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Static Control & Web Cleaning


Improving static control function with the latest automation technology


packaging and labelling industries. Static is typically the result of an imbalance of electrical charges on a substrate, which is generated through the friction or separation between two objects – a web unwinding from a roll, for example. When not controlled, static can attract dust, dirt and other assorted particles, causing machinery to become blocked or damaged and ultimately, compromise the quality of the end product. This includes print being out of register, small holes appearing in extruded film, and the final products appearing distorted. In industries such as food and drink,


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where optimum product appearance is paramount, the competition on supermarket shelves is fiercer than ever. Engaging packaging and labels are designed to catch the eye of the consumer – any faded or inferior products are less likely to grab attention, so aesthetics are vital. For companies in the healthcare and


pharmaceutical sectors, the need for quality control is essential, as any products that are found to contain foreign bodies or contaminants within the packaging will be rejected outright. Regardless of the sector, contaminated


packaging and labelling can lead to excessive rework levels, as well as increased wastage, downtime and running costs. As convertors are faced with the pressure to deliver faster against increasingly tight deadlines, in order to remain competitive, the possibility of static charges being generated is further increased – fast running machinery generates static on the web surface and, by generating heat, can also increase static levels in the ambient air. Fortunately, technology is available that can counter the threat static poses.


COMBATTING STATIC Static control measures should be carefully considered by converters dealing with manufacturing processes to ensure consistent quality. Containing ionisation technology, static control solutions work to neutralise charges and, in tandem with a web cleaner, prevent the attraction of dust and dirt onto the web’s surface. The technology employs high voltage AC or ‘pulsed’ DC to produce ionised air which creates a high-energy cloud of positive and negative ions to neutralise static electricity present on production equipment. This ensures that many potentially costly


16 November 2019


he static charge often found on production lines is an ongoing problem for converters within the


the 971IPS, 960IPS, 929IPS, and 924IPS. This range, which provides short, medium and long-distance static elimination respectively, can be installed quickly and easily onto converter’s lines. The application being converted, the flexographic equipment being used and the speed with which the line is moving are all factors in deciding which bar is most appropriate. Though static control provides a highly


production problems are avoided. What’s more, thanks to the ever increasingly prevalent automation technology that is appearing across an abundance of sectors, highly advanced static control solutions are now paving the way for a greater range of control and monitoring of static bar performance. The fourth industrial revolution, also


referred to as Industry 4.0, is an increasingly common technological concept that envisions significantly higher productivity and efficiency through people and machinery working together harmoniously. This is achieved through the use of data- driven planning, artificial intelligence and automation. From cloud colour databases to fully automated printers, Industry 4.0 inspired technology is already helping to facilitate seamless communication between machinery, processes and people at all points of the packaging supply chain. Static control solutions also stand to benefit from the principles of Industry 4.0.


REMOTE MONITORING One such example is Meech’s Hyperion SmartControl, which enables the user to remotely monitor and adjust the performance of connected Hyperion equipment through a mobile phone, tablet or remote desktop. SmartControl then tracks equipment performance using Meech’s Ion Current Monitoring Technology, allowing the user to easily assess the ionising performance. It achieves this through LAN or WAN networks, which allow access to performance information at any place or time, enabling operating settings to be easily amended to ensure maximum productivity and quality of output. Remote monitoring enables operators to control, alter and adjust up to six static control devices placed across various locations, significantly speeding up production processes and improving functionality. SmartControl is tailored for use with


Meech’s Hyperion pulsed DC ionising bars – convertermag.com


effective solution, combining it with a web cleaner allows for optimum web cleaning. Contact and non-contact web cleaning systems are available – the former, Meech’s CyClean being one such example, utilises compressed air to break the boundary layer of the web before stripping and vacuuming away any debris. Ultimately, static is an inevitable problem


faced by convertors working in the packaging and labelling industries, so ensuring good control measures are in place is imperative. As Industry 4.0 continues to grow and develop, static control solutions become more advanced, reliable and future-proofed. Convertors should be prepared to invest in solutions that continue to produce products of a good standard and remain ahead of the curve in today’s competitive market.


meech.com/en


Spiral-binding is spell-binding


R6 spiral binders, which are still used today globally. Crimper-S, the latest apparatus, can be added additionally to the R6 machine for extra safety to a spiral bound manual. This is particularly useful when considering the length of time in use, such as a school planner, which is often used daily over the course of a year. The sturdy and reliable R5-R6 spiral binders have been hugely successful for the company and its reach extends to the UK, where the products are available under Clark Printing. Crimper-S and HOOKY have re-kindled the advantage of spiral binding as a loose-leaf binding system, due to the lower costs and production efficiency. The manufacturer starts with a virgin drum of wire which is coating in nylon, and this can produce, bind and finish loose-leaf booklets with diameters of 25-35mm. The Crimper-S offers an enormous longevity advantage for binding, and it is no surprise that large German manufacturers have now added the Crimper-S to their production lines.


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hough mechanical spiral-binding was developed in 1964, automating each step was the creation of Swigraph Ltd. The company created the R5 and


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