Plastics
Typical application examples for neutralisation and charging
Typical application examples for neutralisation and charging
The chemical nature of the plastics makes them susceptible to charging. Usually the amount of charge in plastic processing is so high that active discharge is necessary to enable the work processes.
IONTIS products are already being used in subsequent processes for both discharging and charging:
Cast Film Production |
In cast film lines, an electrostatic charging can improve the heat transfer when the melted pulp meets the chill-roll.
In cast film extrusion an electrostatic edge strip charging provides an adhesion of the film edges on the roller and prevents a “neck-in” of film. After a corona treatment and/or the calandering, most often the film has a strong charge with undesired effects (e.g. dust attraction) if not properly neutralised. For the initial winding of the film an applied static charge to the rollers can generate an adhesion without the need to use tape for fixation. |
Thermoforming |
The electrostatics created by thermoforming and cooling are eliminated with antistatic bars after the process to prevent stacking problems and dust attraction.
In inline systems, both sides of the film are discharged/neutralised before forming or closing, so the seal will not contain impurities. |
InMould-Labelling |
The label to be applied is charged with a charging ioniser, to place it correctly in the form and ensure precise fixation with no slipping in the forming process. |
Flexoprint |
Built-up electrostatic charge can be removed before printing with antistatic bars and, if necessary, air support to remove disturbing cutting residues and dust. |
Slitting and Cutting |
During slitting of film, an anti-static bar can neutralise the occurring charge immediately after the blade roller and thus ensures safe and clean subsequent processing. For the initial winding of the film on the other hand, an applied static charge to the rollers can generate an adhesion without the need to use tape for fixation.
In cross-cutting of film, an anti-static bar placed right after the cutter can neutralise occurring charge and prevent problems in subsequent stacking. |
Pneumatic Transport |
Neutralisation via tube ionisation or ring electrode allows for a trouble-free transport of solid parts in tubes with the use of pressurised air (e.g. trim waste and foil remnants at the inlet of cyclones or prior to the mill). |
Blown Film Production |
The extrusion process of blown film generates a static charge, which is further amplified by it passing pulleys and rollers: it needs neutralising ionisers before/during winding-up. |
Flowpack & Bag Film Production |
The occurring charge in the flowpack films production needs to be neutralised via anti-static ionisers, to ensure the bags can be opened later and stacked/placed properly – prior to a reel change however, a deliberate charging of the film tube can ensure better carrying in the subsequent steps.
To avoid repulsion of bags from stacks and ensure precise alignment at automatic bag machines, the light-weight plastic material needs to be statically neutralised. Occurring charge is disturbing at the inlet and vane, but also in placing and stacking at a stapler/wicketer and thus needs neutralising ionisation. |
Injection Moulding |
Moulded Parts can become charged during the cooling process and stick to the form, thermoset material can also produce flash/flakes which remains sticked to the form: the form parts are via ionising nozzles neutralised and blown free.
At the outfeed belt and/or conveyor belts charged parts can adhere and lead to blockages and need to be neutralised with ionisers. |
Lining & Laminating |
Moving web can become charged and need a neutralisation with an anti-static bar before the printing or laminating station in order to ensure safety and productivity.
In the coating process, static neutralisation prevents the formation of unwanted structuration on the surface of the varnish. Lamination e.g. during the melamine coating a systematic application of charge to the surfaces can avoid slippages of the film and layers and also ensure a bubble-free surface even at high speeds. |
Winding and rewinding |
Moving film which becomes charged passing rollers and pulleys needs static neutralisation at the contact/surface and turret winder for a subsequent clean, trouble-free processing and to avoid streaking.
However, deliberate systematic charging of the material directly at the turret winder can allow for precise alignment of the edges even of smooth film, an exact fixation at the winders core and a tape-less initial winding of flat film. Additionally a telescoping of the roll can be prevented. |
IONTIS Elektrostatik GmbH
Friedrich-Rottra-Str. 66
D-79588 Efringen-Kirchen