Can Air Showers Be Used In The Printing And Packaging Industry?

Air showers are enclosed tunnels that personnel must pass through to enter a controlled work area. As individuals walk through the tunnel, powerful air jets blow away dust particles from their body and clothes. This effectively prevents contaminants from reaching sensitive printing equipment and easily soiled packaging materials.

The advantages of using air showers include:

Reduced Contamination

Air showers greatly decrease dust contamination within printing facilities. This is especially important for precision printing equipment and easily stained white packaging materials. Less dust means much higher print quality.

Improved Product Quality

Less contamination translates into better quality and appearance of printed and packaged goods. Customers often have high standards for product quality, and air showers can help meet those expectations.

Increased Efficiency

Workers don't have to frequently stop to clean equipment and the facility. Air showers keep the workspace tidy, saving cleaning time and improving workflow efficiency.

Safer Working Environment

Blowing away dust also filters out some airborne allergens, reducing health hazards for employees. Prompt dust removal also decreases fire risks.

Air showers can be utilized in printing and packaging facilities in the following areas:

Entry Points

Installing air showers at entrances ensures personnel remove dust before entering work zones. This is the most basic and critical application.

Around Key Equipment

Air showers around precision printing machinery create dust-free microenvironments to maintain equipment accuracy.

Packaging Stations

White packaging materials easily collect dust. Air showers around packaging tables prevent contamination during packaging.

Roll Storage Areas

Air showers also work in roll storage zones to keep fragile print paper rolls dust-free.

While air showers offer many benefits, the following factors should be considered before installation:

Layout of Facility

Proper facility layout is key for air showers to work optimally. Design must account for personnel and material flow patterns.

Upfront Investment Costs

Efficient air shower units require reasonable upfront investment. Companies should research to determine if the value justifies costs.

Ongoing Operating Costs

Aside from the equipment itself, additional energy consumption should be considered. However, long-term savings from reduced cleaning may outweigh operating costs.

Employee Training

Proper training is essential so all employees know how to use air showers effectively. This is a must.

Equipment Maintenance

Regular maintenance increases costs but greatly extends equipment life. Frequent upkeep is recommended.

Air showers provide printing and packaging companies with an efficient, economical solution to greatly improve facility cleanliness, product quality, and employee health. Although introducing air showers requires investment, the long-term benefits make it well worth the costs. Companies should thoroughly research specifics before implementing air showers. When utilized properly, they can become a powerful tool for protecting production environments.

Q: Will air showers affect the accuracy of printing equipment?

A: No. Air showers produce strong air currents but don't mechanically impact the equipment itself. In fact, blowing away surface dust helps maintain printing accuracy.

Q: How often should air showers be maintained?

A: Generally, deep cleanings and core component maintenance every 6-12 months based on usage frequency ensures optimal air shower performance and lifespan.

Q: Can air showers cause employee discomfort?

A: Yes, if airflow is too strong. Providing protective eyewear and adjusting air gates to comfortable levels can prevent irritation. Regular interior cleaning also reduces irritating dust.

Q: How many air showers are ideal for a printing facility?

A: It depends on the facility size, employee count, and production workflow. Typically one unit per critical entryway, plus additional units placed strategically based on layout to protect all important zones. Exact numbers should be determined case-by-case.

Q: What other safety considerations are there for air showers?

A: Clear warning signs should prevent employees from accidentally entering operating air showers. Non-slip flooring prevents slips from strong air currents. Outlets should be at least 2 meters above floors for proper air diffusion. Sufficient spacing between entries and exits prevents airflow interference.