Press Release

Frequently asked Questions - Static Charging

Electrostatic Charging

What is High Frequency Switching Technology?

The most effective electrostatic charging power supplies utilize high frequency switching technology. This technology offers three major advantages. First, it ensures that the voltage output from the power supply is equal to the voltage requested via the controls. Second, fluctuations on the AC input line will not affect the voltage output. Finally, variances in load, up to the recommended maximum, do not affect the voltage output. Additional circuitry controls the duty cycle of an arcing condition, ensuring that little energy is created during arcing to prevent personnel injury and equipment damage.

What is Arc Resistant Technology?

Resistance within a charging applicator enables the use of high voltage for temporary bonding while limiting the current to safe levels. It is an important feature because it ensures equipment and personnel safety. To create ionization, an applicator with a sharp ionizing point is connected to the output of a power supply. At voltage levels above 4000 volts, corona onset occurs and the air is ionized. The voltage polarity — negative or positive — determines whether the ions generated are negative or positive. The level of current flow depends upon the applied voltage and proximity to a ground reference. The closer to the ground, the greater the current draw. Without in-line resistance, current levels can be drawn that abruptly break down the air, which becomes conductive and forms a blue arc. During an arcing condition, the flow of voltage is disrupted, so there is no ionization and therefore no pinning action. If arcing is prevalent or unavoidable in an application, select a resistor-limited applicator, which will prevent arcing and supply a continuous, though lower, ionization level. When the ground reference comes too close to the ionizing point, more current is drawn from the power supply. By limiting the current in the applicator, a demand for increased current from the power supply is minimized. The resistor lowers the output pin current to prevent arcing. Voltage, however, is still flowing, and pinning action is still possible. A Pinner Arc Resistant Bar has four points per each resistor. If one part of the bar is stressed, only one resistor (4 points) is in current limit. All other pins are still ionizing at peak efficiency.

How do SIMCO Chargemaster Systems Work?

Each Chargemaster power supply utilizes high frequency switching technology. These power supplies are electronically current limited and feature arc protection circuitry. It also guarantees that the voltage output of each power supply will remain consistent with the voltage selected until current output rating is exceeded (see chart). SIMCO charging devices are energized by DC power supplies. The power supplies provide high voltage to the applicator’s ionizing points. The ions generated charge the material, electrostatically bonding the material to another surface.