Schreiner ProTech, a Germany-based global developer and manufacturer of functional labels with value-added benefits for the automotive and engineering-based industries, has introduced a set of protection films and labels providing insulation and shielding against potentially damaging electrical currents. The portfolio protects electronic products against electrostatic discharge (ESD), and shields against the rising instances of unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Electrostatic discharges can occur frequently in industrial environments. Whenever the differences between the charges of two objects are wide enough, a sudden equalization of electric potential can transpire. These interfering discharges, called “flashovers,” can damage or even destroy electronic components. Electromagnetic fields created by changes in electric currents and voltages also can damage components.

Electrostatic discharges (ESD), which are harmless to humans, can have serious consequences for electronics. According to estimates by German technology and safety services provider TUV Nord, the manufacturing industry incurs billions of dollars in ESD-related costs annually. This cost is expected to rise even further, as electronic components are becoming increasingly small and therefore more sensitive to electrostatic discharges. Electronic circuits can fail due to ESD effects and, as a result, incapacitate a vehicle, a process or an entire assembly line. While the damaged chip costs only a few cents, the cascading costs incurred by downtime or repairs are exponential.

Plus, ESD damage often remains undetected in normal functional tests, so when the equipment subsequently fails, it is often already in customer hands. Consequently, the manufacturer may be liable not only for repair costs but also for providing replacements. Both can quickly amount to large expenditures by the manufacturer above and beyond the damage caused by a tarnished brand image.

Schreiner ProTech’s ESD protection films reduce the probability of an electrical flashover occurring, for instance, when the protection film is peeled off a display. This also reduces the risk of people suffering electrical shock, or of combustible substances being ignited by spark formation.

Due to the growing number of electronic components being installed in automobiles, avoiding damage caused by electromagnetic waves is another growing challenge in the electronics industry, one placing increasingly complex demands on assuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). When inadequately shielded, electromagnetic waves and electrostatic fields cause unwanted voltages and currents, resulting in mutual interference that affects the performance of neighboring equipment. Potential consequences include audible humming, functional impairments and signal interferences (i.e. of sensors and electronic control units), as well as higher risk of fire due to overloads and even total equipment failure.

Protection films for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding from Schreiner ProTech reduce hazards related to electromagnetic radiation. The films consist of electrically conductive materials such as metallized films, metal foils, metalized foam and metal fabrics. The frequency of the radiation is an important factor in selecting the shielding film: the lower the frequency, the larger the wavelength and deeper the radiation penetration depth. The film’s shielding effect depends on the material’s properties, its geometry, and assembly conditions.

All films are optimized to suit the customer’s specific application, and customers can test the shielding in real-world conditions at their own sites.