What is a mould release agent?
A mould release agent is a chemical used in industrial manufacturing to prevent moulded parts from adhering to the surfaces of moulds. It forms a barrier between the mould and the material being shaped, allowing easy separation once the process is complete. This speeds up production and protects the moulds from damage, ensuring their longevity and continued effectiveness.
In manufacturing, moulds come in a variety of designs depending on the material and process used. Common mould types include:
- Plastic injection moulds
- Thermoset moulds
- Thermoform (vacuum) moulds
- Blow moulds
- Extrusion moulds
- Metal injection moulds
- Forging moulds
Among these, plastic injection moulds are the most widely used for producing plastic parts. Mould release agents play a vital role in ensuring these and other mould types work efficiently without interruptions.
Types of mould release agents
There are several types of mould release agents, each designed to meet specific needs:
- Silicone mould release agents
- Silicone-free (non-silicone) mould release agents
- Water-based release agents
- Solvent-based release agents
Silicone mould release agents
Silicone mould release agents are versatile and widely used in the plastic mould industry. They are especially effective in high-temperature environments such as plastic, rubber, and caoutchouc moulding. They prevent material sticking and also act as lubricants, making them suitable for hot moulding processes.
Non-silicone mould release agents
Non-silicone mould release agents offer dry lubrication and are ideal where the finished parts will be painted or bonded after manufacturing. They form a thin, non-stick film that reduces friction without affecting painting or adhesion, and suit materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyurethane.
Water-based mould release agents
Water-based mould release agents are particularly effective with polyurethane products. They form a thin film that prevents parts from deforming and makes separation easier. They are also environmentally friendly, creating no pollution in the mould or surrounding environment.
Solvent-based release agents
Solvent-based release agents work like water-based agents but dry faster. The trade-off: they carry health and environmental drawbacks, and their flammable properties mean extra safety precautions are needed in production.
Silicone vs non-silicone: the key difference
The main difference is whether the agent contains silicone. Silicone-based agents are excellent lubricants but leave surfaces that will not accept paint or adhesives. Where painting or bonding is required after moulding, non-silicone agents are the preferred choice so the moulded parts can be finished without issues.
Micron Aerosols | Complete mould-release solutions
Micron Aerosols provides customised solutions for manufacturing processes, with mould-release agents across its portfolio:
1. 1100 Silicon Mould Release Agent 550ml | Silicone Mould Release Agent 5000ml
MRP: INR 480.00 · Free home delivery. Formats: aerosol, sprayable & brushable.
2. 1110 Non-Silicon Mould Release Agent 550ml | Silicone-Free Mould Release Agent 5000ml
MRP: INR 520.00 · Free home delivery. Formats: aerosol, sprayable & brushable.
MRP: INR 600.00 · Free home delivery. Format: aerosol.
4. Mould Saver | Mould Protector 550ml
MRP: INR 850.00 · Free home delivery. Format: aerosol.
Explore the full plastic moulding range.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mould release agent used for? It stops moulded parts from sticking to the mould, so parts release cleanly, production is faster and moulds last longer.
What are the types of mould release agents? Silicone, silicone-free (non-silicone), water-based and solvent-based.
Which mould release agent should I use if parts will be painted or bonded? A non-silicone (silicone-free) agent — silicone leaves a surface that won’t accept paint or adhesive.
Is silicone or non-silicone mould release better? Silicone gives the best lubricity and high-temperature performance but prevents painting; non-silicone allows painting and bonding afterwards. Choose by whether parts are finished after moulding.
Which mould release is best for plastic injection moulding? Silicone for general high-temperature release; non-silicone if the parts will be painted or bonded after moulding.