What factors need to be considered in selecting a mold release agent?

Factors to be considered for selecting the proper release agent include:

• Mold material / substrate
• Material being molded
• Process conditions:
  • Temperature
  • Line speed / cycle time
  • Pressure
  • Specific molding process such as injection molding, high pressure, gravity fill, compression, etc.
  • Process variable fluctuations
• Geometry of the mold
• Post molding operations (adhesion, coating)
• Expected performance level and productivity (number of good releases or good parts demolded per time period)
• Existing process issues (cavity filling challenges, soldering, release-related scrap rates, process condition fluctuations etc.)
• Mold maintenance expectations (mold cleaning frequency)
• Part finish requirements (gloss, marring, etc.)
• Application methodology
• Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) requirements