Shocking Fact of Life

Productivity is also the main reason customers invest in static control technology, Mariani said. Converters and printers dealing with static often are looking to remedy mechanical and quality problems like machine jams, having to operate at slower operating speeds, operator complaints, customer complaints, or contamination. "Package printers complain that dust on their substrates creates the biggest challenge in producing a quality package," said Doyle Systems (Richfield, Ohio) Vice President of Sales Mark Gibis. "In order to maintain quality, they have to shut down their presses often due to paper and coating dust building up on the plates or blankets. This dust can cause hickeys, voids, and color variations, resulting in rejected packaging."