The shocking facts about static electricity 

Static electricity adversely affects most manufacturing processes, causing major production issues. These include problems such as sticking, jamming, feeding, exfoliation and separation. Heat generation due to static electricity can cause fires and product quality is decreased through dust adherence, contamination and other types of damage. It is also extremely unpleasant for machine operators and maintenance teams when static electricity is discharged. 

Fortunately, help is now available from Thorite, in the shape of SMC's solutions for the measurement, removal and control of static electricity using a range of Ioniser types, each ideal for specific applications: 

Bar-type ionisers are suitable for electrostatic removal from flat surfaces, and by using compressed air this can be achieved over an increased distance from the workpiece. These units remove static electricity on glass, circuit boards, PET bottles, film roll, moulded components, packing films and film moulded goods. They also alleviate uneven painting problems caused by static build up. 

Fan-type ionisers are designed to banish static electricity in the atmosphere around workpieces. As the fans require no air supply they are suitable for use in a wide range of applications and locations, including preventing dust sticking to roll film and eliminating static on resin moulded goods. 

Nozzle-type ionisers are designed for partial electrostatic removal of a small workpiece or total removal in a small space, as well as removing dust with high flow rate types. Typical applications include static elimination from IC chips, lenses, parts feeders, plastic cups, electrical substrate, packing films, automotive lamp covers and moulded goods.

However, there is no need for customers to worry about possessing in-depth ioniser design knowledge when dealing with Thorite. Their expert engineers are available to carry out FREE Static Tests at customers' own premises and advise on the most suitable ioniser type to solve any static problems involved with specific manufacturing processes. 

Eliminating static electricity improves the efficiency of production performance, with increased production speed, reduces production costs and improves machine operation by increasing safety, so it really makes sense to call Thorite on 0800 034 5850 or email the company atinfo@thorite.co.uk

Details of the complete range of SMC ionisers, sensors, monitors and hand held detection meters can also be found on the Thorite website, or by visiting any of the company's network of ten regional Sales & Service Centres located throughout Yorkshire, Lancashire, the North East and West Midlands.

Further Information: Ross Gowler

Thorite Marketing and Engineering Services Director

Tel: 01274 663471.

Email:ross.gowler@thorite.co.uk 

ENDS 

Note to Editors

A family owned business since its foundation in 1850, Thorite has grown to become theUK's largestdistributor of pneumatic products and process systems. From its head office in Bradford, which also houses the company's state of the art National Distribution Centre, showroom and trade sales centre, Thorite has expanded to create a regional network of pneumatics Sales and Service Centres in Blackburn, Bolton, Doncaster, Huddersfield, Leeds, Rochdale, Sheffield, North Shields and the West Midlands. 

Thorite, Thorite House, Laisterdyke, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD4 8BZ.