Why is There a Need for ESD Brushes in the Electronics Industry?

Occurrences of static electricity are ubiquitous: walking along a carpeted floor in a heated room during winter generates sufficient static electricity to give a shock a door knob is touched. While this sudden discharge of static electricity does not result in any harm to the human body, it can be very damaging to electronic devices which are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). It is possible for electronic devices to be damaged by ESD that is imperceptible to the human body.

When a statically-charged person or object touches an electrostatic discharge sensitive (ESDS) device, there is a possibility that the electrostatic charge could be drained through sensitive circuitry in the device. If the electrostatic discharge possesses sufficient energy, damage could occur in the device due to localized overheating.

There are two categories of damage that can occur due to ESD: (a) Catastrophic damage: the electronic device is rendered inoperable immediately after the ESD event. A semiconductor junction or a connecting metallization could have been damaged by the electrostatic discharge; (b) Latent damage: the electronic device appears to be working fine following the ESD event. However, the sensitive circuitry has been damaged and could fail to operate properly at some time in the future.

In an ESD protected area, a worker should use dissipative brushes or conductive brushes when working on ESD sensitive products or assemblies. All portions of the brush (both handle and the filaments), need to be conductive or dissipative. For ESD control purposes, per the ESD Association, conductive is considered less than 1 x 10⁴ ohms (10,000 ohms) and static dissipative is 1 x 10⁴ to less than 1 x 10¹¹ ohms (10,000 to less than 100,000,000,000 ohms). The resistance range is able to remove electrostatic charges to ground when grounded.

Insulators or non-conductors, material greater than 1 x10¹¹ ohms, are to be removed from the ESD protected area since they cannot be grounded. An ESD brush is grounded by being held by the grounded worker. Also, the ESD brush will be grounded when in contact with a grounded work surface or bench mat.

When a worker, holding a regular brush wipes it upon a product or assembly, turbocharging (the breaking of contact between two materials results in turbocharging, thus creating a difference of electrical potential that can lead to an ESD event) occurs due to the contact and separation of the brush filaments on the product. Per the ESD Handbook, sources of static electricity include: "Brushes (camel/pig hair and synthetic bristles)." Even if the worker is grounded the electrostatic charge will remain on the brush filaments and/or handle being a threat to discharge possibly damaging ESD sensitive products. All portions of the ESD brush are to be conductive or dissipative.

Most man-made synthetic materials are high charging and generate a substantial electrostatic charge. Per the ESD Handbook, "It should be understood that any object, item, material or person could be a source of static electricity in the work environment. Removal of unnecessary nonconductors, replacing nonconductive materials with dissipative or conductive materials and grounding all conductors are the principle methods of controlling static electricity in the workplace, regardless of the activity. "Brushes whose job is intimate contact with products may be critical to change from high charging insulative materials to conductive and/or dissipative materials.  

Gordon Brush® manufactures over 250 different types of ESD brushes. Many of these brushes are "safe" brushes. Safe brushes are small, handheld conductive brushes with fill material that are suitable for safely cleaning PCBs (printed circuit boards) and other electrical components prone to damage from ESD (electrostatic discharge). ESD safe brushes are designed to dust PCBs and other static-sensitive items from which particles must be safely removed. These specially developed brushes are ideal for cleaning delicate components, integrated circuits and workstation surfaces. They can also be used for cleaning computer backplanes and motherboards or bushing down workstations and anti-static mats.

The ergonomic handles of ESD safe brushes are designed for comfort during prolonged use and are usually made of conductive metal or dissipative (designed to control static) plastic. The firm brush is composed of conductive filament. These tools are highly resilient, durable and abrasion resistant. Unlike conventional brushes, you can use ESD safe brushes to thoroughly clean ESD sensitive components or assemblies without the danger of high charges being generated.

Made in the United States, Gordon Brush's line of standard/stock ESD brushes are crafted with the finest material to safeguard your electronic devices. While we charge a lot for our brushes, it's well worth the charge so that the static charge doesn't ruin your electronic devices.

Not finding the exact brush for your need? Gordon Brush can customize the ESD brush to suit your application. If a brush exists, we have it…If it doesn't, we'll make it!

Gordon Brush® featured in Paint Square publications

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. (Industry, California) announced in an emailed press release late last week that it has acquired manufacturing company Spectrum Paint Applicator Corp. (Newark, New Jersey) in a move that aims to expand Gordon’s presence in the paint brush world.

Founded in 1945, Spectrum has manufactured industrial and consumer paint brushes, as well as paint rollers and artist brushes.

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. (Industry, California) announced in an emailed press release
late last week that it has acquired manufacturing company Spectrum Paint
Applicator Corp. (Newark, New Jersey) in a move that aims to expand
Gordon’s presence in the paint brush world, according to the company.

"It’s time for us to step aside so that the Company can continue to grow,” said Arthur Edelson, Spectrum CEO.

“We felt that Gordon Brush was the best fit to take Spectrum Brush to the next level, to continue our family tradition of individualized customer service, and to best manufacture our line of American made consumer, professional and industrial paint applicators."

As part of the deal (the financial terms of which have not been disclosed), Spectrum’s manufacturing and operations will be relocated and incorporated into Gordon’s 183,000-square-foot facility in California.

"The acquisition of Spectrum Brush, our twelfth acquisition, consolidates Gordon Brush's reach in the paint brush category,” said Ken Rakusin, President and CEO of Gordon.

“Spectrum Brush will add to our stable of other acquired paint and artist brush companies. … The Spectrum Brush acquisition dramatically enhances our scale, product offerings, and geographic reach—creating new synergies that better position us for future growth and investment in new and existing markets."

View Original Publication at https://www.paintsquare.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=view&id=20789

Why You Should Buy American Made Products

There are many reasons to buy American made products:

ü  Jobs and the Economy

Buying American made products not only supports the workers making those goods but it also causes a ripple through the economy; more job creation, more job saving, more spending, more building, more service support, ability to earn a living wage, and a reduction in the trade deficit, just to name several. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that every American manufacturing job supports an additional 1.4 jobs in other parts of the economy.

ü American Pride and Democracy

A decrease in American manufacturing is strategically unsound. Buying American fosters independence, pride, and helps ensure that the United States doesn't find its access to vital goods impacted by political conflict. Money is not shifted to countries not friendly to the USA or democracy.

ü  Human Rights and Worker Standards

In addition to having weaker environmental regulations, the countries that produce the goods Americans buy often have no laws to protect the rights of workers. Foreign labor standards allow unsafe worker conditions in many countries. When you buy American you support not only American manufacturers but also American workers, safe working conditions, and child labor laws. Many countries have no minimum wage restrictions, or the minimum wage is outrageously low. When you choose products made in the USA, you contribute to the payment of an honest day's wages for an honest day's work.

ü  Product Safety

The lack of product safety regulations overseas does not only put foreign workers at risk, it also threatens the health of American consumers. Dozens of types of children’s toys made in China were recalled because they were unsafe. When you buy toys and other goods made in the USA, you can be confident that American consumer protection laws and safety standards are in place to protect your family.

ü  Environmental Safety

USA manufacturing processes are much cleaner for the environment than many other countries; many brands sold here are produced in countries using dangerous, heavily polluting processes. Products made overseas have a higher carbon footprint than those made in the USA and have few or no environmental regulations. As a result, foreign factories produce large amounts of hazardous chemicals that pollute the air, water, and soil.

In summary, the lack of minimum wage, worker safety, or environmental pollution controls in many countries undermines the concept of "fair and free trade". No Western nation can ultimately compete on price with a country willing to massively exploit and pollute its own people. When you buy only American-made products, you insist on a higher standard.

Gordon Brush®, the 2018 winner of the Made: In America award, is Proud To Be An American Manufacturer™ and patriotism is paramount at Gordon Brush®.  Gordon Brush has made brushes for the United States Army to clean the main gun on the Abram's tanks, saving the Department of Defense over $1.5 billion.  The Company also has made brushes that were used on the space shuttle, the lunar module, and brushes to clean the guidance system and guns on the Apache helicopter.

Even under competitive threats, "the Company has been steadfast in its philosophy and commitment to manufacturing in the United States", said Ken Rakusin, president and CEO.  Gordon Brush prides itself on its American heritage with two brands that date back to 1855 and 1897, respectively. 

"Companies that have nothing to differentiate themselves on besides price are the most vulnerable to the threat of lower priced Chinese made products; that's a no-win game.  Gordon Brush chooses to compete on value-added, said Rakusin.  Offering premier products with superior customer service have enabled the Company to grow and prosper in spite of the Chinese threat.

Buy American, buy Gordon Brush® for all of your brush needs. If a brush exists, we have it…if it doesn't, we'll make it.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF FILL MATERIAL

Understanding the different types of fill materials and their uses will help you choose the right brush for any application. There are many different bristle materials out there to create the perfect industrial brush. Because it’s important to understand the brush fill characteristics for your specific application, our experts can help guide you through this selection process.

To start, there are three main bristle material categories the industrial cleaning world uses: synthetic, natural and wire. Let’s take a closer look into what benefits, characteristics and attributes each of these categories provide users.

Synthetic Fill Material –

CHARACTERISTICS: Easy to clean and does not scratch fragile surfaces while still providing excellent bend recovery, abrasion, chemical resistance, and overall break strength.

USES: Applications include general purpose cleaning, buffing, dusting, and wet scrubbing.

Natural Fill Material

CHARACTERISTICS: Ideal for sweeping light-weight particles or removing dust while still having excellent bend recovery and break strength.

USES: Applications include general purpose cleaning, buffing, dusting, and wet scrubbing.

Wire Fill Material

CHARACTERISTICS: Excellent abrasion and wear resistance attributes with an equally good bend recovery.

USES: Applications can include heavy-duty cleaning, deburring (like rust removal or burnishing), and delicate finishing or polishing projects as well.

               When deciding on which industrial brush suits your application best, remember the basic thee bristle categories and you should be in good shape. When ordering from Gordon Brush®, rest assured, you're buying a premium quality line of American made brushes.

Gordon Brush® manufacturers over 17,000 different kinds of brushes for every industry imaginable. With over 3,500 brushes available for same day shipment, Gordon Brush® has the right brush for your specific need. If a brush exists, we have it…if it doesn't, we'll make it!

Gordon Brush® has a team of brush experts that can help you select the best brush for your specific application or work with you to design the perfect custom brush.

Choosing the Correct Roller Cover for Your Job

When selecting a rollercover, the two most important factors to consider are: the paint sheen and the nap height.

Paint Sheen:

The sheen is the glossiness of a paint finish.

Gloss or Semi-Gloss Paint

Glossy paints have a very high sheen and will tend to show more lint on the roller surface. Therefore, when using a gloss or semi-gloss paint, choose a shed-resistant woven cover. The fibers that make up the woven fabric are locked into the backing with a tight, "double lock" process providing a smooth and virtually lint-free finish.

Flat, Eggshell, Or Satin Paint

A knit roller cover is recommended when applying flat, eggshell, or satin paints and stains. Knit roller covers can pick up and release higher amounts of paint than woven fabrics because the fibers have a looped backing with a single pass-through process resulting in a more "open" fabric. However, if you’re looking for a finer, professional-quality finish, a shed-resistant woven roller cover is also recommended with flat or satin paint.

Microfiber and foam roller covers can also be used. You can achieve spray-like results with both of these roller covers when applying any type of paint, varnish, or enamel. They are great to use on cabinets, doors, and other smooth surfaces.

Nap Height:

Nap height is the length of the fibers that extend from the backing and carry the paint to the wall.

Smooth Surfaces

For smooth surfaces, choose a shorter nap (3/16" or 1/4") to apply the paint evenly. Because a shorter nap picks up less paint, it is common for some painters to "bump up" to a longer nap for increased production. While this can be a good idea to speed-up your painting project, it is important to note that higher naps may leave a textured look on a smooth surface. Always remember to select a nap height that will provide you with your desired finish regardless of the paint pick up and release capabilities.

Rough Surfaces

Rough surfaces require a higher nap (3/4" to 1-1/2") so the long fibers can reach into the valleys of the texture. Higher nap heights are great for textured plaster or stucco, siding, decks, concrete block, brick, and corrugated metal. Long nap heights offer great paint pick up and release, which makes getting into all the cracks and crevices of the surface easy. Remember, the rougher the surface, the higher the nap to make your job easier.

Gordon Brush Mfg. Co. featured in AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY Magazine

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GORDON BRUSH MFG. CO. ACQUIRES SPECTRUM PAINT APPLICATOR CORP.

Date: 2019-03-15

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA -- Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. has acquired the assets of Kirschner Brush Mfg. Company, located in Bronx, New York.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA -- Gordon Brush Mfg. Co., Inc. has acquired Spectrum Paint Applicator Corp., located in Newark, New Jersey. The Company's manufacturing and operations will be relocated and incorporated into Gordon Brush's 183,000 sq. ft., City of Industry, CA manufacturing facility.

Since 1945, Spectrum Brush has manufactured industrial and consumer paint brushes, paint rollers and artist brushes. Arthur Edelson, Spectrum's CEO, explains, "It’s time for us to step aside so that the Company can continue to grow. We felt that Gordon Brush® was the best fit to take Spectrum Brush to the next level, to continue our family tradition of individualized customer service, and to best manufacture our line of American made consumer, professional, and industrial paint applicators."

Ken Rakusin, President and CEO of Gordon Brush notes, "The acquisition of Spectrum Brush, our twelfth acquisition, consolidates Gordon Brush's reach in the paint brush category. Spectrum Brush will add to our stable of other acquired paint and artist brush companies. These include: Redtree Industries and Kirschner Brush in the paint brush and roller sector and Marx Brush in the artist brush sector. The Spectrum Brush acquisition dramatically enhances our scale, product offerings, and geographic reach — creating new synergies that better position us for future growth and investment in new and existing markets."

"It's another perfect fit for Gordon Brush® that ties into its mantra of being, Proud To Be An American Manufacturer™. This acquisition enhances the global product offering of Gordon Brush's line of paint and artist brushes and opens up new avenues for the manufacture of custom paint and artist brush products. As the demand for American made products increases, we are proud to be at the forefront of that movement."