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MOULD PREPARATION
In thermoset moulding, it is essential that the mould surface be thoroughly clean. Therefore, all traces of wax, other release agents, or any foreign materials must be removed. Kantstik Mould Cleaner will remove waxes and wax residue. It should be noted, however, that as the Kantstik Mould Cleaner breaks down the wax, it should be removed from the mould surface with clean cloths to ensure that the dissolved wax is not being spread from area of the mould to another.
Continue the process until the surface is completely clean. To test the surface for cleanliness, use a piece of masking tape on various points around the mould surface. Good adhesion to the mould should be felt when removing the tape. If not, further cleaning is necessary.
APPLICATION OF KANTSTIK CURE FAST
After the mould surface has been thoroughly cleaned, Kantstik Cure Fast should be applied either with a cloth saturated with liquid material or finely sprayed.
In either case, apply a smooth, wet film of the material. Allow approximately 10 to 15 seconds and then wipe off excess with a separate clean, dry, cotton cloth.
NOTE:
Time will vary with room temperature and mould temperature. The object is to wipe off just before solvent starts to evaporate. If left on too long and the coating dries, some smearing may result when wiping off. If smearing does occur, simply remove the smears with a cloth saturated with the liquid material and proceed with the wiping operation a bit sooner.
Repeat above procedure and after a minimum of 3-5 coats have been applied, allow 20 to 40 minutes for full cure.
TESTING FOR PROPER APPLICATION
A simple test to confirm the proper application and coverage of the Kantstik Cure Fast is to attach a small piece of masking tape to a number of different areas of the mould to determine how much resistance is required to remove the tape. If the surface is treated properly, there should be very little resistance when removing the tape as compared to the same test on a clean or untreated mould surface.
TOUCH-UP COATS
Once in production, the release film will begin to wear. Rather than apply a touch-up coat once the parts begin to stick, it is better to do preventative maintenance.
For example, if trials determine that 20 releases are obtainable between touch-up coats, it is better to reap-ply a touch-up coat after every 15 cycles or at the end of every second shift if, for example, the moulds are being turned 8 times per shift.
The above described action will keep the moulds in production longer and help establish a routine of quality preventative maintenance.
COATING PATCH REPAIRS
Prior to repairing a patch, make sure the release is removed within a 3 to 4 inch area around the area to be repaired. Note: Semi-permanent releases must be removed with a mild abrasive as well as with a solvent wipe. If not, the patch will not bond properly to the surface and will break away.
Once the patch is cured, treat the area as a new mould:
1: Clean with Kantstik Mould Cleaner
2: Apply a minimum of 3-4 coats of Kantstik Cure Fast and cure
Touch up the patched area with Kantstik Cure Fast (one coat) every other cycle for the first 4 to 6 releases.
Remember, the patch is weaker than the rest of the mould and will require extra attention for the first few cycles.
Further, a touch-up coat (other than patch repair) should usually be done over the entire mould. This eliminates having to retouch another area that is wearing on the next cycle. However, there may be some areas of surface draft, etc. that may require a touch-up more frequently.
For example:
Touch up complete mould every 15 cycles
Touch up small area with bad draft every 8 cycles
The Kantstik Cure Fast is designed to blend into itself very easily and operator experience will quickly determine the number of cycles between spot and complete touch-up. For a spot touch-up, only the 10 minute room temperature cure time is needed.
Whenever the mould is stripped, reapply the Kantstik Cure Fast as described.
PRODUCT HANDLING
It is important that the materials be left in the factory containers,as the product is susceptible to moisture contamination of left open, or if the material is transferred to the wrong type of container.
The material should always be clear. If cloudiness is detected, the material is contaminated and should be discarded via proper disposal methods.
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