EFX 2026: Why Modern ESD Protection Requires More Than Just Passing a Test

Three days at EFX 2026 in Stuttgart are now behind us. For KEINATH Electronic, the focus was not only on presenting innovative ESD measurement technology, but above all on one key question: How can ESD protection in electronics manufacturing be designed to be safe, efficient, and traceable over the long term?

The demands placed on modern electronics manufacturing processes are constantly increasing. Electronic components are becoming more powerful, manufacturing processes are growing more complex, and expectations regarding quality, traceability, and process reliability are rising. As a result, protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) is becoming increasingly important.

At EFX 2026, we presented our sparktrap® EPA SafeAssure® and sparktrap® EPA Gatekeeper® Two solutions that support different areas of ESD protection in the workplace.

The future of ESD protection lies not only in measurement, but in the intelligent interplay of testing, monitoring, evaluation, and documentation.

ESD Protection: The Gap Between Standard-Compliant Testing and Actual Process Safety

Establishing an ESD-protected area (Electrostatic Protected Area, EPA) is an important foundation for the safe handling of electrostatically sensitive components. However, simply establishing an EPA once is not enough. Workplace conditions are changing. Materials are subject to wear and tear, environmental conditions fluctuate, and human factors can also compromise the effectiveness of protective measures.

Regular inspections in accordance with the relevant requirements of the DIN EN IEC 61340 series of standards are therefore an essential part of an effective ESD control program. However, what matters is not only that, not only whether an audit is conducted, but also how reliably, efficiently, and transparently it is carried out. A measurement initially reflects a specific condition at the time of the test. Only through professional evaluation, an appropriate testing frequency, and transparent documentation does this measurement become a reliable basis for quality assurance.

Digital ESD Measurement Technology: When Measurement Data Becomes Useful Information

In many companies, various measuring devices, manual documentation steps, and the subsequent transfer of results are still part of the daily inspection routine. This can be time-consuming and create additional sources of error. With the sparktrap® EPA SafeAssure® That is why we take a more holistic approach.

The digital ESD multimeter combines numerous measurement functions into a single system and allows measurement results to be analyzed and documented directly on the device.

Possible applications include, among others:

• Surface, Volume, and Sheath Resistance Measurements

• Earth Resistance Measurements

• Electrostatic Field and Potential Measurements

• Walking Tests to Assess Personal Charge

• Measurements of Charge Decay

• Testing the Discharge Performance of Ionizers

• Measurement of relevant environmental conditions such as temperature and relative humidity

The digital user guidance and integrated evaluation features allow various testing tasks to be carried out in a structured manner.

The goal: fewer media breaks, simpler testing procedures, and better traceability of measurement results.

Especially in situations where numerous ESD-related pieces of equipment must be inspected regularly, this can make a significant contribution to the efficiency of quality assurance.

ESD protection starts with people

In addition to regularly inspecting workstations, materials, and equipment, personal grounding plays a crucial role.

This is because even a technically well-equipped EPA cannot fully achieve its protective effect if the intended protective measures are not consistently applied. This is where the sparktrap® EPA Gatekeeper® an.

The personal testing device enables the systematic verification of relevant personal grounding measures and helps companies ensure compliance with their ESD protection requirements at the entrance to the EPA.

Why Documentation Shouldn't Be a Necessary Evil

Anyone who performs ESD tests is familiar with the challenge: The measurement itself is often only part of the overall workload. In addition, this involves recording the results, assigning them to equipment, evaluating any deviations, and providing appropriate documentation.

However, clear documentation is much more than just a formal requirement; itIt helps companies identify changes, review measures, and design audit processes in a way that ensures reproducibility. Digital solutions can help simplify workflows and capture information directly in the context of the respective measurement.

It is not the amount of data collected that determines the quality of ESD protection, but rather its significance and the measures derived from it.

Our takeaway from EFX 2026: ESD protection needs to be rethought

EFX 2026 provided us with a valuable platform to showcase our developments, make new contacts, and engage in face-to-face professional discussions. It is particularly important to us not only to present modern measurement technology in theory, but also to make its application in everyday business operations tangible. After all, technological innovation should always serve a specific purpose.

For ESD protection, this means: simplifying inspections, making processes more transparent, and helping those responsible make informed decisions.

The trade show is over, but the challenges remain.

• How efficient are your current ESD testing processes?
• How easy is it to understand your documentation?
• And are you already taking advantage of the capabilities of modern digital ESD measurement technology?

We would be happy to help you review your existing testing processes and find solutions that meet your needs.

Discover our solutions for modern ESD testing and schedule a personalized product demonstration.

Invisible Risks. Measurable Responsibility.

Many thanks to all visitors, business partners, and interested parties for the opportunity to connect at EFX 2026!