Static charge disappears into thin air with slim SMC ionizer
To help dissipate static charge and the often disastrous consequences this phenomenon wreaks on a broad spread of confined-space production machines and systems, SMC is releasing its IZT44/45 series slim bar-type ionizer. The close pitch of the integral emitters make the IZT44/45 series adept at quickly neutralising components carrying a high level of static charge. Notably, SMC’s slim bar-type ionizer can operate effectively without a compressed air supply.
Ionizers are essential wherever static electricity causes problems such as unwanted attraction, repulsion or misalignment between non-conductive materials or components, particularly those travelling at high speeds. Undesirable outcomes include poor yield, product quality issues, slow cycle times and machine downtime, while health and safety problems can result from operators receiving static shocks.
To combat these issues, the IZT44/45’s close concentration of six times more emitters than the existing-generation product allows the effective and fast reduction of static load from highly charged surfaces located up to 200 mm away. This capability is possible without a compressed air supply, avoiding the accidental movement of workpieces or spreading of dust through blowing.
Slimming regime
Following a full design review, SMC decided that slimming down not just the physical dimensions but also the control functions would meet with customer requirements. The simplified IZT44 controller makes for easy and quick set-up, presenting an attractive option for machine builders. This measure also means less risk of operators inadvertently changing settings. More functions are available on the IZT45 model, which will appeal to end users.
From a maintenance and cleaning perspective, service engineers benefit from the easy removal of the ionizer bar from its dedicated mounting bracket without tools, even in tight spaces. Similarly, straightforward removal of the connecting power cable further supports convenient maintenance away from the machine.
Expanded horizons
Many machines and processes that generate static electricity require the installation of several ionizers to neutralise the charge in problematic areas. With the SMC IZT44/45 series, system expansion is extremely convenient as it is possible to control up to eight ionizers (IZT45) from a single point via simple plug and play connections. As an option, users can also facilitate connection and control via IO-Link to support the remote monitoring of running data and the retention of parameter settings.
Ideal for space-restricted applications involving film, glass and resin processing, or packaging or coating operations, IZT44/45 ionizer bar lengths are available from 200 to 1280 mm.
Discover more on SMC´s IZT44/45 in our digital catalogue.
2024-10-01
