Static elimination improves film quality

Static has always been a problem in film production and very high static charges can be generated in this process, particularly at the stretching and winding stages.

This was the problem encountered by the technical manager at the Dupont Teijin Films Foshan, China, where a broad portfolio of PET and PEN polyester films is manufactured.

As well as causing unpleasant shocks to the operators of the equipment, static attracts dust that in turn leads to contaminated stock and the resultant poor quality wound reels may cause feed problems.

With a local presence in China, Meech International was able to send in a technical engineer to assess the problem and advise on the best possible resolution.

The simplest and most cost-effective way was the installation of a Meech Model 915 static elimination system.

The Model 915 AC system comprises a static elimination bar powered by a Meech 904 power unit.

The 915 has been designed to provide powerful and intense ion production.

It has very fast decay times, which means it is extremely effective at fast speeds.

It can be fitted at distances up to 150mm and with its slim profile, offers both flexibility and versatility in positioning.

Designed with an easy-wipe casing, it gives sustained performance, as well as ease of maintenance.

With the installation of these Model 915 bars, static was kept under control and product quality was further improved.

Although the Meech 915 bars were the ideal solution for the majority of winders in the factory, there was one machine where the static elimination bar could not be installed within 150mm of the web.

However, this didn't pose a problem.

A Model 976 with air assist was installed on a trial basis and it was soon proved that it could provide the static control necessary for the smooth running of the winder.

The Meech 976 pulsed DC bar provides long-range ionisation up to distances of 600mm.

The emitter pin assemblies are easily removable for quick maintenance.

Equally, when they become too contaminated or worn they can be economically replaced.

For this particular application at Dupont Teijin Films Foshan, Meech manufactured a customised bar 6.3m in length and with the air assist option that could further increase the ionisation range.

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