The evolution of Simco anti-static systems takes existing processes to new levels of control and performance.
We have recently supplied one of our long-standing customers with the Simco IQ System for installation on their 9m wide Kampf slitter. The machine was supplied some years ago and was originally fitted with Simco P-SH-N2 anti-static bars, which performed well. However, these older bars have failed to keep up with new technologies and customer demands. Time to think outside the anti-static box!
What is a Kampf Slitter?
Before diving into the project, it’s worth explaining what a Kampf slitter actually does. Kampf slitters are high-precision machines used to convert wide rolls of material into narrower, more manageable rolls. They are typically used in industries like packaging, film production, and converting. Materials such as plastic films, paper, and foils are run through the slitter, where they are slit into defined widths and rewound for the next stage in production. These machines often operate at very high speeds.
Why static becomes a problem during slitting
With speed and friction, static electricity becomes a significant concern. As the material travels through the machine, from unwinding, through tension-controlled rollers, across slitting blades, and onto rewind spools, friction and separation generate static charges on the surface of the web. These charges build up quickly, especially on non-conductive materials like plastic films, and without proper control can lead to a number of issues:
- Sheets clinging together or misfeeding
- Dust attraction, affecting product cleanliness
- Operator shocks
- Worst case, a risk of fire or explosion
Intelligent static control with the Simco IQ system
Our customer needed better static control than their old anti-static bars allowed, and the ability to monitor the remaining charge on the finished rolls of material.
Simco’s IQ system fitted the bill perfectly, providing everything the customer needed. Most importantly, the roll charge level could be monitored in real-time, with charge data logged for use later by the QA department.
Tackling the challenge of a 9-metre wide web
The large proportions of the 9 metre width posed something of a challenge, but with clever bar sizing, a network of anti-static bars was created to give coverage over the total machine width, proving that almost any configuration of anti-static bars is possible. Sensor IQ Easy bars were fitted to take static charge readings, working in tandem with the Performax IQ Easy anti-static bars. This closed-loop feedback system gives information back to the Manager IQ, allowing the system to make constant adjustments to the bar output, meaning the roll charge is always kept low.
Results that speak for themselves
During final testing, we measured a roll charge of 0.5kV, which on a high-speed line of this size was previously unheard of.
Our customer is delighted with their new Simco IQ System and plans to follow this with another system for the next machine on site.
If you’re seeing static-related issues on your own production line or want better static control and data logging, we’re here to help.