Mold-cleaning strategies, like the molds themselves, take many forms and the array of options is wide. Suppliers understand that customers want efficient and effective methods that will not affect surface treatments adversely or damage the critical-to-function areas of molds. some companies have developed dry-ice cleaning solutions that incorporate the use of 0.3-millimeter dry-ice MicroParticles instead of traditional 3.0-millimeter pellets. MicroParticles are less aggressive and increase the area of coverage, In the dry-ice cleaning process, the kinetic energy of the particles delivers most of the cleaning effect. Enabling molders to adjust their cleaning levels is a big advantage for those who use surface treatments. it takes less air to fully accelerate the MicroParticle to proper cleaning velocity, so systems connect using ½-inch or even 3/8-inch air lines and consume around 30 cubic feet per minute of air and 0.6 pounds per minute of dry ice, whereas 3.0-millimeter systems typically require ¾-inch or 1-inch air lines, which often are not available near the molding press. Additionally, using dry-ice cleaning is environmentally responsible and eliminates the use of chemicals that often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Some company’s repair facility has adopted new processes for cleaning and maintaining molds for customers, including a laser cleaner. “It removes rust, discoloration and burning from the part surface of the tool. It does this by removing one micron at a time. It will not remove the steel’s surface. It only burns away the surface contaminants.

Many repair shops are not equipped for success through the application of today’s cleaning technologies, like ultra-sonics, dry ice, plastic media and laser blasting. “Shop designs and layouts need to be more conducive to mold size, mold pull pace and work flow through the shop, Benches and tools need to be arranged in a more work-cell-like layout to afford the technician every chance to work more safely and efficiently. Some companies stay in touch with new products and designs new, hands-on training methods to equip its customers with the most current information and bench skills.

Regarding safety, by eliminating as much manual labor as possible from the mold-maintenance process, companies reduce the risk for worker injuries. historically, repair technicians have had no choice but to open molds with pry bars and cranes. When a mold is jammed because the parting line is not opening parallel, technicians resort to using house jacks or hydraulic jacks to force open the mold. Nowadays, mold separators are available that use hydraulics to do the heavy work of opening, tipping and closing the mold, and they use magnets to mount the mold, Toolroom technicians do not have to contend with the labor or dangers of handling molds. Furthermore, the job is completed in a fraction of the time without the risk of damage to parting-line surfaces. Reducing or eliminating these battles when molds get jammed not only saves the technicians’ wrists, elbows, shoulders and backs, it saves their attitude and improves morale in the tool room as well.

Maintenance is no longer an afterthought for companies but a necessity, along with more complete and accurate documentation for OEMs who demand better care for their molds.