Particulate removal

A new batch of injection moulded rear light units has come out of production, freshly painted and ready for shipment. As the different units are compared during quality checks, it becomes clear that the surface is not as smooth as it should it be. Small spots are visible on all units where particulates have been included in the paint job.

As it is sure fact that customer will reject the units, a new batch needs to be produced and the defective batch will be disposed. Possibly this and even following orders are delayed because of this interruption. A waste of time, work and costs but also a possible cause for unsatisfied customers. What is causing these problems with dust particulates that remain on the products surface? More important how can this be prevented?

Static electricity on a plastic surface cause macroscopic particles to attach to the products surface. This results in product rejects or other quality problems in later stages of the production process. In many industries these particulates consist of dust, sand or debris which are common in practically every industrial environments. A perfect example of particulate removal can be found in the automotive industry. Here (nonconductive) plastic products require a clean surface to be properly painted or provided with a coating.

Particulate removal through active ionisation is an effective way to eliminate any electrostatic charge that has built up on the products surface. By eliminating the electrostatic charge dust particulates are removed and further attraction of new (dust) particulates from the environment is prevented.  In order to maintain a constant high product quality, the effective removal of particulates is a critical part of the production process.

During elimination of the electrostatic charges often compressed air is applied to blow of particulates simultaneously. This can be done with help of industrial ionising guns for three-dimensional objects or to use an static elimination bar with air support or air knife for plastic film. In the plastic industry it is preferred to neutralise static and remove dust particulates in a single operation. Effectively this results in a cleaning ‘curtain’ where the material  passes and comes out static free and clean from any undesired particulates.

Are you also dealing with similar quality issues due to particulates that stick to the material?

More information on the different solutions for particulate removal is available at specialist from Simco-Ion.

To find the static expert near you, please visit the contact page or give us a call at +31573 288 333

Michel van der Worp |Simco-ION