Select a subject from the list of frequently asked questions below or browse through the information.

If you have a new question to ask, please click here.

Grounding
Checking Performance
Gravure Printing
Sheeting
Longevity of the Products
Feeding Sheets into Printer

How do you ground the Static String™ and ion360™ Ionizing Rod Products?

Grounding is achieved by contacting the bare metal of the machine. Bare metal of a machine is grounded by electrical code and often by conductive contact with concrete.

Proper grounding is a continuous, positive, conductive contact with the earth.

Remember, you cannot ground an insulator by definition. To remove static from a insulative surface such as plastic or paper you must ionize the charge to the grounded Static String or ion360™ rods.

Checking Performance

How do I know if the Static String and ion360 Rods are working?

See static meter click here for (more products)

Use "Scotch" tape to create static and bring it near the Static String, ion360 Rods, Wipers etc. If the tape doesn't cling to your hand after exposure to the anti-static device, it's still working. For more info, see the demonstration on our Home Page.

Gravure Printing

We are currently using the Static String in various locations on our gravure printing presses. Would you please describe proper positioning for the string, such as how far from idler rolls, which side of the film and how close to it, how near the floor?

For certain applications the Static String is placed very close to the roller just where the web comes out into space. For example, if there was a charge on the web arcing back to the metal roller causing ignition of flammable vapors. As the web exits the printing rollers there is often a generation of high static charge because of the pressure and speed. Place the Static Stringtm as close to this nip as possible on either side of the web.

The distance from the web is determined by the speed of the web and the amount of static charge on the web. At 3M Company they ground the Static String and place it across the sheet or web. Using a static meter, they monitor the static charge levels after the Static Stringtm and place the Static Stringtm close as light contact to more than 1" from the web surface and place it at the distance where the static is reduced most efficiently.

Remember, you do not need to reduce the static charge to zero or even near zero. For example, for ignition keep the charge below 5KV. For shocks, keep the charge below 10KV. For dust attraction, keep it below 3-KV.

Regarding the best side of a thin web to eliminate static, the answer is either side. The best advice I can give you is to expect excellent performance. If you have any question please contact me anytime.

Request "Four rules for static control in Gravure printing paper" (Contact Us)

How can I eliminate static on my sheeter?

Sheeting labels or bags onto a stack requires a special placement of the Static String.

1. Place the Static String under the sheet just as it emerges into space from the last nip rollers. The Static String does not need to contact the surface to be effective. In tight air gaps between the rollers and the stack make certain the Static String is closer to the sheet than any part of the machine.

2. Minimize contact between the sheets as they go onto the stack or conveyor. This can be done by mechanical adjustment or by using a cushion of air to float the sheet onto the stack.

Longevity of the Products

How long will the Static String Products last?

These products can last for years of continuous use. The Static String and ion360 products are electro-mechanical devices and do not wear out.

Gravure and Printing Applications: As with all static removal products, Static String and ion360 Rods may be rendered inoperative if coated with ink or adhesives. For these applications, we recommend replacing the string and rods as needed.

For info on checking the performance of our products, see Question 2. Also see the demonstration on our home page for more information.

Feeding Sheets into Printer

How can I use Static String on the feeder of a printing press?

1. Place Static String across the stack laying it lightly on top from side to side so that as a sheet is picked up from the stack it contacts several strands of Static String.

2. Place Static String under the sheet just in front of the stack so that the sheet passes over it onto the feed board.

3. Place Static String under the sheet on and at the base of the feed board.