General

• Can the IQ Manager be connected to my machine interface?

  Analogue and digital inputs, outputs and several serial fieldbus protocols can be used. Also Ethernet and USB ports are available for many functions.

• What is a suitable label for IML (In Mould Labeling)?

  The label is a very critical factor in the application of electrostatic in-mould labeling. The label must have a good surface resistance that is high enough to hold a static charge. On the other hand, the surface resistance should not be too high. Otherwise, high static charges might already occur during the production of the labels, causing problems when separating the individual labels from the handling tool.

  Download

  IMLTechniques.pdf
• How can the IML (In Mould Labeling) process be conducted with maximum effectiveness?

  Speed and reliability are usually very decisive factors in the efficiency of the IML process. In order to optimize both of these factors, a number of restrictions can be minimized. Minimizing the capacitance of the charging circuit: All components, electrodes, cable and charging generator used in an electrostatic IML circuit, together constitute a large capacitor having a particular capacitance. Before the label is being charged, the capacitor needs to be charged first. This takes time. By reducing the capacitance to a minimum, time can be saved. This can be achieved by using a charging generator CMME placed closely to the IML electrodes or on the handling arm. As a result the capacitance is limited, since no long cables are deployed and a smaller generator with less capacitance can be used.

  download

  IMLTechniques.pdf
• What is IML (In Mould Labeling)?

  IML is a process step in the injection moulding process. A robot picks up a pre-printed label and places it in the mould, where it is fixed by means of electrostatic charging. After closing the mould, injection moulding of the product begins. During this process the label is fixed together with the finished product.

  Download

  IMLTechniques.pdf
• Regarding charging: when should I charge negatively or positively?

  This depends on the material, if the material naturally charges negatively and you want to increase the charge then we recommend a negative generator.

  

• Your equipment is “shockproof” and touch-proof, but why am I still getting an electric shock?

  Not everything is shockproof, think of a 1/2 ss or charging bar. In addition, if the bar is not properly grounded, you can get a shock.

• Why do I need a shielded cable?

  Protection of the high voltage cable.

• If I peel a sticker from release liner it will stick to my hand, is this also static charge?

  Yes, friction by separating materials produces a static charge.

• My herbs stick to the plastic lid is this due to static charge?

  If the lid is statically charged, the herbs can be attracted.

• My electronics in the machine are defective (f.e. printing heads, PCB’s and RFID tags) can a static charge be the cause?

  Yes, this could be due to ESD effects.

• Can granulate also be statically charged and why?

  This is possible, for example through friction.

• I suffer from static charge, how do I get the right advice/help?

  Contact Simco-ION, so we can help the person and/or refer them to the right person/agent.

• Can someone come by without obligation to provide me with advice and to take measurements? Who should I turn to then?

  Initially to customer service. They will direct you to the right agent.

• What about the certification (CE)?

  All Simco-ION products are (CE) certified.

• I have an urgent problem, can Simco-ION help quickly and how?

  (Video) calling for example. When a visit is required, this can be done by the agent. If this is not possible, you will be led by technical sales.

• Can I get technical support within Simco?

  Yes, this is possible. Initially through customer service. If customer service cannot answer the question, it will go through our very experienced technical sales department.

• Does Simco has a representative in my country?

  Simco-ION can offer service worldwide; see www.simco-ion.co.uk for EMEA region, see www.simco-ion.com for USA, see www.simcoion.jp for Japan and see www.simco-ion.cn for China.

• Can I also use the FMX-004 in a Hazardous Locations (ATEX) environment?

  No, this is not allowed. For this we recommend our In-line measurement; Sensor IQ Easy 2.0 EX.

• Can I connect a 50 Hz power supply to a 60 Hz mains frequency?

  Thit is not recommended, running a 50 Hz power supply at 60 Hz, will cause the equipment to wear faster and the output voltage will be higher intended conversely connecting a 60 Hz to 50 Hz causes the ouput voltage to be lower, the output is likely to be less effective.

• One or both indicator lights of the A-Power Unit does not light up! what to do?

  That can be found on page 16 of the user manual A-Unit.

  Download

  A-Unit UM
• Can I connect several 24 volt bars together?

  Multiple 24V bars can be connected through a DIN rail power supply. This is also possible through an IQ manager.

• Does the speed of the product matter which type of bar is needed?

  Yes, this can be found on page 12 of the Catalogue.

• Can I remove HE Nozzles from the high voltage cable to clean them?

  No, this is not possible.

• What is the best way to clean your Simco-ION equipment?

  With a hard, non-metallic brush, available at Simco-ION partnumber 2000430001. if heavily fouled: clean the anti-static bar with isopropyl alcohol (Allow the anti-static bar to dry entirely, before energising again)

• When does a product get charged positive or negatively?

  This is determined by nature (properties of the material). See the triboelectrical series below.

  

• How do I check if the static charge has decreased?

  By measuring with a FMX-004 before and after the material passes an ionisation bar. In-line measuring can be done with a Sensor IQ bar combined with an IQ Manager. Datalogging with the Manager IQ can report exactly how much (residual)charge is left on the product.

• When do I use which type of bar?

  This depends on many factors; working distance, available space in the machine, ambient temperature etc.

• Can I measure static electricity on metalized foils?

  Static measurements with a fieldmeter (FMX-004) are not reliable. The metal layer is conductive.

• What is static electricity?

  Static electricity is electricity that occurs in bad- or non-conducting matter like many plastics. In these isolating materials an electrical charge can be induced by different types of actions. These actions that cause static-electricity are usually based upon friction between materials or seperation of materials. The static charge or static electricity does not move, hence the word static, and since it does not move or flow it is not possible to neutralize by means of earthing the material(connecting to earth). A static Voltage can exist between charged spots on the same material, the material and earth and the material and other material because of difference in the number of electrons and protons. This voltage can be measured. The static discharge of the material(spots) can often be seen and heard as a spark.

• Is static electricity visible?

  The presence of static electricity can not be seen without the aid of a conducting element or method to make the static electricity move or neutralize (partially). This flowing or discharging of the object can be seen and heard and the discharge normally makes a spark. This spark can, when strong enough, both be seen and heard. In production environments the high static charge can be seen as a “glow” surrounding the material.

• Is static electricity ac or dc?

  Static electricity is a form of dc electricity or better a dc charge. The container of this charge usually is an isolator with negative or positive charged molecules on the surface. This charge is steady and not alternating in polarity. On the same isolating surface however there can be multiple “spots” that contain a charge with a different polarity. So on a surface there can be both one or more negative and one or more positive polarity charges but the charge itself does not change in polarity in time and is therefor a dc charge.

• Is static electricity harmful?

  Static electricity is a form of electricity and when discharging it consists of an electrical current. Usually this electrical current is small(smaller than 1mA). It is low in potential harmful energy but it is high in Voltage, usually some kilovolts. The effects of static electricity normally are considered to be more annoying than being dangerous but for sure it can be harmfull to people.

• Is static electricity dangerous?

  Static electricity is a form of electricity and when discharging it consists of an electrical current. Usually this electrical current is small (smaller than 1mA). It is low in potential harmful Energy but it is high in Voltage, usually some kilovolts. The effects of static electricity normally are considered to be more annoying than being dangerous but for sure it can be harmfull to people. More detailed information about the dangers of static electricity and electricity in general on the body can be found in pdf below.

  Download

  Static-electricity
• Does the weather influence static electricity?

  The weather influences the level of static electricity because of the humidity conditions in the air. The humidity conditions make the flow of charge more or less easy and therefor is the weather a strong influence on the level of static charge. In humid conditions a high charge can more easily move since water is a strong conductor and therefor more easily find a way to balance hence reduce to zero. In “dry” weather charges move less easy and the buildup and discharge create normally a stronger spark. There are many factors from the weather that influence the buildup and discharge of static electricity.

• Do cat hair and dog hair attract to my clothing because of static charge?

  Charged objects attract dust and small particles and also hair from your cat or dog or other pets. This is because the fabric of your clothing is synthetic meaning that they are not natural fibers but man-made by means of joining monomers into polymers. Some of the polymers used in your clothing are polyester, fleece, polyamide or nylon and these can generate and/or hold a static charge and therefor attract dust and hair from your pets.

• Is dust attracted by static electricity?

  Static charge on objects attracts dust(and other small particles) from the surrounding area. Dust is being attracted towards all objects that hold a high enough static charge. Old TV’s were the best example that a charge attracts dust. These old TV’s had a charge of up to 30kV and were after a few years completely polluted with dust.

  Objects in your home can be charged with high voltages and therefore attract dust from the surrounding.

  In Industrial surroundings static charge on a material can build up along the process. Friction between idle rollers and film or the cooling process of objects creates a charge. Each new friction or temperature change accumulates charge. Charges can rapidly become very high. Charges over 100 kV are not uncommon. Static charge on material will attract particles from the surrounding. This is usually dust, but can also be other contaminates including small flies. In most cases this is unwanted and should be prevented. Special care should be taken when films run close to the floor because attraction of dust is inevitable. Solutions can be found by means of installing  anti-static equipment and Simco anti-static bars. Please have a look here to find a suitable solution to your problem.

• Can people be charged with static electricity?

  Static electricity is produced when the positive and negative charges of an atom are out of balance. Some objects such as wool, glass, human skin and hair are more likely to accumulate electric charges and have static electricity. Usually this electrical is discharging (smaller than 1mA). It is low in potential harmful Energy but it is high in Voltage, usually some kilovolts. The effects of static electricity normally are considered to be more annoying than being dangerous but for sure it can be harmfull to people. More detailed information about the dangers of static electricity and electricity in general on the body can be found here. Static electricity can be discharged by means of a anti static bar or ioniser, please have a look at our solutions for static electricity pages to find your solution.

• How is static electricity generated?

  Static electricity is the result of an imbalance between negative and positive charges in an object. When completely in balance no charge can be measuerd. Imbalanced charges can build up on the surface of an object until they find a way to be released or discharged by sparks or other means. Rubbing certain materials against one another is one way to create a static charge by transfering negative charges, or electrons from one to the other non-conductive material.

• I see sparks or feel shocks by touching an object

  A charge can exist between human bodies and this can lead to a discharge. This happens when the charge between bodies is different in polarity and/or the difference between the similar charges is high enough. The discharging or the normalization of the difference between the charges occurs when people touch eachother. This discharging of the electrical charge can be felt by means of a little shock. Sometimes it can also be heard.

  Download

  Understanding Ionisation
• Can static electricity cause a fire or an explosion?

  Static electricity is a form of electricity and when discharging it consists of an electrical current. Usually, this electrical current is small(smaller than 1mA). It is low in potential harmful Energy but it is high in Voltage, usually some kilovolts. The effects of static electricity normally are considered to be more annoying than being dangerous but for sure it can be harmful to people. More detailed information about the dangers of static electricity and electricity in general on the body can be found here. Static electricity can be discharged by means of an anti-static bar or ioniser, please have a look at industry pages to find your solution.

Repair

• Does Simco-ION offer guarantee?

  Yes our 24v products have a guarantee period of 4 years, on most other equipment 1 year.

• Are shipping cost included?

  Yes! Return shipment to you is always included, free of charge.

  Download

  RMAConditions
• How can I send a static locator for calibration?

  Use itemnumber: 2690000020

  Use serial number: 0117

• Where can I find the item number (Art nr)?

  Most products have a name sticker. The item number can be found there.

   

  

• Where can I find the production date of my product? (Unit nr)

  On 24V and 110/230V products the production date is incorporated in the serialnumber (Unit nr), f.e. 152309876, means year 2015 week 23.

  On most AC antistatic products the date is engraved in the product as MMYY f.e. 0615 means June 2015.

  Some products do not have a production date. You will have to trace the production date from your original order confirmation.

  

  

• I do not have a production date

  If you cannot find a production date on your product please contact Simco service at 0031 573 288378

• I do not have an Art nr! (Item nr)

  In case your item does not have an item number;
  Please look on your original purchase order or phone Simco service at 0031 573 288378

Static charging

• What is a suitable label for IML (In Mould Labeling)?

  The label is a very critical factor in the application of electrostatic in-mould labeling. The label must have a good surface resistance that is high enough to hold a static charge. On the other hand, the surface resistance should not be too high. Otherwise, high static charges might already occur during the production of the labels, causing problems when separating the individual labels from the handling tool.

  Download

  IMLTechniques.pdf
• How can the IML (In Mould Labeling) process be conducted with maximum effectiveness?

  Speed and reliability are usually very decisive factors in the efficiency of the IML process. In order to optimize both of these factors, a number of restrictions can be minimized. Minimizing the capacitance of the charging circuit: All components, electrodes, cable and charging generator used in an electrostatic IML circuit, together constitute a large capacitor having a particular capacitance. Before the label is being charged, the capacitor needs to be charged first. This takes time. By reducing the capacitance to a minimum, time can be saved. This can be achieved by using a charging generator CMME placed closely to the IML electrodes or on the handling arm. As a result the capacitance is limited, since no long cables are deployed and a smaller generator with less capacitance can be used.

  download

  IMLTechniques.pdf
• What is IML (In Mould Labeling)?

  IML is a process step in the injection moulding process. A robot picks up a pre-printed label and places it in the mould, where it is fixed by means of electrostatic charging. After closing the mould, injection moulding of the product begins. During this process the label is fixed together with the finished product.

  Download

  IMLTechniques.pdf
• I want to bond two materials is this possible with a static charge?

  A electrostatic charge can be very useful! Materials can be electrostaticaly charged to make them bond temporarily.

• I want to statically charge my material is this possible and if so how?

  A static charging system consist of a high voltage generator and an electrode. The high voltage generator supplies the high voltage that is needed to create a static charge. This can vary from 1 to 60 kVolts. The charging electrode comes in different shapes to enable an optimum result for each specific application.

• Can my material get damaged, for example film due to high static charge?

  When a static charge exceeds a certain level, spontaneous discharges and sparks can occur causing damage to the material or electronic equipment in the vicinity.

• Why does the static charge keep increasing, when I measure at different points in the machine or on the material?

  There are different sections, where charge can be generated independently of each other.

• My label gets stuck in the machine, is this due to static charge?

  Static electricity on labels may cause poor label feeding on high speed labeling machines. Static electricity on plastic bottles to be labeled will result in poor label placement and bad positioning. These problems will cause slower production speeds and higher rejection rates. Ionisers positioned as shown above will eliminate the static charges and allow optimum process productivity.

• Performaster: When do I choose for sharp or round high voltage pins?

  Use sharp pins for standard foils. Round pins are recommended for bio-foils and for very thin foils.

• Do you also have charging equipment with two potentials (+ and -) in one unit?

  No, unfortunately not

• I sometimes see small sparks from the material and/or machine parts, is that dangerous?

  Sparks can damage material, in Hazardous Locations (ATEX) there is an increased risk of fires.
• How can I use static charge to improve a process?

  An electrostatic charge can be very useful! Materials can be charged deliberately to make them bond temporarily. Static charge can be an invisible helping hand in your production process. This method is already used in many processes in various industries. Some examples are:

  • Block a stack of paper or magazines to prevent shifting during transport or packaging.
  • Fix an address label to a brochure before the brochure is packed in a wrapping film.
  • Keep the last bag of a roll (e.g. Garbage bags) fixed to the roll to make packaging in a carton easier
  • Bond a small section of a film during winding on a roll to prevent the roll from telescoping.

   

  Download

  Charging-Techniques.pdf

Static elimination

• Does it matter if metal parts are near the bar?

  Yes, (grounded) metal parts attract the ions. This ensures that fewer ions go to the product to be discharged, so that means there is little or no discharge taking place.

• Sheets stick to each other at the inlay (offset printing machine), how can I prevent this?

  For example, using nozzles to blow ionised air between the sheets.

• If I peel a sticker from release liner it will stick to my hand, is this also static charge?

  Yes, friction by separating materials produces a static charge.

• My seal is not airtight because material sticks in between the seal, could I solve this with ionisation?

  This is possible, neutralising the film before the forming shoulder ensures that the material does not stick to the packaging material.

  Video

  Simco ION Europe Blowflex Easy – YouTube

• My herbs stick to the plastic lid is this due to static charge?

  If the lid is statically charged, the herbs can be attracted.

• My electronics in the machine are defective (f.e. printing heads, PCB’s and RFID tags) can a static charge be the cause?

  Yes, this could be due to ESD effects.

• Can granulate also be statically charged and why?

  This is possible, for example through friction.

• I have static foil on a roll, how can I discharge this roll?

  By means of an anti-static bar or blower.

• Why do we need blower or compressed air support?

  Sometimes (compressed) air is needed as transport for the ions or in cleaning applications.

• I regularly receive shocks from material in my machine, how is this possible and what can I do about it?

  The material charges during the process and discharges through the operator. To prevent this, the material needs to be neutralized.

• Why are the pins of the anti-static bars and electrodes so sharp?

  The sharper the pins, the better the ionisation.

• Can I connect a 50 Hz power supply to a 60 Hz mains frequency?

  Thit is not recommended, running a 50 Hz power supply at 60 Hz, will cause the equipment to wear faster and the output voltage will be higher intended conversely connecting a 60 Hz to 50 Hz causes the ouput voltage to be lower, the output is likely to be less effective.

• One or both indicator lights of the A-Power Unit does not light up! what to do?

  That can be found on page 16 of the user manual A-Unit.

  Download

  A-Unit UM
• How many ionisation bars can I connect to 1 power unit?

  On a normal “A” type power unit the maximum is 4 pieces. See user manual A-Unit for info.

• How do I determine the best position to discharge my material?

  By trail and error, advise to measure where the static electricity is generated by using the FMX004.

• When should I discharge the material on both sides?

  If both sides are charged and cause problems in the process.

• What is the difference between MEB and MEJ?

  The MEB has a square shape and the MEJ has a round shape.

• Does the ionisation bar need to be earthed?

  Yes make sure that the ionisation equipment is properly earthed. Earthing is needed to ensure proper operation and to avoid electrical shocks upon contact.

• How do I check if the static charge has decreased?

  By measuring with a FMX-004 before and after the material passes an ionisation bar. In-line measuring can be done with a Sensor IQ bar combined with an IQ Manager. Datalogging with the Manager IQ can report exactly how much (residual)charge is left on the product.

• When to use active Ionisation instead of passive ionisation?

  Passive ionisation is often less effective than active ionisation.

• How do I determine the distance of the bar to the material?

  Different bars are available for several working distances. Choose the correct ionation bar on our selector page.

• When should I clean my ionisation bar?

  When is bar is polluted, clean and sharp emitter pins increases productivity and increases life cycle of the ionisation bar.

• How do I know if our ionisation equipment is working properly?

  There are two ways to check this:

  1) Use the TensION to check if there is high voltage on the emitter pins.

  2) Measure the static charge on the material before and after the ionisation equipment with a FMX-004.

• Can my machine break down due to static electricity?

  Sensitive components (PCB’s/RFID’s) can be damaged by static electricity (ESD).

• Can I always safely touch an ionisation bar? Without getting shocks?

  No, not always. For example, the SS type bars are directly coupled to the high voltage and causes an unplasent shock when touched. Also pay attention to the sharp emitter pins.

• Is ozone harmfull?

  The concentration of ozone close to Simco-ION ionisation equipment does not exceed a maximum of 0,05 ppm even without ventilation, with the exception of the ThunderION IQ. For ionisation bars of the ThunderION IQ type we advise you to observe a working distance of at least one metre. Ventilation will decrease the concentration even further.

  Download

  Ozone
• When I turn on ionisation equiment I smell something. What is that?

  This is ozone produced by the equipment of Simco-ION.

  Download

  Ozone
• How is static charge created?

  The most common method of charge generation is triboelectric charging. Whenever materials are brought into close contact, a charge exchange may occur between the surfaces of the two materials. The magnitude of this charge exchange will depend on a number of factors, but the result is two oppositely charged objects when the materials are separated. The second common method of creating static charge is known as inductive charging. This occurs when a charge is “induced” on an isolated conductive object that is brought into the field created by the charge on another object.

• What is an ion?

  Air ions are molecules of one or more of the gases that make up air (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.) that have gained or lost electrons. If they lose electrons the molecules have a net positive charge, and are “positive ions”. If they gain electrons, the molecules have a net negative charge, and are negative ions. Air ions are a normal constituent of outdoor air, but natural ion levels are too low to be used to neutralize static charge in indoor environments.

• How does humidity affect static charge?

  The moisture content in the air affects the conductivity of certain insulating materials and their ability to hold static charge. The higher the relative humidity (>50%), the higher the conductivity of these materials. Conversely, the lower the humidity (<30%), the more insulative these materials become and the more charge they hold. Logically, it would follow that high humidity would be an effective means of controlling static. However, even under high relative humidity, unacceptable levels of static charge can be generated and remain for long periods of time. Additionally, high humidity can contribute to other problems including oxidation and soldering difficulties. Using high humidity as a means to control static charge is slow, uncomfortable, expensive, and often ineffective.

• Which type of ioniser do I use in my application?

  There is no “best ioniser technology” for all applications. The application will determine the appropriate type to use.

  This depends on the following factors:

  • Charge Neutralisation. How effective is the ioniser at reducing static charge?
  • Impact on static problem. Does the ioniser help reduce or eliminate the static problem?
  • Environmental considerations. Does the environment use laminar, turbulent, or even no airflow?
  • Installation considerations: Distance, power distribution and control.
  • Operation: safety considerations, maintenance, reliability, and warranty, cost.
• Where to mount a static control device?

  position it too far “upstream” the charge could be regenerated by rollers or other static generative processes.

  How far from the material? This depends on the type of static eliminator – there are short range, and long range static eliminators. Whichever type you use, the life of the ionised air produced is limited and generally good guidance says “the closer the better” subject to the minimum distance specified by the manufacturer.

  The material should be in free air! This is a very important rule which is often ignored. When a material touches another object, such as a roller, the static charge couples with that object and is not available to be measured or neutralised. If you put an anti-static bar to neutralise film when it is travelling over a roller it will not be effective. This is probably the most common mistake in the installation of static control equipment.