Static electricity is a physical phenomenon caused by an imbalance of electric charges on a surface. Though often invisible, it can have a significant impact on industrial processes, product quality, and workplace safety.
Static electricity occurs when two materials come into contact and then separate, causing an exchange of electrons between their surfaces. This phenomenon is known as triboelectric charging and is one of the most common sources of unwanted static in industrial and commercial environments.
Although friction is a typical trigger, static charge can also build up through induction - when a charged object influences another without touching it - and through environmental factors like pressure changes, dry air, low humidity or fast-running machinery.
When electrons move from one surface to another, one material becomes positively charged and the other becomes negatively charged. If this charge is not controlled or dissipated, it can disrupt sensitive equipment, attract dust, affect product quality, or create electrostatic discharge risks.
These charges can accumulate until they find a discharge path, potentially causing:
👉 Learn more about electrostatic discharge
Static electricity can disrupt production in industries such as packaging, plastics, printing and textiles. It may lead to:
Static issues can also be recognised by visible sparks, audible clicking sounds, dust attraction or handling problems on fast-running lines. When these signs appear, static electricity is likely influencing the process.
While uncontrolled static can disrupt production, there are also processes where a controlled build-up of static electricity is beneficial. In applications such as In-Mould Labelling, bonding, film positioning or sheet handling, a defined static charge helps stabilise materials, improve accuracy and increase process reliability. In these cases, the goal is not to eliminate static, but to generate the right amount at the right moment.
Controlling static electricity is essential for safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
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Simco-ION has been a leading provider of electrostatic control solutions since 1966. Our products are designed to neutralise, measure, or generate static charges in a controlled way.
We offer:
Our solutions are used in:
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Applications we serve within these industries are:
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Before static can be controlled effectively, you first need to understand where it’s generated and how it behaves in your process. Measuring static gives you the insight needed to pinpoint issues and determine the right actions.
Static charge is measured in kilovolts (kV). Simco-ION provides:
These tools help identify static issues and optimise your production process.
👉 Discover our measuring equipment
Understanding where static is generated requires proper measurement, but identifying the right measurement points and methods depends on the specific process and environment.
Factors such as line speed, material behaviour and safety requirements, particularly in ATEX environments, mean that identifying the right measurement points often requires expert guidance. If you suspect static is affecting your process or want to know where to measure, our experts can support you on-site or advise on the appropriate measuring equipment.
👉 Contact our specialists for guidance on static measurements
Once you know where static is created and how it behaves in your process, you can determine which actions will stabilise production. This may include neutralising unwanted charge with ionisation, generating controlled static for material handling, or optimising the placement and settings of your static control equipment.
Because every production process behaves differently, effective static control is never one-size-fits-all. The right combination of technology, positioning and measurement ensures stable operation and consistent product quality.
If you want insight into where static originates in your process and how to control it effectively our specialists can help analyse your application and recommend the most suitable solution.
Do you face challenges with static electricity in your production process? Our experts are ready to help.
Contact us at: cs@simco-ion.nl
or reach out to your local Simco-ION representative.