As the sheet exits the extruder head, it will start to generate a static charge as it cools. This is caused as the molecules rub against each other. As the charge increases, the electro-magnetic field will increase attracting airborne contamination onto the product.

The electro-magnetic field can also be absorbed into the bodies of operators working in close proximity to the extruder. The operator will then discharge (sometimes quite violently) when coming into contact with an earth potential such as a door handle, machine casing and another operator. Although the shock is painful but not life threatening, the involuntary reaction of the shock can be serious when the operator is working in close contact with working or moving machinery.

If you are using a chill roller to aid in the cooling of the product, a generator and charging head can be used to pin the edge of the sheet to the chill roller to prevent web wander.