Static Control
Static Control Solutions for the Medical Device Industry
In medical device manufacturing, static charges can interfere with sterility, disrupt sensitive electronics, and compromise process control. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) poses a threat to all three. That’s why anti-static solutions for medical devices are a necessity throughout the entire design and packaging process.
The Need for ESD Protection in Healthcare
Electrostatic discharge remains a critical risk in healthcare and life sciences manufacturing. Static buildup can occur through personnel movement, plastic packaging, or interactions with equipment. In sensitive environments, this leads to contamination, unplanned tool interference, and damage to embedded electronics.
These risks increase as devices become more complex and cleanroom standards become more rigorous. Maintaining control of static isn’t optional, as it directly impacts product integrity, audit readiness, and patient safety. As the use of electronics in diagnostic and therapeutic devices expands, ESD protection in healthcare manufacturing must become a core part of any cleanroom strategy.
Static Risks to Sensitive Equipment
Static impacts medical devices and workflows in multiple ways. First, electrostatic attraction pulls airborne particles onto charged surfaces, posing a threat to sterility during packaging, sealing, or final assembly stages. Even trace contamination can lead to yield loss or post-market complications.
Second, ESD can disrupt or permanently damage sensitive electronics. Many failures stem from minor discharges that escape notice during testing, only to surface after deployment. This creates product returns, rework, and potential harm to end users.
Third, static buildup can interfere with inspection or automation systems. Charges near imaging tools or placement robots can trigger malfunctions or misreads. These disruptions highlight the broader electrostatic risk medical tech faces, eroding production efficiency and delaying throughput in regulated lines.
KEYENCE Medical-Grade Solutions
KEYENCE static eliminators are designed for use in medical-grade environments. The SJ Series delivers high-speed ionization with automatic ion balance and no routine maintenance. Options include the SJ-E Series and SJ-LM Series for wide-area and overhead coverage and the SJ-LG Series for tool- or station-level deployment.
All models operate effectively across a range of varying humidity conditions and deliver long-range ionization without physical contact. Unlike passive methods, KEYENCE systems actively neutralize both positive and negative charges in real time. Their compact designs integrate easily into cleanroom layouts without interfering with airflow or equipment access.
Features such as maintenance-free electrodes, status alerts, and precision control enable static mitigation without production interruptions. The result is stable ion output and reduced charge accumulation at every critical stage.
Application Areas for Static Control
Static risk surfaces across multiple stages of device production. During injection molding, plastics accumulate a charge that transfers during handling. Cleanroom gowning introduces personnel-based charges that, without mitigation, can persist throughout the entire operation. In assembly, electrostatic attraction (ESA) draws particles into sterile fields. During sealing, plastic films may misalign or cling due to unbalanced charges.
KEYENCE ionizers are designed to meet each of these challenges. Overhead ionizers protect gowning and open production areas. Bar-type systems address conveyors and transfer points. Nozzle-type units eliminate static on device surfaces or packaging prior to sealing. With no need for grounding contact, these ionizers offer consistent performance without interrupting environmental controls.
Benefits of Implementing Anti-Static Solutions in Medical Device Manufacturing
Effective ionization removes charge buildup at critical stages, and manufacturers reduce contamination events that could threaten ISO or GMP compliance. When electronic disruptions are minimized, protecting device reliability and extending product life, and when automated tools perform more consistently, manual rework declines.
KEYENCE ionizers also support compliance with FDA 21 CFR 820 and ISO 13485 by maintaining static-free surfaces in validated cleanroom zones. Their integration improves audit outcomes and minimizes long-term risk.
Beyond compliance, these systems help stabilize process efficiency. When charges are neutralized early, operators experience fewer disruptions, lower scrap rates, and a reduced need for final-stage corrections. Designed for ESD-safe medical manufacturing, SJ Series ionizers deliver long-term reliability and cost control with minimal maintenance demands.
Take static off the table and protect your process from contamination and downtime.
Discover how the SJ Series delivers high-performance anti-static solutions for medical devices in stable, compliant, and inspection-ready environments.
FAQs
Are Medical Devices Tested for ESD Safety?
Yes, but many test protocols miss real-world configurations. Static issues often arise during production despite basic testing.
Do Anti-Static Garments Help in Clinical Settings?
They reduce charge buildup but are not sufficient without active ionization systems in place.
How Can I Implement ESD Control Measures in My Facility?
Start by identifying risk points (gowning, packaging, assembly), and then select appropriate ionizers for each environment.
How Do KEYENCE's Anti-Static Solutions Help in ESD Control?
KEYENCE ionizers provide high-speed, precise ionization with minimal maintenance, ensuring cleanroom compliance and equipment safety.
