Categories: Release Agents

Permanent and Non-Permanent Release Agents

When it comes to manufacturing different products throughout a number of different industries, mold release agents are required for a smooth, repeatable production process. Choosing the correct agent, however, can be tricky.

It’s important to know whether you need a permanent or non-permanent release agent before you purchase and especially before you apply anything to your mold. Read the rest of this page to learn more about the different applications for both types of agent, and what benefits you can expect when you make either decision.

Applications and Benefits of Permanent Agents

Molds that have complicated geometry with difficult-to-reach cavities tend to benefit from permanent agents, because it is not always possible to apply semi-permanent products evenly throughout them. With semi-permanent agents, too much product would have to be applied to easy-to-reach spots before the more difficult areas were covered. With permanent agents, a high-pressure spray application ensures that the entire mold will be effectively covered while allowing for even distribution across the other parts.

Clean de-molding: Your mold surface will have sufficient lubricity with a permanent agent. This ensures clean de-molding of the component between every use.

Low buildup: Permanent agents leave a very low in-mold buildup — expect very little to be left behind as long as the agent was applied correctly.

Customizable: The dilutions with a permanent agent can be tailored depending on the amount of slip you need on different parts of every mold.

Long-lasting: It’s in the name “permanent,” but you won’t have to constantly worry about whether your mold has a release agent when you choose a permanent solution from the beginning.

Applications and Benefits of Semi-Permanent Agents

More is not always better — permanent is not always best either. Both solvent- and water-based semi-permanent agents can provide the exact benefits certain companies might need. Choosing a non-permanent solution offers several advantages, some of which are:

Saved time: These formulas tend to dry quickly and bond to surfaces without a long delay, which reduces downtime of mold release application.

Clean working environment: This is the result of low product-application levels on each product, and it can save your workers hours.

Improved cosmetic appearance: These molds can be glued or post-painted without surface preparation, and they can consistently retain a good cosmetic appearance.

Increased productivity: The “more with less” semi-permanent approach allows you to obtain several more mold releases between applications than if you were using a different product.

Choose W.N. SHAW & Co. for Mold Release Agents

Now that you’ve learned about the two main mold release options, you’ll be better equipped to make the right call for your unique application. No matter which you have chosen, W.N. SHAW & Co. can provide the permanent or non-permanent molding release solution best for you. As a US-based chemical specialty company with a dedication to cost-effective, advanced mold-release formulations, we will always work to provide the right product for your needs. Fill out our online form to request more information about our products.

WN Shaw