Static Control
Damaging amounts of static can occur in surprisingly simple ways. When two objects rub against each other they create friction, which can translate into an electrostatic charge (ESD). A conductive object that is not grounded being in proximity to an electrically charged object may also produce ESD. Without
ESD protection, several problems can result from static, including dust clinging to products, products clinging to themselves or other objects, materials tearing, jamming or curling, sheet-feeding problems and hazardous sparks. Static electricity can also hamper performance or shorten the life of a product. As a result, effective static control is a necessary step to take in order to ensure that products and equipment continue working correctly. Products especially designed for static control protect against many problems associated with static electricity. Static control products reduce production downtime, aid in the avoidance of maintenance costs associated with machinery failure, and increase product effectiveness and company profits. Nuclear static control solutions include various devices, such as nuclear air guns and nuclear bars.
Electrical static control solutions can be obtained through the use of electrical power packs and electrical bars. Other types of industrial static control products include tinsel, brushes, air knives, sheet and web cleaners, chemicals, copper mesh and many more. Specific static control products, also known as
ESD products or
static eliminators, are usually designed with certain applications in mind.
Static meters are devices that measure the ESD levels in a room or around specific objects or surfaces, serving as the first step in ESD prevention and protection.
Ground straps and
anti static mats both function in such a way that the static in a room is redirected into the straps or mat, keeping the energy contained; these two objects are commonly used together. Some products keep objects safe by keeping the workers free of static buildup, such as special clothing and
anti static gloves. Ionizers deal with keeping the air in a contained area free of static discharge through constant streams of ions, which neutralize the ESD in the air, as well as keeping the area clean of dust. All of these static control products may be used together or separately, depending on how sensitive the equipment being protected is.
