Reduce Static With The Static Suppression Option; Chapter 8 - Oce Arizona 440 GT User Manual

User Manual: Arizona (AZ) 440 GT, AZ 440 XT, AZ 460 GT, AZ 460 XT, AZ 480 GT, AZ 480 XT - Rev. B, 4/2013

Reduce Static with the Static Suppression Option

Reduce Static with the Static Suppression
Option
Introduction
The Océ Static Suppression Option (sometimes referred to as an Ionizer
Bar) is a Commercial Product that can be ordered as part # 3010114574. If
you are experiencing static-related imaging problems this optional
upgrade kit contains an ionizer bar that provides a solution to reduce
static. Some rigid media can have a large static surface charge. If the
charge is high enough, ink can be repelled from the media. This ink mist
can show up as cloudy areas in white sections of the image. Static not only
causes these printing artifacts, but can also result in excessive ink
accumulation on the bottom of the carriage.
Purpose
Ionization is a solution to the problem of static. A common print industry
method of controlling static electricity is the use of ionization. For the Océ
anti-static bar to be effective, it must be close to the media. The bar uses
AC current to create positive and negative ions, which are attracted to the
unbalanced surface of the material. This neutralizes the media and ink is
more readily accepted. It is important to note that static electricity cannot
be entirely eliminated; only reduced. To eliminate static electricity,
something physically would have to be done to the conductivity of the
material.
Humidity is also important to control static. Static-related print issues can
be greatly reduced by an increase in print environment humidity. While
most media will print without difficulty at humidity levels between 30 and
50%, thermoplastics will print more successfully when humidity is above
40%. Some locales, such as desert areas frequently deal with very low
humidity, while other regions only experience this at certain times of the
year. If a printer is installed in a low-humidity area and/or a large volume
of printed work is on media that is prone to static, we recommend the
installation of a humidity control system.
When to do
Why Static is a Problem
Many standard print materials such as PVC and acrylic are electrical
insulators, and the static charge generated and held by these materials can
146 Chapter 8 - How to Use the Static Suppression Option