Linear-motion slides meet low electrostatic-discharge requirements found in the semiconductor and electronics industries. The slides are coated with electroless nickel, an alloy of nickel and phosphorous produced by autocatalytic chemical reduction with hypophosphite. The plating lets static charges dissipate, helping the slides meet requirements for automated equipment. Standard anodized coating, used on conventional slides, is an insulator that can hold a static charge because of the coating material's insulating effect. Electroless-nickel plating provides a conductive path for dissipating static charges.
Del-Tron Precision Inc., 5 Trowbridge Dr., Bethel, CT 06801, (800) 245-5013.