In the printing world, static electricity is everywhere: whether you like it or not!
While it can be a nuisance when it interferes negatively with print production, it can also be harnessed and utilised to enhance printing processes. Here are five examples.
Electrostatic Paper Control
Feeding sheets of paper from a pallet stack can be a frustrating process. Static charges can cause sheets to stick together, feeding into the press at once, causing stoppages and preventing correct alignment (which is crucial for precise printing).
This is where turning static into an asset comes in. The introduction of ionised air between the top sheets neutralises the static charges, allowing individual sheets to enter the delivery feeder one by one, without sticking.
Additionally, ionisation can help the top sheet align correctly with the press plates.
Improved Ink Accuracy
Static electricity also plays an important role in ink precision.
Laser printers, for example, work by reading electronic data from your computer, and beaming this information onto a drum inside the printer, which creates a pattern using static electricity.
The static attracts toner onto that pattern, which is then picked up by the paper as it passes over the drum, and is then fused using heated rollers.
In inkjet printers, static also contributes to accuracy. The printer charges tiny droplets of ink, guiding them to form precise patterns on the paper.
The clever use of static is what delivers high-quality results in both cases.
Efficient Material Handling
When dealing with lightweight materials like film or foil, the main challenge lies in controlling their movement during the printing process. These materials, particularly prone to curling, shifting, or fluttering, are difficult to keep in place on the printing press.
Static electricity plays a crucial role in solving this issue. Static charges can be applied to create a bond between the material and the printing surface, which holds the substrates steady on the press.
This is particularly important for high-precision printing where even slight movements can result in misalignments or poor-quality prints.
To manage static electricity effectively in such scenarios, ionisers are commonly used.
Dust Removal
Dust is attracted by static electricity because dust particles are lightweight and often carry an electric charge.
When dust accumulates on substrates (the material that is being printed on) and print equipment, this can lead to defects in the final product. These defects often appear as small ‘holes’ in the finished print, where the ink has printed over the top of the dust before falling off.
One way to tackle this problem is by using ionisers. Also known as static eliminators, ionisers can be installed above or near the substrate to attract charges away from it, preventing dust from depositing excessively and allowing the ink to adhere evenly.
Lamination Applications
Lamination processes can also be easily disrupted by static electricity. Static attracts contamination between the laminate and the printed surface, compromising the final product’s quality and appearance.
The solution? Controlling static on unwinding laminate to prevent dust and debris from adhering to the material.
By managing static electricity at critical points, lamination runs smoothly, resulting in flawless finishes and better productivity.
Investing in the Right Static Control Equipment
If you’re facing challenges with static in your printing processes, investing in good static control equipment and environmental controls can make all the difference.
At eStat Solutions, we’re here to help you find the right tools and strategies to keep your print production running smoothly. Contact us today!