Rotogravure printing was specifically developed for large to very large print runs using a rotogravure printing press. During the process, the impression cylinder rotates in the inkwell, where the recesses fill with ink. Excess ink is removed with a doctor blade. The cylinder then rotates further, coming into contact with the substrate, which is pressed against the cylinder by a pressure roller, usually rubberized.
An electrostatic charge is generated on the surface of the material by the continuous contact and separation events as it passes through the printing press. In gravure printing, this surface charge can increase to potentially dangerous levels. A spark from an electrostatic discharge can ignite the solvent/oxygen mixture, ultimately causing a fire. Performax IQ Easy EX ion spray sticks These static charges are neutralized before and after the printing station, thus enabling static-free and safe gravure printing. Simco-Ion also recommends static control devices on the unwinders and winders to prevent electric shocks to the operator and the attraction of dust particles by static electricity.
In each printing section, the material passes over several rollers, generating a static charge. ATEX-approved ion spray bars, such as the Performax Easy (IQ) EX The system neutralizes the charge before and after printing to prevent static electricity from acting as a potential ignition source. Contamination of the ion spray bar by ink or dust is detected, allowing the IQ Manager to monitor the static efficiency for each printing station. If the efficiency falls below a predefined level, the operator receives a warning to clean the designated ion spray bars.
Inside the rewinder, the material can accumulate high static charges again due to the pressure rollers, which can cause electric shocks to employees working near the material. Static charges can also cause the material to telescoping on the reel. If the distance to the material changes on the rewinder, a ThunderION high-performance ion spray wand or Performax Easy IQ required to effectively eliminate the static charges that arise during winding.
Additional requirements, such as a predefined static level or ensuring the safety of personnel, are possible through the use of an IQ Manager system with static inline measurement and closed-loop feedback technology.
The Manager IQ System It can be connected directly to the pressure line PLC via a fieldbus connection. An alarm warns the operator if the electrostatic charge reaches a dangerous level.
The Manager IQ System provides all the essential information to enhance staff safety and minimize fire risk. This ensures high quality and competitive gravure printing.
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