Mold release agents have been used for decades. From vegetable oils to modern chemicals, they have come a long way. And still, regardless today’s technological breakthroughs, they don’t last very long. The longest being about 50 shots, these release agents must always be applied and re-applied.
Mold Release
Mold release (parting) agents aid in parts release. Yes, parts do come off more easily from the mold. But scrap parts can really slow down production. This is especially so when these scraps get stuck in the mold. Down mold, extrication and cleaning make production schedules difficult to keep to. Efficient mold release should be about fewer scraps and faster production timings.
Mold Release Sprays
Mold release sprays generally have the shortest lifespans. A spraying every 4 to 5 shots adds up to a lot if you do your calculations. Sprays also have a habit of contributing to airborne cross-contamination. This can transmigrate through unfiltered air circulation systems and spread to other rooms sharing the same system.
Airborne transmigration contaminates all surfaces. It often requires that parts must be washed after fabrication. This form of transmigration can also build up in air vents and turbine blades.
Mold Release Gels
Mold release gels last a little longer. Still, these sacrificial coatings require steady hands and a certain measure of skill and experience to apply. Normally applied in double layers, the bottom layer is usually dark and the upper layer, white. When the color of the bottom appears during molding, it’s time to apply another upper coat.
This color indicator system poses a problem of color pigment transmigration. Some plastic are more sensitive to color pigments than others. And if these pigments are fused with silicone, time must be spent washing the parts.
Mold Release Stearates
Mold release stearates are metallic powders. These must be used carefully away from eyes and skin and, breathing in this stuff could cause real problems. You must use this carefully to avoid redness of eyes, burning skin, nervous disorder and fainting.
The worrying thing about this stuff is prolonged exposure to it. Proper breathing equipment is advised and a good air ventillation system would really help. Also, remember to have some water nearby in case of eye or skin contact.
Mold Release Semi-Permanent Coatings
Mold release semi-permanent coatings speak volumes just by their name. They don’t really last. A lot of these coatings are water-based and less harmful than the others. But they don’t last for long. Around 50 shots is the most these coatings will do.
Again, time and effort in application might not justify the operating costs. And there’s also a question of transmigration rates. Water-based coatings don’t usually have very strong chemical structures. Chipping, flaking and peeling might also have to be considered. The reduction in transmigration rates are in comparison to common mold release agents.
Mold Release Permanent Coatings
Mold release permanent coatings used to refer to electroplated coatings and vapor deposition coatings. While these are tough coatings, mold release agents have to be used because of poring. These coatings are known for their hardness, not smoothness.
And while there is some improvement in surface texture and appearance of molded parts, sticking can still affect overall parts release. Nonetheless, these coatings are very hard and often serve their intended purpose.
Mold Release True Smoothness
Mold release true smoothness is achieved at microscopic levels. When tiny pores and etch marks are covered, true smoothness is attained. There are some microscopic coatings that deliver true smoothness. But only one such coating can last for a long, long time.
Mold releasing agents and coatings aid in mold release. But they don’t last for long. Time is wasted on re-applications. Transmigration and cross-contamination may be problematic. Safety and health issues must be considered. These factors frustrate production schedules.
Nanomouldrelease is different. It lasts between 5,000 to more than 100,000 production cycles. And it’s only 0.2 microns thick. By comparison, it lasts a lot longer than mold release agents.
