Static control and web cleaning are critical to high-quality package printing.

By Tom Polischuk

Web-cleaning systems physically remove contaminants from the surface of the substrate. These systems can be categorized in two broad classifications—contact and non-contact. Within these categories are a variety of different type cleaners. Zuments lists several: air knives; fixed brushes, with or without vacuum; rotating brushes; semi-contact rotating buffs; vacuum only; ultrasonic and vacuum; pressure and vacuum; and “tacky” rolls.