and footwear is a popular way to ground people working with ESD-sensitive devices that cannot use a conventional wrist strap/cord system because they need to be mobile, or because they are working near equipment with moving parts that could pose a hazard. ESD footwear and flooring provide a convenient method to drain the charge from the operator to ground.

There are many options for ESD flooring that are “permanent” solutions, such as conductive tiles and epoxies. These products generally have very good durability and can last for many years. Unfortunately, they also present a few challenges.

PERMANENT ESD FLOOR CHALLENGES

Cost: ESD floor tiles and epoxies are an expensive option. The cost of the tiles or epoxy in combination with the conductive undercoat and installation expense makes permanent flooring one of the more expensive options.
Moisture: In some cases, the moisture content in the sub-floor is too high to allow successful or long-term adhesion. Hydrostatic pressure from floors can cause tile lifting or epoxy bubbles. Testing must be done prior to installation to be sure that the floor can be installed.
Installation: Installing an ESD tile or epoxy floor requires experienced installers. The conductive undercoat must be applied in a precise quantity and manner. Mistakes can lead to poor adhesion and poor electrical readings on the installed floor.
Maintenance: While new floors may look amazing shortly after installation, they must be maintained to keep their appearance and their electrical performance. Some floors require certain floor finishes, and some floors cannot be waxed or their electrical properties will become diminished.
Permanence: While a permanent floor can be an advantage, it may be a disadvantage to companies that occasionally change facility layouts or to companies that lease space.

TEMPORARY OR PORTABLE ESD FLOORING

There are a number of options for those that need to ground their operators through footwear and flooring, but do not want a permanent ESD floor.

ESD Mats

ESD mats come in a variety of options including size, thickness, contour, and conductivity. ESD mats are generally placed in front of standing operations and provide a path to ground for the operator and, possibly, a more ergonomic standing surface than the standard floor.

Floor mats may be offered in specific sizes (i.e., 2’ x 3’, 3’ x 4’, etc.), or may be offered with interlock to provide a variety of lengths. They are easy to relocate should production equipment need to be moved.

ESD Runners

ESD floor runners offer a solution in front of long assembly lines, or areas where mobile equipment is being used and needs to be grounded.

ESD floor runners are generally smooth or slightly textured to allow mobile equipment to move, thus they offer less ergonomic benefit than mats.

Interlocking Tiles

ESD interlocking tiles provide an effective way to cover a larger area, or an entire floor, while still offering some portability. The tiles can be easily cut to fit an area and they are free floating on the floor so there are no moisture issues that come with permanent floors. Many of the interlocking tiles also provide ergonomic properties. Yellow safety edges are also available if the floor does not terminate at a wall.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOOR

Whether you select permanent flooring or temporary/portable ESD flooring, you need to verify that the electrical properties of the footwear and flooring combination will meet your requirements.

To be in compliance with ANSI/ESD S20.20 you must verify two specific measurements. First, you need to measure the resistance of the person, through the footwear, through the flooring and to ground (ANSI/ESD STM 97.1 Floor Materials and Footwear – Resistance Measurement in Combination with a Person). Second, you need to verify the voltage being generated by people using your selected footwear (shoes or foot grounders) and flooring (ANSI/ESD STM 97.2 – Floor Materials and Footwear – Voltage Measurement in Combination with a Person).

ANSI/ESD STM97.1 (Warmbier Metriso 3000 Resistance Meter)

ANSI/ESD STM97.2 (Warmbier WT-5000 Walking Test Kit)

We’ve briefly reviewed the factors to be considered when choosing ESD flooring. With these in mind, you can select the floor that meets your needs for ESD properties, overall cost, and ease of use.

Thanks, Craig! That’s excellent information to assist our readers in choosing the proper ESD flooring solution to meet their needs. We’re excited for the next time you share your expertise with our Q Source community.

For information about Transforming Technologies and their ESD control/monitoring products, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020 and we will be happy to assist you.

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