The hazards of static electricity in the blow molding process are numerous. Static electricity can cause equipment malfunctions and product contamination, affecting the product’s appearance and function. Furthermore, static electricity can be a safety hazard, causing shocks that injure personnel. Using a static-control system in place among plastic molding machines is critical to avoid these adverse effects.
What Causes Static Charges?
When two objects rub against each other, an electrical charge builds up between them. This charge can attract dust and other particles, contaminating the product. Furthermore, static electricity can interfere with equipment operation, resulting in malfunctions.
Static electricity can be dangerous if not properly controlled. If employees working with blow molding equipment come into contact with an electrically charged object, they can be shocked. This is why it is so important to have a static-control system in place.
The Effect of Static on Blow Molding
Static electricity can have a significant impact on the blow molding process. Blow molding is a manufacturing technique for producing hollow plastic objects. First, the plastic molding machine heats the plastic pellets until they are soft enough for molding. Air then blows the softened plastic into the desired shape in a mold. The mold opens, ejecting the finished, cooled product.
Static electricity can cause issues at any stage of the injection blow molding process:
- Static electricity can stick pellets together during heating, making them hard to feed into the mold.
- Static electricity can also disrupt the flow of melted plastic, clumping it and creating voids.
- Static electricity can cause the newly molded object to adhere to the mold walls while cooling. This can cause the finished product to warp or distort.
Blow Molding Static-Control Systems
One must use a static-control system in the blow molding process to avoid these issues. Static-control systems work by neutralizing the charges that accumulate on objects, preventing dust and debris from adhering to them. Furthermore, static-control systems can reduce the risk of shocks by preventing charges from accumulating on objects.
There are numerous static-control products on the market. One can treat individual objects with anti-static sprays and wipes. Also, the facility can use electrostatic dissipative flooring and workstations in larger areas. The company can invest in various devices such as ionizers and charge eliminators to neutralize static charges.
The type of static-control system used depends on the unique requirements of the blow molding process. It is critical to consult with a static control expert to ensure that the system is effective. Using a static-control system, you can avoid static problems and ensure the smooth operation of your blow molding process.
Static control is critical to avoid product contamination, equipment malfunctions, and safety hazards. Various static-control products are available to treat individual objects or larger areas.
Blow Molding Anti-Static Technology
Static-control systems are essential in blow molding to eliminate static charge and contaminants. Users can integrate AC or DC power supplies in a conveyor line or next to a plastic molding machine. The controller produces a high voltage divided into positive and negative outputs and connected to the dedicated ion emitters. Then, depending on the frequency, it alternates clouds of positive and negative ions. Lower frequencies allow for longer-distance ionization. The balance control modifies the ion output to match the target’s molecular charge.
Ionizing bars, curtains, or nozzles are ideal for achieving this, depending on the application and location within the facility. Pulsed DC ionizing systems are beneficial for thin-gauge parisons, which are prone to damage from premature cooling. Air blowing can also come in handy in some cases, provided there are ionizing nozzles between parison heads. This creates a Faraday cage effect that prevents static charges from accumulating on the products.
How Does Ionization Work?
Ionization produces ions, which are atoms with gained or lost electrons. Ions formed during the ionization process cling to dust particles and other contaminants in the air. These charged particles draw to surfaces with opposite charges, such as grounded workstations or flooring. The workspace discards the particles that accumulate on these surfaces, preventing contamination of the workpiece.
The system must have adequate grounding for ionization to be effective. Without good ground, the ions float around the workspace instead of attaching to the particles in the air. Electrostatic dissipative flooring or workstations are ideal for achieving good ground.
Ionization is an efficient method for removing static electricity from the injection molding process. Using an ionization system, one can avoid static issues and ensure that the plastic molding machine runs smoothly. Furthermore, by properly grounding the system, you can also prevent contaminants from entering the workspace.
Final Thoughts
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of static-control systems. Static charges threaten worker health and safety, leading to downtime, waste, and injuries.
Businesses must investigate their current practices to determine where static is causing problems. After receiving their findings, they should evaluate the available technologies and find ways to incorporate them among injection blow molding machines. Companies must consider the installation space available, the responsiveness of the molding application, and the overall cost. Investing in a high-quality static-control system that effectively eliminates static from your workspace is essential. Not only will this system save you money, but it will also keep your employees safe.
Contact Pet All Manufacturing Inc. today for more information on the blow molding process and ways to streamline it. We are one of the leading injection blow molding machine manufacturers in Canada. We have a wide selection of machines to meet your specific requirements. Get in touch with us to learn more about injection blow molding machinery today.