PFFC - October 2008 - (Page 48)

STATIC CONTROL String Is Clean Adchem Corp. tested anti-static products to eliminate a contamination problem for a customer. Non-contact Static String scored high. By Edward Boyle, Contributing Editor Because Static String does not need to make contact with the web, it lessens the possibility of web damage, coating damage, or contamination. tatic has been an everpresent problem for converters across virtually all market segments since the invention of the high-speed web press. But depending on the substrate and web speed, the negative effects of static can range from product defects to heart ailments. At a minimum, the arcing that results from unchecked static buildup can affect product quality by preventing inks and coatings from adhering to the substrate at both the supplier and converter level. Moderate levels of static electricity can destroy an adhesive system permanently, cause fouling and jamming of production processes, and damage finished products. 48 | OCTOBER 2008 S well, and their complaints are our complaints. uAdchem Corp. | 1852 Old Country Rd., Riverhead, NY | “The problem for one cus631-727-6000 | www.adchem.com tomer was contamination,” he explains. “Tinsel can come off the string and get into the product. It was a huge defect High levels can be downright tape converter that had utidangerous to operators, with lized tinsel for static control on for them, so we had to resolve the resulting shock causing high-speed solvent and hot melt that issue.” Acquista saw that “the burns and heart-related ailcoaters, slitters, and rewinders ments—even death. at its 200,000-sq-ft Riverhead, proper corrective action was to remove tinsel from our enSo just what is a quality- and NY, facility. That is, until one tire facility so there would be safety-conscious company to customer found that “good” no chance of that happening do? For years, one solution was just wasn’t good enough. again.” But how? Engineers simple: Hang tinsel adjacent Product Contamination at Adchem began addressing to the print or coating sta“We’ve always had static isthe problem in March 2006 tions to absorb the static and prevent arcing on high-energy sues at our site and occasional by testing a variety of passive substrates from films to coated complaints due to static,” ad- ionizer products to determine mits Charlie Acquista, senior whether any of these methods papers. That eliminated both process engineer for Adchem could provide equal or better danger and defects for many Corp. “We sell to a lot of static control compared to jobs—but not all of them. converters and distributors tinsel, without tinsel’s risk of Such was the case for that have static problems as product contamination. Adchem Corp., an adhesive uConverter Infot WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM http://www.adchem.com http://www.pffc-online.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PFFC - October 2008

PFFC - October 2008 Contents First Glance Calendar of Events From the Editor Web Lines Process Management News Clips Narrow Web & Label Reporter Narrow Web & Label What's New Products Shrink Sleeves Carton & Box Reporter Carton & Box What's New Products Cover Story - Custom Coating Core Shafts Show Preview Flexo Printing Film Converting Static Control UV/EB Inks What's New Products Trade Show in Print Services Directory Classified Marketplace Equipment Buyers & Sellers Advertisers Index Experience Speaks

PFFC - October 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.