IQ Easy Platform for intelligent control of static electricity

Simco-ION IQ Easy is an intelligent platform for centralized control, monitoring and regulation of static control equipment. The platform connects compatible ionizing bars, sensor bars and charging equipment in one system, enabling the operator to monitor the status and efficiency of the connected devices from a central control solution.

IQ Easy is used in the plastics, packaging, printing, converting and manufacturing industries, where static electricity can cause materials to stick together, attract dust, give employees electric shocks, create product defects or disrupt production processes.

One integrated system for monitoring and maintenance

One of the main benefits of the IQ Easy Platform is the complete overview it provides of all connected devices. The system can display the efficiency, operating status, warnings and alarms of the individual devices.

If an ionizing bar becomes contaminated, its efficiency will gradually decrease. IQ Easy can identify this development and warn the operator when the ionizing bar should be cleaned. This makes it possible to schedule maintenance before performance becomes too low and affects production.

The platform therefore provides a stronger basis for preventive maintenance than standalone ionizing bars without centralized monitoring.

Which control solution should you choose?

Manager IQ Easy is recommended when a separate control unit with its own 7-inch touchscreen is required. Up to six IQ devices can be connected directly, and the system can be expanded to a total of 30 devices with Extension IQ Easy.

Smart SLC IQ 4 is recommended when the IQ Easy functions are to be integrated into the machine’s existing HMI, PLC or network. Smart SLC does not have its own screen and is therefore particularly relevant for machine builders, OEM projects and larger installations.

The choice primarily depends on whether the operator needs a separate IQ Easy display or whether the control functions should be integrated into the machine’s existing operating system.

Closed Loop Feedback for processes with strict requirements

When a process requires a very low and stable level of residual static charge, IQ Easy can be used for Closed Loop Feedback.

Sensor IQ Easy continuously measures the residual static charge on the material. The measurement is sent to the IQ Easy system, which can regulate compatible ionizing bars and adjust the ion balance according to the actual conditions in the process.

Closed Loop Feedback is particularly relevant when the process has strict requirements for quality, documentation and process stability. If the measurement must be performed in a hazardous area, Sensor IQ Easy 2.0 EX is used together with a Barrier Box installed outside the hazardous area.

How to build an IQ Easy system

An IQ Easy system is configured according to the specific machine and production process. The central choice is between Manager IQ Easy and Smart SLC IQ 4. The ionizing bars, sensors and any charging products are then selected to suit the application.

The choice of ionizing bar depends on factors such as the working distance, production speed, available installation space and any requirements for hazardous-area approval.

For very short working distances, VicinION IQ may be suitable. EasION IQ 4.X and Performax IQ Easy are used at more conventional working distances. For longer distances, ThunderION IQ 2.0 may be the better choice. If the ionizing bar will be installed in a hazardous area, Performax IQ Easy EX is the relevant ATEX-certified solution for integration with the IQ Easy Platform.

For controlled static charging in compact machines, CM Tiny IQ can be included in the system. This product is used for controlled charging and temporary electrostatic bonding – not for neutralizing static electricity.

When should you choose IQ Easy?

IQ Easy is recommended when there is a need for:

• Centralized monitoring of multiple ionizing bars and sensors
• Monitoring of efficiency, operating status and alarms
• Planned and preventive maintenance
• Closed Loop Feedback and stable residual charge
• Integration with the machine’s HMI, PLC or network
• Process data and documentation from the static control system

If the application is simple and only requires a single ionizing bar without centralized monitoring or Closed Loop Feedback, a standalone solution may be sufficient.

Advice and system selection

The correct IQ Easy solution depends on the machine design, material, production speed, working distance and requirements for the residual static charge.

Northern Grafics can help assess the application and configure the control unit, ionizing bars and sensors according to the specific production process.

Contact us here if you would like help configuring the correct IQ Easy solution.