Keep It Clean
Effective static control and web cleaning are basic requirements for quality package printing.
November 2007 by Tom Polischuk
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Clean, clean, clean! It is one of the keys to successful package printing. The substrate must be substantially free of contaminants to stand any chance of providing consistent high-quality printing.
Various systems are used to help keep printing surfaces clean, including static control systems and web cleaning systems. Although George Zuments, president of Web Systems, Inc., points out that static control and web cleaning are separate systems, they typically work in conjunction with each other.
Static control systems are used to enhance the cleaning process by reducing or eliminating static levels. Static poses two problems relative to web cleaning. First, static can attract contamination to the surface of the substrate and secondly, it can make the contamination more difficult to remove because the static attraction between the particles and the substrate can be very high, says Zuments.
Web-cleaning systems physically remove contaminants from the surface of the substrate. These systems can be categorized in two broad classifications—contact and non-contact. Within these categories are a variety of different type cleaners. Zuments lists several: air knives; fixed brushes, with or without vacuum; rotating brushes; semi-contact rotating buffs; vacuum only; ultrasonic and vacuum; pressure and vacuum; and “tacky” rolls.
Each of these different cleaning systems has its own advantages and disadvantages and can be a good selection for a particular application. The key is defining what the application needs and then researching potential solutions using readily available supplier expertise to narrow the options.
Considerations for selection
“It is most important to match both the static control and web-cleaning technology to the specific range of products being manufactured,” emphasizes Mark Gibis, vice president of sales for Doyle Systems. “One technology will not solve all the problems if multiple substrates are involved in the process. Consider working with manufacturers that will consult with you and can provide many choices in technology that will best match your needs. If the manufacturer you consult with is reputable, it will steer you toward the technology that best meets your needs, even if it does not offer that technology.”
For both web cleaning and static control, there are a number of factors to be considered. Some of these include line speed, physical restrictions, material, humidity, temperature, and customer requirements, notes Jim Patterson, president, Static Clean International. He also points out other important considerations. “Not all applications require the most sophisticated systems with all of the bells and whistles,” he says. “A common-sense approach is to have a knowledgeable applications engineer visit the facility to evaluate the best solution to solve any problems or to determine if a problem exists and more to the point, even if it is a static-related problem at all.”
Various systems are used to help keep printing surfaces clean, including static control systems and web cleaning systems. Although George Zuments, president of Web Systems, Inc., points out that static control and web cleaning are separate systems, they typically work in conjunction with each other.
Static control systems are used to enhance the cleaning process by reducing or eliminating static levels. Static poses two problems relative to web cleaning. First, static can attract contamination to the surface of the substrate and secondly, it can make the contamination more difficult to remove because the static attraction between the particles and the substrate can be very high, says Zuments.
Web-cleaning systems physically remove contaminants from the surface of the substrate. These systems can be categorized in two broad classifications—contact and non-contact. Within these categories are a variety of different type cleaners. Zuments lists several: air knives; fixed brushes, with or without vacuum; rotating brushes; semi-contact rotating buffs; vacuum only; ultrasonic and vacuum; pressure and vacuum; and “tacky” rolls.
Each of these different cleaning systems has its own advantages and disadvantages and can be a good selection for a particular application. The key is defining what the application needs and then researching potential solutions using readily available supplier expertise to narrow the options.
Considerations for selection
“It is most important to match both the static control and web-cleaning technology to the specific range of products being manufactured,” emphasizes Mark Gibis, vice president of sales for Doyle Systems. “One technology will not solve all the problems if multiple substrates are involved in the process. Consider working with manufacturers that will consult with you and can provide many choices in technology that will best match your needs. If the manufacturer you consult with is reputable, it will steer you toward the technology that best meets your needs, even if it does not offer that technology.”
For both web cleaning and static control, there are a number of factors to be considered. Some of these include line speed, physical restrictions, material, humidity, temperature, and customer requirements, notes Jim Patterson, president, Static Clean International. He also points out other important considerations. “Not all applications require the most sophisticated systems with all of the bells and whistles,” he says. “A common-sense approach is to have a knowledgeable applications engineer visit the facility to evaluate the best solution to solve any problems or to determine if a problem exists and more to the point, even if it is a static-related problem at all.”
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