Stonhard, a firm in the international flooring industry, has unveiled its latest innovation, Stonkote ESD. This advanced product elevates performance standards with vibrant colour options while ensuring a faster application process by eliminating the need for a conductive primer.
Developed by Stonhard's R&D and marketing teams in the US, Stonkote ESD showcases a durable, chemical-resistant, thin-mil coating. It is meticulously engineered to consistently deliver Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) readings below 1.0 x 10⁶ ohms, reinforcing the protection of sensitive electronic components.
Within the data industry, ESD signifies a sudden release of static electricity, capable of damaging delicate electronic components in data centres and processing facilities. Efficient ESD management, involving specialised flooring and grounding systems, is paramount to prevent costly damages, ensuring seamless data processing operations.
The Stonkote ESD solution is accessible through Kemtile, Stonhard's UK commercial flooring install division. Together, they offer ‘single source’ flooring solutions across various manufacturing industries throughout the UK, with a particular focus on data centre facilities.
Historically, Stonhard’s ESD systems demanded additional conductive primers and mortar coats, escalating material and labour costs alongside introducing possible system vulnerabilities. However, thanks to state-of-the-art material advancements, Stonkote ESD bridges these gaps efficiently, emulating the physical properties of Stonkote HT4 while enhancing efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Michael Pacitti, Europe Technical Service Manager for Stonhard, reiterated the significance of this innovation: “Stonkote ESD is a game-changer in the manufacture and installation of flooring in environments that need to limit the build-up of static electricity.”
Jamie Cook, Director at Kemtile, also expressed enthusiasm: “Adding improved products like Stonkote builds recognition of Stonhard as an innovative flooring manufacturer, willing to invest in better products and more cost effective ways of helping clients -especially in the data centre and other industries- increase performance and reduce ESD risks...”