Mold Transfer and Maintenance Programs
Also referred to as tool maintenance, mold maintenance is the cleaning and repair that’s needed to keep an injection mold in good working order. It’s a maintenance that is performed over the lifetime of the mold. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked by businesses. Some businesses wait until a problem arises. At that point, the tool can break down and impair part supply. It’s important to realize that over time, a fine layer of material can actually build up and dent the tool. A maintenance procedure is critical to the long-term transfer moulding. It helps prevent problems before they arise. Think of it as owning a car. You need to maintain your car in order to keep it running properly. Mold transfer and resin transfer molding benefit from maintenance, whether it’s rtm resin transfer molding, rtm molding or transfer injection molding. Maintenance lowers the cost of ownership and improves production.
According to the experts, “Maintaining the optimal condition of the tool steel is critical to this marathon performance. Every successful injection molding operation understands the value of a well planned and managed mold maintenance and preventive maintenance program. In order to experience the greatest amount of productive uptime, an injection mold must have regularly scheduled downtime for proper evaluation and diagnostics, cleaning, and any required refurbishment, replacement, or repair. A systematic and well-documented approach to mold care ensures long-term performance.”
Keep in mind that injection molds work very hard. They are the workhorses of the plastic molding world. They need to be regularly cleaned for optimal function and longevity. In the long run, preventative and regular maintenance saves money.
Multiple Mold Cleaning Methods
When the cleaning is in-press, the cleaning activities take place while the mold is still on the injection molding machine. This cleaning is most common, as it’s based on production hours. Parting line cleaning is also dependent on the cycle of hours. And it can be done on the bench. An experienced toolmaker allows the mold to be cooled down prior to cleaning. The toolmaker removes the sides and inspects, cleans and degreases as needed. A portable dry-ice blasting method may even be implemented.
An ultrasonic method may also be used to remove polymers from vents, cooling chambers and ejector pinholes. All of the individual parts are organized by size before undergoing the ultrasonic cleaning. Blind holes, channels, crevices and grooves are also cleaned. All of this is done without harming the surface steel.
Crestwood Industries
Crestwood Industries is experienced in mold transfer and maintenance programs. The molds are inspected and evaluated for optimal operation. Plus, Crestwood Industries offers customized mold maintenance programs that include major repairs, minor repairs, daily inspection and preventative maintenance.
Fill out one of their forms, text, or call them today to learn more about their mold transfer and maintenance programs. They are always pleased to explain the process and answer any questions. Even get a quote on their programs.