The Essential Need for ESD Safety When Handling Electronic Assemblies

Why ESD Safety Matters—and How GMI Leads the Way

In today’s manufacturing environment, protecting sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge (ESD) isn’t optional—it’s essential. Neglecting ESD safety can lead to immediate failures, costly recalls, and even worse, discreet damage that may not surface for months or years, causing unpredictable reliability issues down the line.

What Is Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)?

ESD is the sudden flow of electricity between two charged objects, often triggered by contact or dielectric breakdown. The human body alone can carry thousands of volts of static electricity—enough to damage microelectronics instantly or create latent defects that compromise product performance later.

This risk is especially critical in industries like medical equipment manufacturing, where component integrity can directly impact patient safety. GMI assembles a variety of application-critical products, so ESD protection throughout the facility is paramount.

Medical equipment has to work every time it's used, and for many years.

Why ESD Safety Is Non-Negotiable

Even a minor discharge can degrade or destroy sensitive components. The consequences include:

Malfunctioning devices and shortened lifespans.
Increased warranty claims and costly recalls.
Loss of customer trust and brand reputation.

ESD safety isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a cornerstone of quality assurance. This is especially true for capital equipment that is mission-critical.

GMI’s Commitment to ESD Excellence

desktop with soldering iron and esd strap All of GMI's manufacturing benches are ESD protected to ensure components remain safe.

At GMI Solutions, we don’t just meet ESD standards—we exceed them. Here’s how:

Conductive Carpeting Throughout Our Manufacturing and Engineering Areas
Our manufacturing floors are designed to dissipate static charges safely, reducing risk at every step of the production process. This includes conductive adhesive and copper conductors combined with conductive carpeting that included metal fibers to ensure no charge can build at any point of building, testing or moving assemblies throughout the manufacturing floor.
Decades of Experience Handling ESD-Sensitive Parts
From consumer electronics to critical components for medical equipment, our team has mastered the art of precision handling under strict ESD protocols.
Comprehensive ESD Control Measures
We employ grounded workstations, ESD-safe tools, and protective packaging, combined with continuous employee training to maintain best practices.
Culture of Quality and Compliance
ESD safety is embedded in our DNA. Every process is documented, monitored, and aligned with industry standards like ANSI/ESD S20.20.
Baseline Assumption of Sensitivity
Not all of the products that GMI assembles are sensitive to ESD; but we treat them all as though they are. This ensures that items that are sensitive are safe from the risk of shock at all times.

The Hidden Risk: Latent ESD Damage

One of the most overlooked dangers of ESD is latent damage—where a component appears functional but has been weakened by a discharge. These defects can remain undetected during initial testing, only to cause failures months later in the field. By prioritizing ESD safety, GMI ensures long-term reliability and peace of mind for our customers.

The Benefits of Partnering with GMI

When you choose GMI, you gain:

Reduced Risk of Failures and Recalls
Our rigorous ESD controls protect your products from costly defects.
Enhanced Customer Trust
Delivering high-quality, reliable products strengthens your brand reputation.
Efficiency and Cost Savings
Lower scrap rates and fewer rework cycles mean faster time-to-market and better margins.