Electrostatically dissipative, resilient, easy to clean – the requirements for floor coverings in electronics production are extremely high. To ensure the quality and reliability of electronic devices, their components must be protected against electrostatic discharge (ESD) during production and installation. Although Seitec Electronics GmbH had formerly always equipped its production facility with electrostatically dissipative PVC and epoxy resin flooring, for its new production hall the company chose rubber for the first time – and it is very satisfied with this decision.

The high and durable elasticity of nora® flooring optimizes control points, i.e. the points at which electrostatic charge is discharged into the ground. In the case of hard, non-homogeneous flooring materials, such conductivity is often not given. Because as the plasticisers they contain can volatilize over time, leaving the floor covering hard and inflexible. “With PVC floors, the required dissipation values no longer entirely match because of the coating,” says Managing Director Lutz Fichtler. To renew the coating, the production must be completely shut down during the renovation. “This is a very complex process and can only take place during the Christmas holidays.” The fact that nora systems gives a ten-year warranty on the electrostatic properties of its flooring has also convinced Seitec.

Because of their extremely dense surface, floor systems made of rubber are extremely resistant to wear and can be used in areas with high pressure loads (up to 6 N/mm²), such as those caused by fork lifts or the wheels of heavy equipment and machinery. “Our pallets, which we transport with fork lifts, can weigh as much as 700 kilograms. That means the flooring must be extremely wear-resistant,” Fichtler explained. Due to the elasticity of the homogeneous rubber material, nora flooring also withstands impacts, for example from falling tools, hose connectors, clamps, and other metal parts. Likewise, falling objects will not be damaged, or not so severely damaged, as they would by a fall onto hard floors.

Not the least of their benefits is that, due to their high and durable elasticity, rubber floors also contribute to an ergonomic work environment for employees. Particularly for standing workstations, which are common in manufacturing halls, the substrate texture plays an important part in promoting longer fatigue-free working periods. Flooring systems made of rubber make walking and standing easier thanks to their durable elasticity, which spares backs and joints. Moreover, the support this flooring offers reduces the noise made when walking, which contributes to a quiet and pleasant working environment.

Because the discreet tone-in-tone-granulation of the light gray noraplan® sentica ed fits well with both the new machines in the production hall and the modern furniture in the cafeteria, the flooring is also used there and underlines the contemporary ambiance of the new building perfectly.