This guide helps you work out, step by step, which Statikcell product is right for your static electricity problem. The steps below make the initial selection easier; to determine the exact model and dimensions, we recommend sharing your application with us.
1. Define the problem: eliminate or hold?
Static electricity solutions fall into two main groups:
- Static elimination (neutralization): If materials stick to each other or to the machine, the surface attracts dust, feeding and stacking faults occur or operators complain of electric shocks, the aim is to eliminate the charge. This is done with equipment that generates both positive and negative ions using AC high voltage: antistatic bars, nozzles, air guns and blowers. The carbon fiber brush does the same job without an electrical connection.
- Static charging (pinning): If the material needs to adhere temporarily to a surface or to another material, the aim is to create charge deliberately. In-mold labeling (IML), melamine-faced MDF and particleboard, double-layer bags, bag cutting and stacking are applications of this kind. In this case, the DC static charging bar is used together with the DC static charging power supply. The power supply generates DC 20–100 kV (depending on the model); the polarity is selected as negative or positive according to the application.
2. Measure
At the point where the problem occurs, use a static meter to determine the level and polarity (+/−) of the charge. The device measures from a distance of 1–10 cm; for comparable results, keep the same distance for every measurement. A value measured directly above grounded rollers can appear lower than it actually is, so measure on a section of the material away from the rollers. After installation, measure again at the same point to verify the effect of the solution.
3. Choose a product by distance
For static eliminators, the most decisive criterion is the distance between the equipment and the material. Because ions quickly recombine in still air and lose their effect, they need to be carried by air over longer distances.
- Up to 4 cm: Antistatic bar. The most common solution for continuous neutralization on the line. Inductive and capacitive models are available; where sparking in the event of a short circuit is undesirable, the capacitive model has the advantage.
- Up to 50 cm: Air-assisted antistatic bar. Compressed air carries the ions to the material, increasing the working distance.
- 500 mm, tight spaces: The antistatic nozzle directs ionized air to the target area at narrow points where a bar cannot fit.
- 500 mm, manual use: The antistatic air gun is used to eliminate static and remove dust, preferably on small products.
- 1–2 m: The ionizing blower provides ionization over a long distance with fan assistance; the fan speed is set with a dimmer.
- 1 cm, non-contact and without power: The carbon fiber brush works on flat materials with its grounded carbon fiber bristles. It may not be sufficient at high speeds.
Bars, nozzles and the air gun take the high voltage they need from the AC antistatic power supply. In the blower, the high-voltage transformer is built into the unit itself, while the carbon fiber brush requires no electrical power.
4. Determine the length by width
The length of the bar or brush is chosen according to the width of the material or reel:
- Antistatic bar: Manufactured in one piece from 10 cm up to 4 m.
- DC static charging bar: Manufactured from 10 cm up to 400 cm.
- Carbon fiber brush: Manufactured in one piece up to 6 m.
- Web cleaner: Manufactured to the required size for the application.
5. Is compressed air available?
- Products that need compressed air: The nozzle and the air gun work with 5–6 bar of dry, clean compressor air; moisture and oil in the air can contaminate the ion emitter pins. The air-assisted bar and the web cleaner also use compressed air.
- If there is no compressed air: A standard antistatic bar (up to 4 cm), an ionizing blower (1–2 m) or a carbon fiber brush (1 cm) can be considered.
6. If there is dust as well
Static charge binds dust to the surface, so when removing dust, the charge must be eliminated first.
- On the line, before printing: The web cleaner eliminates the charge with ionizing bars, dislodges dust from the surface with compressed air and removes it with an extraction system. A single-sided model is chosen for one side of the material and a double-sided model for both sides.
- Glass and acrylic sheet: The dust roller (dust cleaning roller) picks up dust by contact as it rolls over the sheet. Thanks to its antistatic structure, it does not cause static charging during use, and it is cleaned with pure alcohol.
Summary decision table
| Need | Distance / condition | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous static elimination on the line | Up to 4 cm | Antistatic bar |
| Bar cannot be brought close to the material | Up to 50 cm, compressed air | Air-assisted antistatic bar |
| Narrow point where a bar cannot fit | 500 mm, 5–6 bar air | Antistatic nozzle |
| Manual use on small parts | 500 mm, 5–6 bar air | Antistatic air gun |
| Large area, long distance | 1–2 m, no compressed air needed | Ionizing blower |
| No electrical connection, flat material | 1 cm, non-contact | Carbon fiber brush |
| Holding material in place temporarily | Bar length 10–400 cm | DC charging bar and DC power supply |
| Dust on the line before printing | Single- or double-sided | Web cleaner |
| Dust on glass and acrylic sheet | Contact, on the sheet | Dust roller |
| Knowing the level and polarity of the charge | 1–10 cm | Static meter |
If you are not sure
Share the material type, the material or reel width, the line speed, the mounting distance between the equipment and the material, and whether compressed air is available on the line via the contact form, and we will determine the right product and size together. Where necessary, we diagnose the problem on site on your line; for details, see our service and support page.