The use of molds is frequent in the production process of manufacturing and transformation industries. It is about shaping diverse materials through structures that act as molds. Applying these processes to polyurethane, important components are developed for industries as diverse as vehicle, construction, nautical, furniture, aeronautics or footwear manufacturing. This production system requires the use of chemical solutions to ensure a quality result. Among them, the need to add a release agent into the process stands out. This is in order to prevent high-adhesion polyurethane foams from sticking to the mold and to remove the processed part without imperfections.

To that end, Concentrol, after years of extensive research, has developed an entire family of products, under the brand Concentrol, designed for each of the different applications, needs and possible variations in the production processes of molding polyurethane foam. We provide specific and efficient solutions for all types of parts, including those whose requirements are increasingly demanding with regard to appearance, surface finish, high productivity, cost, mold cleaning, ease of application and protection of users and the environment.

Firstly, we have varieties adapted to the needs of production when it comes to processes using flexible foams, depending on whether the curing is cold or hot. If, on the contrary, it is integral skin polyurethane foams, there are variants for flexible, rigid or semi-rigid foams. Finally, we also cover, with other solutions, the needs of the processes of transformation of parts with little or no internal pore: rigid, semi-rigid, R.I.M or elastomeric polyurethane.

The products may also be supplied as ready-to-use concentrates, concentrated to be diluted, or diluted, depending on the characteristics of each production process. In addition, there are two basic lines of release agents, solvent-based (with different possibilities of flashpoint) or 100% water or co-solvent based. A detailed analysis of the working conditions, requirements and challenges of each production line, allows our team of experts to suggest to each client the possibility of applying each type of base products, and advise on the application procedures (manual, spraying or robotic systems).

Among the most recent innovations we have incorporated into our range, in the desire to continue offering solutions that meet ever more demanding requirements, we highlight the electrostatic release agents. It is an adapted version of our products that allows us, through the use of opposing electric loads in the mold and the mold release agent, to improve aspects of the process such as application and use.

TECHNICAL PRINCIPLE

The technical principle under which these types of release agents operate is as follows: specific electrostatic application guns are connected to a negative pole, while the working mold is connected to a positive pole. Upon application of a high voltage current, an electrostatic field is generated between the electrode on tip of the gun and the mold. When the product is atomized, the negatively charged particles move towards the mold surface under the influence of the electrostatic field. The result is that, as the opposing loads are attracted, the mold attracts the mold release agent, efficiently covering its entire surface, avoiding unnecessary losses and thus providing a decrease in consumption.

Electrostatic release agents are currently viable only in a solvent base, since the water-based ones have infinite conductivity. Concentrol can convert any solvent-based reference in its catalog into electrostatic, guaranteeing a sufficient, adjusted and adequate conductivity solution that satisfies the needs of the customer or the application. Our electrostatic solutions do not present strong odors or additional toxicity, and they allow to work electrostatically with solvents known in the sector as classes 1, 2 or 3.

ADVANTAGES

The advantages of using electrostatic de-molders are, therefore, a significant reduction of consumption, of between 30 and 50%, by avoiding the loss of material that does not go into the mold as a result of dirt from external parts (mold holders, floors, etc.) and a significant reduction of VOCs emitted, improving the work environment.

The considerations to be taken into account are the greater ease of controlling their application through robotic systems (although manual application is possible) and the need for specific equipment and guns, larger and heavier than usual, which mean greater initial investment in equipment. The possibilities of electrostatic technology solutions and their potential to cut costs and improve results are factors to consider, especially at the time of making decisions to design new production lines or investing in equipment to obtain new production capacities.

We can prepare a product of these characteristics according to your needs. Consult our specialized experts, and we will suggest the best solution.