The loss of productivity with high static levels is a common pain point for label converters. Static negatively impacts the final printed product through poor print adhesion, clogged or misfiring printheads, and the necessity to run at slower than optimal process speeds. Plus, unmanaged static charges lend themselves to poor working environments, as they can cause operator shocks and risks of fire in classified, hazardous areas.

Simco-Ion, a supplier of static control products, has utilized its manufacturing know-how and capabilities to benefit printers in the narrow-web space. Beyond the current monitoring and static control systems the company has developed, Simco-Ion has invested significantly into the role the ionizer plays in overall process cleanliness.

“Passive ionizers are known cleanliness risks and inappropriate for cleanroom applications,” explains Kevin Coldren, sales and business development manager, Simco-Ion. “Our current product line of active, purpose-built ionizers has considerable diversification in design and materials, which means we continue to add value by providing application specific, intelligent, clean, and cost-effective solutions for the narrow web converter.”

Simco-Ion has also developed intelligent static systems that increase efficiency and yield throughout the printing process while relieving operators of worrying over getting shocked or a process related safety event such as fire. According to the company, these solutions continue to gain market share.

Simco-Ion’s newest products is the Easy LP, which is an addition to the Easy Bar family. The Easy LP has been designed to deliver the same level of performance but in a smaller package. It measures in at .75” tall and with a flat mounting kit so that it can fit in tight spaces. 

“With an output tuning for 1-4” from the target, it is ideal for difficult applications and whether the target charge is 20kv or 500V this bar will successfully drive both to zero,” says Coldren.

Simco-Ion also recently introduced the IQ Power Wireless Link via Industrial Bluetooth for use with the Control Station.  This product has been optimized for customers who want to eliminate long cable runs and don’t want the security issues posed by another IP address.

“With line-of-sight range of 200’, this system allows for constant contact with all IQ Power static eliminators, including Fantom blowers, and sensor bars, without complicated and expensive cable installation,” comments Coldren. “The wireless hub is powered by a 24V connection, and thus can be mounted in difficult to access areas, for example on a turret, to allow communication with bars mounted on the winder.”


Simco-Ion has engineered these product ranges to meet the evolving trends in the label and package printing market. According to the company, the demand for data from all devices on the converting line continues to increase. In addition, internet claims of efficacy and/or non-contamination from various types of static eliminators are coming under close scrutiny.

“Simco-Ion is often asked to provide data surrounding bar construction and approvals, usually to prove that the static bar is not a source of foreign matter,” explains Coldren. “Additionally, Simco-Ion saw a steady increase in demand for calibratable devices, like field meters and sensor bars, and a need to educate the industry between static bar output adjustments based on web measurements in KV/inch, as compared to those made based on distance to target or charge magnitude.”

Throughout the years, Simco-Ion has sought out customer feedback to better improve its newest product lines. This collaboration has aided the company in its research and development process.

“We are constantly sourcing customer feedback,” says Coldren. “We have the largest, static specific, product field support amongst all manufacturers of static control. So, in addition to in-person feedback, we also source it through our social media accounts and customer surveys. The feedback that we get informs the design and evolution of next generation products. While we pride ourselves on the scalability of our existing offerings, we also can dedicate resources to make sure we understand not only the problem, but the need that creates the problem and what a successful resolution would look like for the customer.”