PVC Static! Help!

[evan]

Howdy all,
I've been cutting a lot of 1/4" x 4'x8' pvc sheets, and I'm tired of all the static this stuff generates while cutting, the chips cling to everything and very little of it goes up the dust collection. I've got a PRT Alpha, all components are continuously grounded. How do you deal with the static generated when cutting pvc, or HDPE for that matter?

[ssflyer]

Try dryer sheets or a spray on anti-static product for clothes. I've never tried it on PVC, but has worked well on other staticy things - Hmm, is that a word? :)

[kartracer63]

"staticky" might work

[ssflyer]

I particularly like the "icky" part! :D

[Mayo]

When sweeping it up I have given the area a light spray of windex and that helps. A spray bottle with plain water in it would also work.
I have also sprayed my hand held brush when sweeping off the table.

If you live some place not usually very humid, try adding a humidifier to the room.

If you're painting the PVC, I would test the dryer sheets or anti static spray first to make sure it doesn't cause fish eyes or paint adhesion problems.

I don't think anything will eliminate the static completely but the moisture will help.

Anyone else remember those Zero-Stat guns we used to use on our vinyl albums back in the 60's and 70's ?

[gundog]

Try adding a ground wire inside your dust collector collection bag or drum. Make sure your dust collection is grounded together. I cut a bunch of UHMW today and it was very staticky. I had a hard time getting it out of the drum I am going to add a ground to it. I recently changed from a cardboard collection drum to a 55 gallon steel drum. When I first started I had a portable DC with a cloth bag and I reduced the static almost completely by just adding a ground inside the collection bag just laying in with the swarf.

Mike

[evan]

"Stat-icky"- the word of the day!
Thanks for all the suggestions. My dust collection has a ground up through the flexible duct to the steel duct which is grounded, but not from the barrel Will have to give that a try. I'll try wiping down the sheet with anti-static wipes and also mist some water through the process and see where that gets me. If it works I'll let you all know. If it doesn't I'll suffer in silence. Again thank you.

[Ernie Balch]

Cutting non conductive plastics will generate a static charge.

Charged particles love a conductive surface. You have created an electrostatic coating process. Try to make bigger chips and less dust.

You need a way to discharge all the chips, in the semiconductor business we used ionized air. Basically it was a series of high voltage tips that had air blowing across them. The power supply alternated from positive to negative every couple of seconds. The result was alternating streams of positive ions and negative ions that worked to discharge any static buildup. That would zap the semiconductor chips.

[evan]

Cutting non conductive plastics will generate a static charge.

Charged particles love a conductive surface. You have created an electrostatic coating process. Try to make bigger chips and less dust.

You need a way to discharge all the chips, in the semiconductor business we used ionized air. Basically it was a series of high voltage tips that had air blowing across them. The power supply alternated from positive to negative every couple of seconds. The result was alternating streams of positive ions and negative ions that worked to discharge any static buildup. That would zap the semiconductor chips.

Good info.
Already making big chips… (Big chips mmm, now I want a Toll House cookie to go with this cup of coffee.:rolleyes:)
After much research I came to the same conclusion, i.e.: unless I get an ionized blower I think I’m left to deal with the static.
Thank you all for your suggestions and knowledge, this is a great community.

[ssflyer]

Too bad the cheap, "Ionic Air Purifiers" only emit negatively charged ions...

[evan]

Yup... got to get some quotes on the real deal like: http://www.takk.com/takk-curtain-air-static-eliminator.html
Then make a $$ decision. This is an on going job so it might be worth it... I just don't know...