FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- General
- Static Elimination
- Static Charging
- Reparation & Advice
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Who is Simco-ION?
We are the competence centre of electrostatic control since 1966, with agents all over the world. We have experience in all known industries and applications that require discharging, charging and measuring static. With our IQ Easy Platform, we even combine it all with closed-loop feedback. Simco-ION is your one-stop shop with the experience, excellent customer service and state-of-the-art product solutions. If you have questions, you may always contact us!
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What is static electricity?
Static electricity arises from an imbalance of electric charges, typically when surfaces come into contact and then separate, or due to changes in pressure and temperature. In industries such as packaging, printing, and plastics, it can cause equipment faults, safety risks, and product defects. Simco-ION provides solutions to neutralise, measure, or generate static charges using ionising systems, charging equipment, and monitoring tools. Managing static electricity is vital for maintaining safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
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I am experiencing problems with static electricity. How can I get the right advice or support?
You’re in the right place with Simco‑ION! Discover everything you need to know about static electricity and the solutions we offer on our website. For tailored advice or solutions for your business, please contact us at cs@simco-ion.nl or call +31 573 288 333.
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What is the first step in controlling static charge?
The first step is identifying the source of the static charge - measuring - using an FMX‑004 meter or a sensor bar.
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What is static charging and how does it work?
Visit our static charging page for an in-depth explanation of static charging and how Simco‑ION products can help.
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What is static elimination and how does it work?
Visit our static elimination page for an in-depth explanation of static elimination and how Simco‑ION products can help.
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What is the IQ Easy Platform?
The IQ‑Easy Platform is a revolutionary system that, unlike anything else on the market, let's Simco-ION devices communicate with each other to give you complete control and optimise efficiency across your production line.
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What is In-Mould Labeling (IML)?
Visit our In-mould Labeling page for a detailed explanation of IML and how Simco‑ION products can help.
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Which Simco‑ION products are CE‑certified?
All Simco‑ION products are CE‑certified.
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How does static electricity build up?
The most common way of generating charge is triboelectric charging. When materials are brought into close contact with each other, a charge exchange can occur between the surfaces of the two materials. The magnitude of this charge exchange depends on a number of factors, but the result is two oppositely charged objects when the materials are separated. The second commonly used method of creating static charge is known as inductive charging. This occurs when a charge is “induced” onto an insulated conductive object that is brought into the field created by the charge on another object.
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How does humidity affect static charge?
The moisture content in the air affects the conductivity of certain insulation materials and their ability to retain static charge. The higher the relative humidity (>50%), the higher the conductivity of these materials. Conversely, the lower the humidity (<30%), the more insulating these materials become and the more charge they retain. Logically, it would follow that high humidity would be an effective means of controlling static electricity. However, even at high relative humidity, unacceptable levels of static charge can be generated and persist for long periods of time. In addition, high humidity can contribute to other problems such as oxidation and soldering issues. Using high humidity as a means of controlling static charge is slow, expensive and often not effective enough.
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What type of ionisation equipment do I need?
There is no single ‘best ionisation technology’ for all applications. The application determines which type is most suitable.
This depends on the following factors:- How effective is the ioniser in reducing static charge?
- Does the ioniser help to reduce or eliminate the static problem?
- Does the environment use laminar, turbulent or no airflow?
- Installation considerations: Distance, power distribution and control of the devices.
- Operation: safety considerations, maintenance, reliability and warranty, costs.
We understand that the questions above are difficult to answer. Do not worry, we are here to help you find the best ioniser, contact us for obligation-free advice on your best solutions for exiting problems.
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How do I check whether the static charge has decreased?
By measuring with an FMX-004 before and after the material passes an ionisation bar. In-line measurement is also possible with a Sensor IQ bar in combination with a Manager IQ or Smart SLC. Data logging with the Manager IQ or Smart SLC can report precisely how much (residual) charge remains on the product.
- How do I know whether my static elimination device is functioning properly?
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Is it always safe to touch an ionisation bar without receiving an electric shock?
No, not always. Devices like our, 1/2 SS bars are directly connected to high voltage and cause an unpleasant shock when touched. Please also be aware of the sharp emitter pins on our equipment.
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Does the ionisation bar need to be earthed?
Yes, please ensure that the ionisation equipment is properly earthed. Earthing is necessary for proper operation and to prevent electric shocks when touched.
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Does it matter if there are metal parts near the bar?
Yes, (grounded) metal parts attract ions. This means fewer ions going to the product that needs to be discharged. Resulting in less effective or even insufficient discharging.
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My electronics in the machine are defective (e.g. print heads, circuit boards and RFID tags). Could static charge be the cause?
Yes, this may be due to ESD effects.
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About Simco-ION
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About Simco-ION
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About Simco-ION
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About Simco-ION
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Reparation & Advice
All answers regarding reparations, can be found on our Repairs and Calibration page. If you have more questions don't hesitate to contact us!
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Static Eliminiation
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Is static electricity visible?
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Is static electricity dangerous?
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Does weather affect static electricity?
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Does static electricity attract dust?
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I see sparks or feel shocks when I touch an object.
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Can static electricity cause fire or an explosion?
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I get shocks when touching your products.
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I am experiencing static charge issues, how can I get the right help?
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Is static electricity AC or DC?
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How is static electricity generated?
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This section is being updated.
Hang tight — FAQs are on the way! In the meantime, if you have questions don't hesitate to contact us!
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This section is being updated.
Hang tight — FAQs are on the way! In the meantime, if you have questions don't hesitate to contact us!
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This section is being updated.
Hang tight — FAQs are on the way! In the meantime, if you have questions don't hesitate to contact us!
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I want to bond two materials together. Can I do that with a static charge?
An electrostatic charge can be very useful. Materials can be bonded together temporarily with an electrostatic charge.
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My label keeps getting stuck in the machine. Is this due to static electricity?
Static electricity on labels can lead to poor label feeding in high-speed labelling machines. Static electricity on plastic bottles that need to be labelled leads to poor placement and positioning of labels. These problems cause lower production speeds and higher rejection rates. Our ionisation equipment will eliminate static charges and enable optimal process productivity.
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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 stick together 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 of using static charging are:
- Blocking a stack of paper or magazines to prevent them from shifting during transport or packaging.
- Attaching an address label to a brochure before the brochure is wrapped in shrink wrap.
- Holding the last bag on a roll (e.g. bin bags) to the roll to facilitate packing in a cardboard box.
- Bonding a small section of film to a roll during wrapping to prevent the roll from telescoping.
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What is IML and how is electrostatic charging important in IML?
IML is a step in the injection moulding process. A robot picks up a pre-printed label and places it in the mould, where it is fixed in place by means of electrostatic charging. After the mould is closed, the injection moulding of the product begins. During this process, the label is fixed in place together with the end product, and the product emerges with the label as a single unit.
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How can the IML process be implemented as effectively as possible?
Speed and reliability are usually very decisive factors for the efficiency of the IML process. To optimise both of these factors, limitations can be minimised. We can minimise the capacity of the charging circuit: All components, electrodes, cables and charging generators used in an electrostatic IML circuit together form a large capacitor with a certain capacity. Before the label can be charged, the capacitor must first be charged. This takes time. By minimising the capacity, time can be saved. This can be achieved by using a CMME charging generator that is placed close to the IML electrodes or on the handling arm. This limits the capacity, as no long cables are used and a smaller generator with less capacity can be used.
Need Help?
Simco-ION Customer Service
Do you have questions about this product or would you like advice on how Simco can support your business?
Feel free to contact us! Our team of technical experts is ready to answer all your questions.
Documents and downloads
We have created manuals and instructions for a wide range of industries and applications to help you get started.
Discover them here.