Mold Release Application Guide – Troubleshooting Guide – ReleaSys™

• Very low transfer (contamination) to the molded part
• Excels at releasing difficult substrates from complex mold geometries
• High suitability for rubber-to-metal bonding
• Low levels of in-mold build-up/fouling
• Promotion of substrate flow (Rubber, Epoxy, Polyurethane, etc)
• Extremely high release-ease
• Many releases (high durability) between applications
• Various slip levels
• Superb release for all polymer types
• Applicability for all molding processes

While semi-permanent mold release agents offer superior performance and efficiency, their surface preparation and application technique have greater requirements. Failure to follow the correct method of preparation and application has a more dramatic effect on performance than other conventional release agents. Therefore proper training and guidance is critical to maximize the effectiveness, to this end Miller-Stephenson has generated a comprehensive mold release application guide and Troubleshooting common molding issues guide to help aid our customers in applying ReleaSys.

Surface-Preparation

Semi-permanent mold release agents require specific preparation of the molding surface in order to maximize surface adhesion, durability, and minimize transfer. The molds must be thoroughly cleaned, removal of all previous mold release agents or contaminates are critical before application of ReleaSys. Prior to initial application of ReleaSys, Miller-Stephenson recommends mechanical cleaning with media blasting followed by cleaning with a good general purpose solvent or high-pH cleaning solution. Older molds that have significant buildup and/ or molds that have been coated with waxes, oils, etc should be cleaned with a heavy duty cleaner solvent like Miller-Stephenson’s MS-557 or MS-552.  A good test is to use masking tape and test for surface adhesion, if the tape adheres to the mold surface than typically your cleaning has been successful.

Application to Mold Surface

Miller-Stephenson’s ReleaSys semi-permanents can be applied by three standard methods: hand-wiping, aerosolization via HVLP gun or aerosolization within a can. Miller-Stephenson strongly recommends application via aerosolization.  Aerosolization minimizes over-application and facilitates the development of a uniform, thin film on the molding surface. Miller-Stephenson offers aerosolized cans of its ReleaSys product line (ie: ReleaSys 82, 85, 88, and 89) which have been optimized to deliver consistent application and coverage. Our aerosol cans use a 100% nonflammable, quick drying,  and low odor formulation which enables applicators to have greater safety and lower exposure. Follow Mold Release Application Guidelines when applying ReleaSys:

1. Gentle agitate ReleaSys, avoiding high shear / high rpm mixing if using bulk and excessive shaking of the aerosol can. Set the HVLP gun to appropriate pressure; a typically starting pressure is >40 psi in the airline, 8-10 psi at the gun, and ~2-4 psi at the outlet. Nozzle sizes can vary between 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm.  Spray 8-12 inches from the surface with approximately 50% overlap.
2. When using solvent-based ReleaSys allow 2-3 minutes between coats and 15-20 minutes after the final coat to allow for a full cure at room temperature.  Miler-Stephenson recommends 2-3 coats to maximize durability and number or releases. Final cure times can be reduced at elevated temperatures. Water-based formulation should be applied to a hot mold (>90 C) with 2-3 light coats followed by a brief cure time (1-3 minutes at > 90 C). Regardless of applications method or carrier solvent, ReleaSys must be applied to the mold surface as a “wet film or wet coat” and allowed to dry on the surface, failure to do so will dramatically effect performance.
   • NOTE: Cure time refers to the time required for the polymeric release agent to sufficiently cross-link and adhere to the mold surface. Allowing proper time for cross-linking is critical to performance, this process can be accelerated as a function of increased temperature.  Typically a single heat cycle of the mold is a sufficient means of acceleration.

Re-application

1. When release becomes hesitant, immediately reapply one coat of ReleaSys™ in the same manner as described previously. Spot touch-ups can also be done on known high wear or geometrically strained areas.
2. When molding, it is common for operators to use an HVLP gun to spray the entire mold and apply touch-up coats with the aerosol can.  The aerosol can allows for lighter spray volumes and uniform coverage, particularly in areas that are prone to de-molding issues.

For further assistance please contact our Technical Service Department. Miller-Stephenson’s Mold Release Application Guide was designed to set general guidelines for applicators and molders to follow. Each molding operation is different and modifications to the above mentioned process is likely given the diversity and specialization within this field. Please see our Troubleshooting guide below if your are experiencing any issues using our ReleaSys product line.

Troubleshooting Common Molding Issues