To avoid the concave and convex embossed silicone sticking to the mold, it is necessary to start from mold surface treatment, release agent use, silicone material and process control. Here are some specific measures:
1. Mold surface treatment
Grinding and polishing:
Finely grind and polish the mold surface to improve the surface finish and reduce the contact area between the silicone and the mold surface, thereby reducing the risk of sticking.
Use appropriate sandpaper or polishing tools to grind from coarse to fine until the required finish is achieved.
Coating treatment:
Apply a layer of anti-stick coating, such as silicone oil, Teflon coating, etc., to the mold surface to form an isolation film to effectively prevent direct contact between silicone and the mold surface.
The coating treatment should be uniform and without omissions, and regular maintenance and renewal are required to maintain its anti-stick effect.
2. Use of release agent
Choose a suitable release agent:
Choose a suitable release agent according to the silicone material and mold characteristics. Common release agents include vaseline, detergent, liquid paraffin, special release agents, etc.
For food-grade silicone, non-toxic and odorless release agents should be selected to ensure product safety.
Correct use of release agent:
Apply or spray the release agent evenly on the mold surface to ensure that there is no omission.
Pay attention to the amount of release agent used. Too much may cause the mold surface to be dirty, affecting the product appearance and subsequent processing; too little may not achieve the ideal anti-sticking effect.
After using the oily release agent, wait for it to air dry before pouring or injecting the silicone.
3. Silicone material and process control
Optimize the silicone formula:
Adjust the composition and additives of the silicone to reduce its viscosity and increase fluidity, thereby reducing mold sticking.
Ensure the quality of the silicone material is stable and avoid using expired or deteriorated silicone.
Control curing conditions:
According to the curing characteristics of silicone, reasonably control the curing temperature and time. Too low curing temperature may cause incomplete curing of silicone and sticky surface; too high curing temperature may cause silicone to solidify prematurely on the mold surface, which also increases the risk of mold sticking.
Use temperature control equipment to ensure that the mold temperature is stable and uniform.
Simplify product structure:
When designing embossed silicone products, try to simplify the product structure to reduce the problem of uneven force during demolding.
Consider the demolding direction to ensure smooth demolding.
IV. Mold maintenance and care
Clean the mold regularly:
Use appropriate cleaning agents and tools to thoroughly clean the inside and surface of the mold to remove residues, dust and oil stains.
After cleaning, keep the mold surface dry to avoid moisture residue causing sticking.
Regular inspection and repair:
Regularly check the mold surface for wear, scratches or damage, and repair or replace the damaged parts in time.
Perform regular maintenance on the mold, such as applying a small amount of silicone oil or special maintenance agent to maintain its flexibility and glossiness.