What is a Mold Release Agent?

It is a chemical produced to prevent other materials from combining with surfaces. It can provide a convenience in mold release, die casting release, plastic release, adhesive release and tire and web release.

Release agents make the critical barrier between the molding surface and the substrate, allowing the cured part to exit the mold. Without such a barrier, the substrate fuses with the mold surface. This complicates the cleaning process and reduces production efficiency. When this release agent is used, the quality of the product may be reduced due to incorrect and ineffective application or the use of a release agent that is not suitable for the process.

It is a chemical substance used in industrial production to prevent the materials made in the mold from sticking to the molds. Mold release agents are an essential ingredient in the production and manufacturing process.

Mold separators, which act as a barrier between the mold and the part, prevent the material from merging with the mold by staying between the two sides. This allows for a faster and easier separation. On the other hand, it prevents damage to molds, which are very important and expensive.

There are also different mold designs in the field of industrial mold production. These are;

Plastic and mold types are plastic injection mold, thermoset mold, thermoforming mold, blow molding mold, extrusion mold, metal injection mold, metal form and cutting plastering mold and forging molds.

When using molds, mold separators are used to avoid any negative situation in production during the process. In addition to these, the most common type of mold produced is the plastic injection mold.

What are the Types of Mold Release Agents?

Silicone Based Mold Release Agents:

It is known as one of the multi-purpose lubricant and mold release materials. Silicone mold release agents are chemicals with a wide range of uses in the plastic mold industry sector.

Contains a special purpose lubricant that can also be used during separation. It prevents plastic, rubber and rubber-like materials from sticking to molds during molding operations in hot places. Due to its resistance to high temperatures, it can also be used as a lubricant to separate different types of substances.

Silicone Free Mold Release Agents:

In addition to being used as a non-wet lubricant, they are chemicals that can be used as a non-flammable mold release agent in the molds of products such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, which have derivatives such as acrylic, rubber, plastic.

Some mold release agents do not use silicone. These mold releasers are used in the post-production stage where dyeing and various processes are carried out. It minimizes friction by creating a film layer structure that does not stick and hold. It is also resistant to high temperatures.

Water-based release agents: Water-based release agents are generally preferred in polyurethane products. Forms a film layer between molds. It prevents deformation of the parts and ensures easy separation. At the same time, it does not create pollution in the mold.

Solvent Based Mold Release Agents: Produced using materials similar to water-based release agents. Solvent-based mold release agents provide fast drying. It has negative impacts on human and environmental health. Due to their flammable and flammable properties, it is more appropriate to use them by ensuring production line and personnel safety.

Semi-permanent release agents: When we examine the properties of the release agent, we see that the most important property is the degree of persistence. Semi-permanent separators consist of processes that do not require a new application. It is not necessary to repeat an application for each cycle. It is recommended not to use too much semi-permanent release agent when applying on the mold.

How many versions will be obtained, the processing process, the material and the method of application are analyzed in advance. Semi-permanent release agents are generally applied to a clean surface free of dirt, rust or previously applied coatings. Careful application ensures that the release agent adheres correctly to the mold. This increases the durability of the coating and extends its lifetime.

Mold Release Agent Usage Areas

Furniture Sector

Mold release spray is especially preferred in the furniture industry. It is an indispensable product in filling processes of armchairs. Mold separators are used in the mold cleaning process of the padding, armrests and wooden parts of the seats.

Mold releases provide ease of application, weight advantage and production efficiency in the furniture industry. Offers cost advantage. While providing a neat appearance, it also positively affects the service life.

For the use of this product in the furniture industry, mold release agents manufactured for flexible polyurethane foam and rigid polyurethane foam applications are generally recommended.

Shoe Industry

Mold releasers are also preferred in the shoe industry. It plays a major role in cleaning shoe molds and removing residues on the surface.

The use of this product in the footwear industry allows soles to be removed from the mold without deforming. Mold release products with water and solvent carrier developed based on this application can be preferred for the shoe industry.

It can give shine to the surface appearance of the base, it can make it matte. You can choose mold release agents formulated for good painting and gluing processes.

Automotive Industry

Mold release agents, which also play a major role in the automotive industry, are used to clean the residues on the surface after the parts are removed from the molds and provide a great advantage. Mold release products are used in flexible polyurethane foam, integral foam and RIM applications in the automotive industry. Paraffin is particularly preferred for lubricating vehicle chains. Paraffin reduces wear and damage to the chains, contributing to their longevity. Other mold release agents are also frequently used in the automotive industry.

Construction Sector

Mold separators, which save time in cleaning processes in the construction industry; It has features that provide advantages in cleaning boards and moldings.

When we look at the mold release agents produced for the construction industry, we can talk about iron and steel mold release oils, mold release oils for construction and refractory mold release oils.

Parallel formwork separators are also frequently preferred in the construction industry. This product is produced in the form of units for separating both halves of the molds in parallel. This hydraulically driven unit separates both halves of the molds in parallel. This product, which prevents loss of time in the construction sector, also prevents abrasions on the mold columns.