Measuring static with precision

Static can be more than just a nuisance – it can lead to production inefficiencies, quality issues and even costly reprints. The solution? Accurate static measurement. StatAir Solutions, a South African agent for Meech static control products, offers two powerful handheld devices that help companies identify and control static in their production environments.

According to Ross Orwin, owner of StatAir Solutions, Meech’s 983v2 Static Locator and 984v2 Ion Sensor handheld devices are designed to empower businesses to take control of static problems before they escalate. 

The Meech 983v2 Static Locator is designed for measuring static fields and determining their polarity (positive or negative) in various production settings. It’s especially useful for manufacturers and converters to assess static levels before or after their static elimination systems, verifying their effectiveness or determining whether static elimination bars are needed if excessive static is detected. 

One of the key selling points of the 983v2 is its precise calibration. Ross explains that it’s calibrated to work at a 150mm distance from the material being measured, offering greater accuracy than other cheaper alternatives. The device’s accuracy is within a ±5% range, making it highly reliable for static control assessments,’ he explains.

The Static Locator is capable of measuring static fields as high as 200kV, which is crucial in industries where high-voltage static can disrupt processes. Ross highlights the device’s effectiveness across various materials prone to static buildup.

Another major advantage is its role in preventing liability issues. ‘For example, a label converter can use the 983v2 to measure the static on a batch of labels before shipping them out to a customer. By providing a reading of the static level, the converter can protect themselves from any disputes if the customer claims static-related issues upon arrival,’ he notes.

The second product, the Meech 984v2 Ion Sensor (pictured below), is focused on evaluating the performance of static bars used in the production process. It measures the effectiveness of ion emission from the bars – whether they are neutralising static charge as intended.

StatAir Solutions’ head of sales, Giuseppe Colonnello, explains that static bar emitters can accumulate dirt over time, diminishing their efficiency. ‘The 984v2 can pinpoint whether the ionisation process is functioning correctly, emitters require maintenance or bars need replacing,’ he asserts.

For businesses running large-scale production processes, such as bottling plants or packaging lines, the 984v2 provides peace of mind that the static control systems in place are delivering the desired results. The sensor allows operators to check if the ionisation is taking effect at the correct distance from the material, preventing any static-related issues that could impact the production flow.

Both the 983v2 Static Locator and the 984v2 Ion Sensor are designed with ease of use and portability in mind. They are lightweight, compact devices that can easily be carried around the production floor. 

‘While larger machines can cost millions, a small investment in these devices helps businesses protect that investment by maintaining optimal static control,’ Giuseppe enthuses.

For companies in the print and packaging industries, static control is often an overlooked aspect of their operations. However, as Giuseppe points out, the impact of static can be costly in terms of quality control, production delays and equipment maintenance. Meech’s handheld devices, available through StatAir Solutions, provide a simple yet powerful way for businesses to take charge of their static management, ensuring that static issues are addressed before they disrupt the production process.