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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Hard-wearing finishing techniques to assist part release

I am currently trying to investigate potential methods of treating steel and aluminium moulds for polyurethane foam molding. There are two main requirements for any coating/surface treatment to be applied - firstly it must provide easy release of parts, and secondly it must provide a permanent, hard-wearing surface.

Our industrial partners would love to eliminate the need for the spray-on release agents they are currently using. Has anyone any experience with this type of application - what types of finishing were tried, and how were the effects assessed?

Candice Majewski
- Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
2002

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I suppose that your client is producing automotive parts (seats, etc). I've make a lot of test with Teflon coatings. It works perfect without releasers! The problem is the life, it just works for 20 to 30 days, after that time the polyurethane foam sticks to the mold.

You can use the Teflon coating as a "small solution" and you will need to ad releasers very 4 or 5 pieces, not every time.

I hope it will helps you.

Jordi Pujol
FISA RECUBRIMIENTOS - Barcelona, SPAIN
2002