53408

Mold Cleaning Process [South Africa] 

October 21, 2009

Hi

I am investigating processes that will best help remove silicon release agent from plastic molds. Our manufacturing process is high volume. I am thinking more in have a washing process that will include high pressure washing, rinsing and drying but not sure if this is the best route to follow. Please help.

Nazeem Khan
projects - South Africa

Hi, Nazeem. I assume there is a typo and you mean 'silicone'. Silicone is impossible to remove completely. Keep it away from anything that will be painted or plated. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

There are some proprietary cleaners that work reasonably well for removal of release agents and reconditioning Molds.

We have been successful with a system called waterworks [ www.waterworks4.com/ ] manufactured by Zyvax which includes a tool cleaner called fresh start. Admittedly I wouldn't have described us as high volume but they may be worth investigating.

Ciaron Murphy
aerospace - South Wales, UK

You might also consider dry ice blasting. Haven't used it personally, but I have seen it used many times for cleaning commercial printing presses. Fast, no pollution, no clean-up afterwards.

Bill Reynolds    consultant metallurgist Ballarat, Victoria, Australia